Keith R. Brehmer

On either side of the Apennine Mountains, two southern Italian towns of three to four thousand inhabitants sit about thirty miles apart as the crow flies. Bagnoli Irpino in the province of Avellino, and Campania region, and Bovino in Foggia province and Apulia share more than size and proximity. They are also bonded by family both near and afar.

In 1799, while shepherds herd their flocks in the foothills above Bagnoli, the Kingdom of Naples contends with French incursions in the capital city. Prejudice, subjugation, poverty, disease and wars mark the plight of the South. Disparities persist after Italy is unified in1861. Former northern Italian states progress while the lower half of the peninsula is perceived as backwards in view of the "Southern Question".

Rural families unite as well. But the great emigration at the turn of the 20th century is underway, and events in 1926 will impact The Ties That Bind ~ Abiding Fate on both sides of another mountain range. Are the Appalachians separating Pennsylvania from New Jersey enough to stave off destiny? And could music and an old document close the circle?