Miami News

New Biography Details Life in 1940s Cuba and the Cuban-American Immigration Experience

“From Cuba with Love” is available on Lulu.com

The newly released book, “From Cuba with Love: My Father’s American Success Story,” details life in 1940s and 1950s Cuba through the eyes of a Cuban native Paul Umpierre. Discover how a Cuban native left his homeland after Fidel Castro’s communist takeover, trained for a massive planned U.S. military attack on Castro and overcame language and cultural barriers to excel in America.

Castro nationalized all businesses; including the robust retail business Umpierre’s father had worked a lifetime to create. In one swoop, the family lost Compañía Granera and its $3.5 million worth of merchandise.

Umpierre chose to leave his parents, brother and extended family for a new life. When he arrived in Miami on June 16, 1962, Paul Umpierre had just 10 cents to his name. With no understanding of English and no medical knowledge, the Cuban native began work as a Miami Beach orderly.

Umpierre later joined a top-secret Cuban brigade commissioned by the U.S. Army.  About 7,500 Cuban exiles were to be part of a massive planned American attack on Castro. Learn about the under reported volunteer Cuban battalion, where the group trained, how the group was honorably discharged, how Umpierre settled in Los Angeles, California, met singer Dean Martin, found the love of his life and started a family.

Lulu Press, Inc., published the book on Nov. 15, 2017 and it’s available at: bit.ly/FromCubaWithLove

About the Author

Chris Umpierre was born in Los Angeles, Calif., and is a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles. He spent 13 years writing for The News-Press Media Group (part of the USA TODAY Network) in Fort Myers, Fla. His work earned accolades from the Florida Society of Professional Journalists.

He lives in Miami, Fla., and works in public relations.

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Contact Chris Umpierre at umps23@gmail.com or via Twitter at @ChrisUmpierre

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