Va Fa Sa: A Young Man's Memoir [Paperback]

Hugo Cipriani (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2008

Hugo Cipriani's memoir is an engaging story from a first-time author who is now ninety-four but is only twenty-nine at the end of the book. He begins his story on September 9, 1934, a "most fateful day" of his life. On that day, the author left his hometown, his family, his job, his friends, and his girlfriend. The words Va Fa Sa translate simply as "you go, you do, you know." These pages are filled with the author's overriding theme that "the secret of happiness is freedom and the secret of freedom is a brave heart." Mr. Cipriani proves this to be true, as he warmly presents his many adventures. His journey in August of 1938 is quite inspirational. Although he was a transient and homeless, within five weeks he is at UCLA filling out an application form. Fate and destiny may have brought him to UCLA but he knew it was his own proverb Va Fa Sa that got him enrolled and pulled him through.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Hugo Cipriani was born in Rumford, Maine in 1913. A year after his father's death in 1916, the family moved to Bedford, Ohio. He graduated on the Honor Roll from Bedford High School in 1931, at the beginning of the Great Depression. When he left home for the first time in 1934, he admits he was "in a trance." But his second departure, on a fateful Tuesday, August 2, 1938, became the catalyst for his movement toward freedom and happiness. "With Va Fa Sa at UCLA," writes the author, "I was led out of an empty life into action, courage, and self realization." The author and Lisa Conti were married in 1948. They have four grown children, seven grandsons, and two great-grandsons. Retired since 1979, Mr. Cipriani follows world news and the stock market and enjoys talking about politics and philosophy, but his passion is still Va Fa Sa.

Product Details

• Paperback: 191 pages
• Publisher: Vantage Press (July 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 053315846X
• ISBN-13: 978-0533158461
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,939,057 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hugo is the Real Deal!, July 25, 2008

By 

Bradly Norwood - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Va Fa Sa: A Young Man's Memoir (Paperback)

In a time of feathered and syrupy autobiographies, it is refreshing to read the memoirs of Hugo Cipriani. I met him and his angelic wife a few months ago and was in awe at his strength and clarity of mind despite his 95 years. Mr. Cipriani is a walking miracle and I fully expect to run into him again on the streets of Alhambra when he is well over 100. Not to be left out, I noticed that his graceful sweet Mrs. Lisa Cipriani was walking strongly by his side. It is predictable that she will grace us for a few more decades.
If anything, this memoir is not a tribute to a man, but a reflection of our powerful fathers who lived in very harsh circumstances in the early twentieth century. I see my own father's tribulations in Hugo. I see my mother's unbeatable spirit in Lisa.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I have heard these stories growing up, October 20, 2008

By 

B. M. Weiland (Walton Hills, Ohio USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Va Fa Sa: A Young Man's Memoir (Paperback)

I have heard these stories growing up... Every time My Uncle made it back to Bedford to visit, the whole family would sit around and talk and his stories always came up. They were the best. Hearing them in person was always a treat, now seeing them in print brings a tear to my eye's. When I read the book I can hear and see him telling this story... This book brings me back to what I believe were better times in America... I hope to read Part II someday.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A recommended addition to community library American Biography collections, October 6, 2008

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Va Fa Sa: A Young Man's Memoir (Paperback)

Striking out in the world away from the comforts of one's hometown and parents is an adventure in itself. "Va Fa Sa: A Young Man's Memoir" is an old man's recollection of a time long past as he reflects on his time just starting out in 1934. Autobiographer Hugo Cipriani tells of his adventures through America and how he found happiness, which he states is simply a matter of being brave enough to be free. "Va Fa Sa" is a unique and compelling memoir making it highly recommended reading and a recommended addition to community library American Biography collections.