“A captivating autobiography of an extraordinary life, as dramatic as it is accomplished.” —Kirkus Reviews

Marco Sassone was knighted into the “Order of Merit of the Italian Republic” by President Sandro Pertini in 1982. His paintings have been collected by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Audrey Hepburn, and Tom Bradley.

This is the life story of internationally acclaimed American-Italian painter Marco Sassone, who came to California in search of artistic freedom and success. Dining with Sophia Loren, conversing with Luciano Pavarotti, and joking with Tina Turner at his Beverly Hills opening are all part of his California days.

What makes this memoir so engaging is Sassone’s vivid recollections of his real-life stories:

• His childhood in war-torn Florence in the 1950s and his harrowing experience of survival during the great flood of Florence in 1966;
• His extensive personal research on the homeless in San Francisco that led to his groundbreaking exhibition, “Home on the Streets”;
• And more recently, his reflections on the forgery of his artwork and the subsequent lawsuit in the Nevada’s Supreme Court.

American Journey is an inspiring, sometimes painful and courageous examination of a life in art, complete with vivid descriptions of what takes place in his studio during the act of painting.

“‘Home on the Streets’ is brutal and unforgiving and, accordingly, unforgettable . . . You have done something very important—giving a voice to those who are silenced and dismissed, and giving an image to those of us who would prefer not to see. Thank you.” —Amy Selwyn, Associated Press