Comments on: The 5 Worst Books Ever Written About Italy http://www.jessicainrome.com/2008/05/07/the-5-worst-books-ever-written-about-italy/ An American girl in Rome, Italy Fri, 04 Jul 2008 01:05:36 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: Kate http://www.jessicainrome.com/2008/05/07/the-5-worst-books-ever-written-about-italy/#comment-6568 Kate Fri, 06 Jun 2008 14:38:11 +0000 http://www.jessicainrome.com/?p=376#comment-6568 I was also really paranoid about being in Rome (or Italy, for that matter) because of the Rick Steve's books and the comments of a number of well-meaning friends (including an Italian). But I found that, as you say, pickpocketing just isn't as bad as it's made out to be. Never once in my 3 weeks in Italy did I see or experience the "crowds of gypsies" that Steves mentions. Two different people who were probably trying to suss out the situation to see if I could be pickpocketed got uncomfortably close to me while I was in the train station in Verona. But--this is very different than the vulnerable picture of being "rushed at" that Steves creates. I disliked Mayes book the first time around, liked it better a few years later on a re-read. Currently reading "An Italian Journey" by Goethe and while I imagine most would find it slow, I'm enjoying it. I started to read "Too Much Tuscan Sun" while in Italy but then lost track and hope to order it on Amazon...though from what I did read, it mostly looks like pot-shots at stupid tourists, making all tourists look bad. I was also really paranoid about being in Rome (or Italy, for that matter) because of the Rick Steve’s books and the comments of a number of well-meaning friends (including an Italian). But I found that, as you say, pickpocketing just isn’t as bad as it’s made out to be. Never once in my 3 weeks in Italy did I see or experience the “crowds of gypsies” that Steves mentions. Two different people who were probably trying to suss out the situation to see if I could be pickpocketed got uncomfortably close to me while I was in the train station in Verona. But–this is very different than the vulnerable picture of being “rushed at” that Steves creates. I disliked Mayes book the first time around, liked it better a few years later on a re-read. Currently reading “An Italian Journey” by Goethe and while I imagine most would find it slow, I’m enjoying it. I started to read “Too Much Tuscan Sun” while in Italy but then lost track and hope to order it on Amazon…though from what I did read, it mostly looks like pot-shots at stupid tourists, making all tourists look bad.

]]> By: Ann http://www.jessicainrome.com/2008/05/07/the-5-worst-books-ever-written-about-italy/#comment-5415 Ann Mon, 12 May 2008 20:15:07 +0000 http://www.jessicainrome.com/?p=376#comment-5415 Yes, yes YES -- that Alan Epstein book was the most pretentious piece of shite I have ever read!!! Aside from all the stereotypes and generalizations (you forgot -- Italians never stand in line, also they are ALL extremely generous, and ALL of them LOVE children!) it drove me crazy how EVERY SINGLE THING about living in Rome was better than living in the U.S. Even the fact that paying your phone bill could potentially take an entire day -- but that's because Italians are used to a slower pace in life and isn't that charming? I'm sorry buddy, but standing in line arguing with the phone company clerk because I want to pay my bill and you want to have a coffee is not charming! Yes, yes YES — that Alan Epstein book was the most pretentious piece of shite I have ever read!!! Aside from all the stereotypes and generalizations (you forgot — Italians never stand in line, also they are ALL extremely generous, and ALL of them LOVE children!) it drove me crazy how EVERY SINGLE THING about living in Rome was better than living in the U.S. Even the fact that paying your phone bill could potentially take an entire day — but that’s because Italians are used to a slower pace in life and isn’t that charming? I’m sorry buddy, but standing in line arguing with the phone company clerk because I want to pay my bill and you want to have a coffee is not charming!

]]> By: kat http://www.jessicainrome.com/2008/05/07/the-5-worst-books-ever-written-about-italy/#comment-5397 kat Sun, 11 May 2008 21:11:35 +0000 http://www.jessicainrome.com/?p=376#comment-5397 I have the distinct feeling you and I have similar tastes (and disdain) for certain things after reading your list. Thankfully, I've never gotten past a few pages of any of these while browsing in the bookstore (back in the USA, where I could). One of the reasons I travel independently and normally without a guidebook (Rick Steves or otherwise) is because I want to see things everyone hasn't; this is also the reason I won't write a guidebook recommending restaurants and hotels...I mean, why would I want my favorite places ruined? In any case, I think one needs to factor in the author's age and background when buying a book. I realize that isn't always possible, but I skip to random pages and read a bit to make an instinctual decision. P.S. The problem with leaving honest reviews on Amazon is I usually get 'NO' clicked next to my name. I have the distinct feeling you and I have similar tastes (and disdain) for certain things after reading your list. Thankfully, I’ve never gotten past a few pages of any of these while browsing in the bookstore (back in the USA, where I could).

