As The Tree Fell-The History and Reunion of Our Croatian Immigrant Family and The Joys and Challenges of Retirement on Vis, An Adriatic Island;

The History and Reunion of Our Croatian Immigrant Family
And The Joys and Challenges of Retirement on Vis,
An Adriatic Island

The destinies of two families were forever changed when the tree fell in California. While searching for the Repanich ancestral roots in Croatia, the Repanich family from America and the family that continues to live on the island of Vis reunited. From conversations, family trees, pictures, and letters written between the families emerged the story of two brothers, Ivan and Josip, and their immigration to America at the beginning of the 20th century. Josip’s family’s destiny was to continue to live on the spectacular island in very difficult conditions, while Ivan’s descendents grew up in America. The parallels and differences express the emotions of separating families, and describe life in two very different worlds.

Inspired by the spirit of Frances Mayes, UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN, The American Repaniches purchased a fixer-upper seaside villa on Vis and have enjoyed retired life for ten years. The experiences of living in a different culture are most often joyful, full of humor, and at times very challenging.