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Italian Days, Arabian Nights: Coming of Age in the Shadow of Mussolini
Publisher Story Trust Publishing
Publication Date 05/2011
Section Biography / Espresso Book Machine Books / Printed Here
Format Paperback
ISBN 9781937228002
In this memoir, Vittorio Palumbo traces his childhood journey through the upheavals of war and betrayal. His keenly recalled account explores a neglected chapter in Italy’s history and offers a poignant take on the human drama behind international headlines. In 1939, Vittorio’s family sought to escape poverty in Italy by responding to their fascist leaders’ call to colonize Arab lands in Libya. Just months later, six-year-old Vittorio was summoned back to Italy for forced enrollment in Mussolini’s military boarding schools of indoctrination. Separated from his parents for eight years, Vittorio was subjected to the cruelties and destruction of the war. He lived in the wilderness to avoid the German occupation of his hometown and endured years in a refugee camp. When Vittorio was finally reunited with his parents in Libya, he was stunned to realize they had all become strangers. Eventually, Vittorio immigrated to America. Here, his lifelong aspirations of becoming a tailor were fulfilled. Vittorio became a master tailor for the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center where he designed the modern utility uniform for the United States Marine Corps.
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I have had the great please of working with Vittorio (“Victor”) for the last three years. He is known by so many people from all over, and I think it would be virtually impossible to find a single person who would have anything but wonderful things to say about him. He is the hardest working, energetic, thoughtful, and happy person I know. Reading his story and picturing the things he dealt with was a startling experience for me. How someone can go through all that he went through and grow to be such an amazing person is simply remarkable. I strongly suggest you read his story, and if given the opportunity meet him. I am sure you will be impressed by both.
This is an inspiring autobiography of a man that lives a difficult, interesting, humble life and recounts it in such detail that it comes to life. Vittorio’s portrayal of family and community life is in sharp contrast to our current lives where most of us barely know (or care to know) our next door neighbors. It shows the power of love to overcome and live through adversity with the help of friends.
This book answers the questions I have put to my Italian relatives regarding Italy during WWII; questions they were either unable, or emotionally unwilling, to answer. Now I finally understand my cousin's wife's obsession with Arab countries, my uncle's stories of American prison camps, the conflicting memories of Italian friends who came of age at that time. The story is told in a kind, non-judgmental fashion by a person who loves and understands Italy, and also understands the individual longings of the human heart. A page-turner of universal interest!
I hope someone will make a movie out of this marvelous book! Not only does Vittorio make me see what he sees, he makes me feel the things he feels. His indomitable spirit and compassionate nature let him embrace people across the world and make the most of every opportunity. His brave journey is powerful and dynamic in its sequence of interesting events. Nothing is ever uneventful and everything counts. Even the suffering throws joy into greater, clearer relief. Most of all, as a " child of war ", Vittorio makes his book stand as a universal tribute to love and peace, a fascinating recount of dreams, vision, and values preciously kept. Vittorio diviene attore e spettatore incantato in questo spettacolo della vita e senza dubbio protagonista di indimenticabile umanita`. La sua e`una storia che continua come un'opera in progresso.
I just finished the book. It was a wonderful story of courage and love of a family in war time and coming to America for the American Dream...Gail
I am hooked on this book. I have been reading till 1:00 AM! Never was aware of these hardships.
To My Father and My Hero... Words CANNOT describe how Proud I am of you to see your "ultimate" dream in life come true; a record of the trajedies, hardships, lonliness, survival, will to succeed, and determination for a better life for both you and your Family to be finally in the Public's hands for all to embrace. You are a True Inspiration... The Master of ALL Master Tailors... The most dedicated and loyal Father a son could have, and I Love you Very Much! I know the Men and Women of the United States Military all agree with me when I say, "Thank You!"... Thank you for being YOU! Best of Luck Dad! Your Loving Son, Steven 5 5 55
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