One of the reasons I travel independently and normally without a guidebook (Rick Steves or otherwise) is because I want to see things everyone hasn’t; this is also the reason I won’t write a guidebook recommending restaurants and hotels…I mean, why would I want my favorite places ruined?

In any case, I think one needs to factor in the author’s age and background when buying a book. I realize that isn’t always possible, but I skip to random pages and read a bit to make an instinctual decision.

P.S. The problem with leaving honest reviews on Amazon is I usually get ‘NO’ clicked next to my name.

]]> By: Italian News Snippets: 05.11.08 | Italy Travel Guide http://www.jessicainrome.com/2008/05/07/the-5-worst-books-ever-written-about-italy/#comment-5393 Italian News Snippets: 05.11.08 | Italy Travel Guide Sun, 11 May 2008 08:52:03 +0000 http://www.jessicainrome.com/?p=376#comment-5393 [...] Here are one woman’s choices for the five worst books ever written about Italy. [...] [...] Here are one woman’s choices for the five worst books ever written about Italy. [...]

]]> By: kataroma http://www.jessicainrome.com/2008/05/07/the-5-worst-books-ever-written-about-italy/#comment-5385 kataroma Sat, 10 May 2008 12:38:37 +0000 http://www.jessicainrome.com/?p=376#comment-5385 Hah- I'm laughing out loud at those Amazon reviews of Under the Tuscan Sun. They're spot on! I completely agree about UTTS as well as the Rick Steves books. He says he's going to show you Italy "beyong the beaten path" and then proceeds to show you the beaten path. Great. And he leaves out huge sections of slightly less touristy Italy like Sicily, Calabria, Puglia, Le Marche. And he disses Rome. Much as I like to diss Rome myself - it IS a great place to visit as a tourist. So much amazing stuff to see here and really the city is not that intimidating unless you're from a town of 100 people or something. I liked "The Sack of Rome" by Alexander Stille (about Berlusconi), the Tim Parks books (although a Season with Verona is a bit boring unless you're a big football fan), the Dark Side of Italy and Megan Williams' book of short stories about Rome (forgot the title.) I'm currently reading La Casta which promises to be good too. Hah- I’m laughing out loud at those Amazon reviews of Under the Tuscan Sun. They’re spot on!

I completely agree about UTTS as well as the Rick Steves books. He says he’s going to show you Italy “beyong the beaten path” and then proceeds to show you the beaten path. Great. And he leaves out huge sections of slightly less touristy Italy like Sicily, Calabria, Puglia, Le Marche. And he disses Rome. Much as I like to diss Rome myself - it IS a great place to visit as a tourist. So much amazing stuff to see here and really the city is not that intimidating unless you’re from a town of 100 people or something.

I liked “The Sack of Rome” by Alexander Stille (about Berlusconi), the Tim Parks books (although a Season with Verona is a bit boring unless you’re a big football fan), the Dark Side of Italy and Megan Williams’ book of short stories about Rome (forgot the title.) I’m currently reading La Casta which promises to be good too.

]]> By: LuLu http://www.jessicainrome.com/2008/05/07/the-5-worst-books-ever-written-about-italy/#comment-5376 LuLu Fri, 09 May 2008 12:53:33 +0000 http://www.jessicainrome.com/?p=376#comment-5376 I was so disappointed with "Under The Tuscan Sun". I picked it up after seeing the movie. I thought the movie was kind of cute and seeing as the books are usually better I decided to read it. I found myself skimming through it because I just couldn't bare to read it. So disappointing. I haven't picked up a book about Italy since...other than historical/educational books. My cousin gave me a book called "When In Rome.." by Gemma Townley that I still have to read. It looks like one of those easy read while you are out in the sun kind of books. I'm saving it for my trip to Italy this summer. :) Are there any books that you really liked that were written about Italy? <strong><em>Hi Lulu! I actually have read that "When in Rome" (Ugg- these writers need to come up with more creative titles!) and it was a light breezy chic lit book. Perfect for the beach. I like (so far) "Italian Neighbors" by Tim Parks and "Eat, Pray, Love", and "The Dark Heart of Italy" but honestly most of the books I have read I haven't really liked. -jessica</strong></em> I was so disappointed with “Under The Tuscan Sun”. I picked it up after seeing the movie. I thought the movie was kind of cute and seeing as the books are usually better I decided to read it. I found myself skimming through it because I just couldn’t bare to read it. So disappointing. I haven’t picked up a book about Italy since…other than historical/educational books. My cousin gave me a book called “When In Rome..” by Gemma Townley that I still have to read. It looks like one of those easy read while you are out in the sun kind of books. I’m saving it for my trip to Italy this summer.

