Announcing My New Book: The Last Wagon Is Now Available on Amazon!

I am beyond excited to share some wonderful news: my new book, The Last Wagon: An American Romani Family's Journey to Settlement, is officially available for purchase on Amazon! You can find it here.

About The Last Wagon

The Last Wagon is the true story of a Romani family’s journey through hardship, resilience, and survival in America. Based on years of genealogical research, the book begins with my shocking DNA discovery and unfolds into a family history filled with tragedy, triumph, and the struggle to adapt to an ever-changing America.

The story traces the lives of the Ward, Mason, and Roe—families who lived on the road, traveling throughout the Midwest well into the mid-20th century. From horse trading to seasonal farm work, they followed the rhythms of a nomadic life while navigating prejudice, loss, and the pull of assimilation. Chariton, Iowa, serves as a pivotal location in their story, not as a permanent home but as the place where they all gathered to mourn the death of one of their leaders and continue to visit today.

Here is a little teaser:

The crisp November air nipped at her cheeks, the last remnants of autumn clinging to the trees as they sailed away. The scent of fresh sea salt filled her lungs, a stark contrast to the familiar smells of the English countryside. Rebecca Lock couldn't help but feel a pang of homesickness for the land she was leaving behind. But she knew this was the best decision for her family's future. As the ship glided through the calm waters, the sun began to rise, casting a warm golden light over the deck. Rebecca breathed in the salty air and took in the moment's beauty.

She watched her children run around, their laughter echoing against the wooden planks. They were filled with excitement and wonder, unaware of the challenges ahead. Rebecca wrapped her shawl tighter around her shoulders, feeling a sense of comfort and protection from the familiar garment. She gazed out at the horizon, the endless stretch of blue before her, and couldn't help but wonder what their new life in America would bring. She prayed that it would be filled with opportunities and blessings for her family. Rebecca couldn't help but feel a sense of determination and strength as the ship continued on its journey. She was leaving everything she knew behind, but she knew in her heart that this was the right path for her family. And as they sailed towards their new home, she held onto that hope and courage, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

The Arctic's wooden hull groans against the dock pilings as Rebecca Lock clutches her children close, their meager belongings gathered at their feet and debarks the ship on 17 November 1856[i]. November's chill wind whips across the New York harbor, carrying the cacophony of a thousand voices speaking dozens of languages. Stevedores shout in English and German while dock workers bark orders that echo across the water.

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[i] "Passenger List, S.S. Arctic, Liverpool to New York, arriving 17 November 1856," manifest entries unreferenced, entry for Rebeca Lock, age 38; Microfilm Publication M237, Passenger Lists of Vessels Arriving at New York, 1820-1897; Records of the U.S. Customs Service, Record Group 36; National Archives, Washington, D.C.; digital images, Ancestry (www.ancestry.com : accessed 15 December 2024), "New York, U.S., Arriving Passenger and Crew Lists (including Castle Garden and Ellis Island), 1820-1957," record no. 1405926.

Military Service and Sacrifice

Woven throughout the book are the experiences of Romani men who answered the call to serve in both World Wars, including:

• My grandfather, Von Joseph Roe, endured harrowing combat in the Pacific during WWII.
• Thomas Roe, who followed in the footsteps of his father, Pier Roe, a WWI veteran.
• Oren Ward, whose service highlighted the dual identity of being both Romani and Native American.

These stories reflect not only patriotism and sacrifice but also the complicated reality of fighting for a country that didn’t always accept them.

Themes of Resilience and Identity

More than just a family history, The Last Wagon explores the tension between tradition and survival. It follows the family through the Dust Bowl migrations, devastating losses, and shocking acts of violence, including the tragic murder of a young woman that shattered their close-knit world. Yet, through it all, they held onto pieces of their heritage—sometimes in secret—while adapting to a society that often saw them as outsiders.

The Last Wagon is a tribute to those who walked a hard road, often unseen, but never without purpose. It’s a story about finding identity in the face of erasure and honoring a legacy that refused to be forgotten.

Get Your Copy Today!

If this story resonates with you, I would be honored if you’d pick up a copy of The Last Wagon. Click here to purchase on Amazon.

I also encourage you to leave a review if you enjoy the book. Your feedback not only means the world to me but also helps other readers discover this story. It also helps me to improve on my future books that I'm already working on.

Thank you for your support on this journey—I can’t wait for you to read The Last Wagon!