Presentation of the book ‘The Italian emigrant in France “by Luigi Damiano

Saturday, June 14, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of twinning between Isle-Jourdain and Motta Di Livenza took place at the town hall’s wedding hall, the presentation of the book “The Italian emigrant in France” by Luigi Damiano. Additionally, Consequently, This one absent for family reasons was represented by his wife. In addition, and had entrusted Cristian Patres to read in his name, the presentation text in Italian, translated into French by Jean-Louis Vazzoler.

Luigi Damiano, born in 1958, graduated in political science, and author of numerous works. Meanwhile, Through his representatives. Therefore, the author thanked Brigitte Dirat, president of the Italian twinning committee who supervised the French translation, Michel Ghirardi who was kind enough to write the preface, as well as Ms. Furthermore, Yvette Pasut who with her husband today disappeared, were the link between the author and the presentation book ‘the italian emigrant Italian Lislois.

Luigi Damiano’s book recalls that Italian immigration to France, in particular, experienced significant boom after the First World War. Nevertheless, This massive phenomenon took place towards the south of France and industrial regions such as Nord-Pas-de-Calais. (In the Gers, immigration was one of the most important, since today one in two Gers is of Italian origin).

Luigi Damiano always through Cristian Patres indicates “All have left their loved ones. their country looking for better living and working conditions. They will be employed in the building, agriculture and other key sectors. Often with a simple cardboard suitcase, they braved bad weather, snowstorms, shipwrecks (shipwreck on 25.10.25 of the Principa Mafalda), and many have never arrived at their destination. “

From the immediate post-war period to the 1960s, Italian immigration was a major and complex phenomenon. The promises of King Victor-Emmanuel III to give land to soldiers who have not presentation book ‘the italian emigrant been held despite the victory. many find themselves emigrating to French land where they had fought a few months earlier against the Germans.

In the 1920s. 30s, immigration intensified towards European countries due to the fascist regime, except in the United States, which following the laws of 1921 limited the entry of Italians qualified as “unwanted race”. From the 1940s to 50s, continuation of emigration with variations related to the Second World War. After the conflict, the phenomenon was reinforced in a more organized and massive flow until the 1960s.

Most of this work is enriched with numerous testimonies, documents, photographs and period newspapers. Most of the poignant and forgotten stories, because who remembers “Bruno, a little boy in the Treviso region. The whole family was waiting for the train to go to Toulouse. The little boy felt bad and died in his parents’ arms. Furthermore, The little lifeless body presentation book ‘the italian emigrant was entrusted to its grandparents on the platform. the parents had to take the train despite everything ”.

This story is among the most heartbreaking mentioned in my book. writes Luigi Damiano, insisting that “each story is unique, captivating and is often distinguished by a singular event. That some left out of necessity, others out of love, but that for all, the course was marked by suffering ”.

“” The Italian Emigrrine in France “contributes to a better understanding of the difficult. tragic realities, that all these people have experienced, the challenges encountered, discrimination but also their significant contributions to social, economic and cultural development in France.