Marginal Man: Life of Emilio Goggio was the winner in the Biography category in the 2025 IndieReader Discovery Awards, where undiscovered talent meets people with the power to make a difference.
Following find an interview with author Paul Redvers Brown.
“Writing Marginal Man: Life of Emilio Goggio was pure joy. I got to spend three years engrossed in my grandfathers complicated existence as an Italian immigrant in North America. His journey was a constant struggle to live between two worlds — his county of birth and his county of adoption. I am so grateful that his mission resonates in our world today. Sincere thanks for recognizing his story.”
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
Marginal Man: Life of Emilio Goggio (January 31, 2024)
What’s the book’s first line?
“God, I hope I can find them.”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
A teenage boy promises his Italian grandfather that he will write a book about him. Fifty years later, he does and is shocked by what he discovers.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
I had always intended to keep my promise. Family rumors regarding my grandfather’s involvement with Mussolini prompted me to get it done.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
The main character, my grandfather, was an immigrant trying to succeed in North America without compromising his Italian heritage and culture. In that sense, he represents millions of immigrants attempting to span two cultures.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
The struggle of immigrants trying to succeed without abandoning their country of birth is a story everyone needs to understand and appreciate.