My Romance
The Autobiography of Damiano Bivona
by Damiano Bivona

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This is Damiano Bivona’s autobiography. Written originally in Sicilian, and translated by his daughter-in-law, an absolutely extraordinary story ultimately unfolded. What wonders this poor, uneducated immigrant was able to accomplish in his sadly short life (he passed away in an accident when he was only fifty-one years old). The life story that this beloved grandfather lived was truly unique, and profoundly exceptional. A window into history of both Italy and America, in this book lives on the spirit of ambition, hard work and family ties.

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I am Peter F. Monaco, the grandson of Damiano Bivona, whose autobiography I finished editing after three years. His biography was translated by my Aunt Lucia Bivona, the wife of my Uncle Gus, Bivona, (Damiano’s son), a veteran of WWII. She was born in Sicily and immigrated to the US, and did not have a great command of the English language, resulting in a biographical document that required a great deal of editing. Despite his valiant creativity, Damiano sadly passed away before he was able to produce a significant number of profitable plays. His family was not able to reap the financial rewards which would have enabled them to move significantly up the economic ladder and into the American Middle Class. However, the next generation of Bivona children follow their father’s good example and all lived very affluent middle class lives. I’m certain that my grandfather would be very proud to at last have his story told by his loving family.

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Contributors

Author

Damiano Bivona

Editor

Peter F. Monaco

Translator

Luciana Bivona

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