"Umbertina" is a multi-generational saga that explores the lives of Italian-American women across different eras. The novel traces the journey of Umbertina, a young Italian peasant who emigrates to the United States in the late 19th century, and follows her descendants as they navigate the complexities of identity, heritage, and cultural assimilation. Through the intertwining stories of Umbertina and her female descendants, the book delves into themes of family, tradition, and the enduring ties to one's homeland, offering a rich portrait of the immigrant experience and the evolving roles of women through history.