Are there any books that you really liked that were written about Italy?

Hi Lulu! I actually have read that “When in Rome” (Ugg- these writers need to come up with more creative titles!) and it was a light breezy chic lit book. Perfect for the beach. I like (so far) “Italian Neighbors” by Tim Parks and “Eat, Pray, Love”, and “The Dark Heart of Italy” but honestly most of the books I have read I haven’t really liked. -jessica

]]> By: Brit' Gal Sarah http://www.jessicainrome.com/2008/05/07/the-5-worst-books-ever-written-about-italy/#comment-5370 Brit' Gal Sarah Fri, 09 May 2008 01:38:32 +0000 http://www.jessicainrome.com/?p=376#comment-5370 I know it's not written as a guide, but I would add the first book of Eat, Love, Pray to this. Her description of Italy was just so without passion for a woman who apparently dreamed of living in Italy most of her life! <strong><em>It's strange you feel that way about EPL because I really liked that book! I read it before I moved here so maybe I am due for another read through. I was paying attention more to her story rather than Italy so maybe I missed something?-Jessica</strong></em> I know it’s not written as a guide, but I would add the first book of Eat, Love, Pray to this. Her description of Italy was just so without passion for a woman who apparently dreamed of living in Italy most of her life!

It’s strange you feel that way about EPL because I really liked that book! I read it before I moved here so maybe I am due for another read through. I was paying attention more to her story rather than Italy so maybe I missed something?-Jessica

]]> By: amanda http://www.jessicainrome.com/2008/05/07/the-5-worst-books-ever-written-about-italy/#comment-5363 amanda Thu, 08 May 2008 20:51:40 +0000 http://www.jessicainrome.com/?p=376#comment-5363 I am choking on my vino reading this, laughter choking, not the serious kind. I have read 'Desiring Italy' and had to miss out quite a few chapters as I slipped in and out of the coma. Worse, far worse is 'Under The Tuscan Sun' and all the other Frances Mayes ramblings. Don't get me started on her as it's not pretty. I know where to put her books and it's not in a recycling bin! I agree with the above comment anything by Tim Parks is well worth a read as he writes about 'really living in Italy' and he is a damn good writer. <strong><em>I'm so glad I am not alone on "Desiring Italy"! I felt like I was SUPPOSED to like it given the caliber of the authors, but it was horrible! I am liking the Parks books, but I just wish I had read them earlier since everything he writes is kind of old news to me by now.-jessica</strong></em> I am choking on my vino reading this, laughter choking, not the serious kind. I have read ‘Desiring Italy’ and had to miss out quite a few chapters as I slipped in and out of the coma. Worse, far worse is ‘Under The Tuscan Sun’ and all the other Frances Mayes ramblings. Don’t get me started on her as it’s not pretty. I know where to put her books and it’s not in a recycling bin! I agree with the above comment anything by Tim Parks is well worth a read as he writes about ‘really living in Italy’ and he is a damn good writer.

I’m so glad I am not alone on “Desiring Italy”! I felt like I was SUPPOSED to like it given the caliber of the authors, but it was horrible! I am liking the Parks books, but I just wish I had read them earlier since everything he writes is kind of old news to me by now.-jessica

]]> By: sonyaustraliana http://www.jessicainrome.com/2008/05/07/the-5-worst-books-ever-written-about-italy/#comment-5360 sonyaustraliana Thu, 08 May 2008 20:15:19 +0000 http://www.jessicainrome.com/?p=376#comment-5360 How about Marlena de Blasi's 'A 1000 days in Venice' and the 'sequels'? The coincidental meeting of her partner in Venice caught my attention in the first few pages but from there on it fizzled out. Her writing is also very Frances Mayish - long descriptions of food and the quaint peculiarities of Italian culture. I'm not sure what everyone else thinks but I have noticed that writers with an American background often 'romanticize' their experiences in Italy, whereas writers from the UK/Australia tend to describe it as it is (mind you I thought Penelope Green's 'When in Rome' was a bit 'self-indulgent' and she did come across as a bit of a 'princess' (not typically Australian). A good read is 'Italian Neighbors' by Tim Parks - it gives a realistic description of life in Italy from an expats perspective. Anyway there's my 2 cents worth! <strong><em>I haven't read anything from Marlena de Blasi mostly because I haven't seen the books here in Rome. I am reading Tim Parks at the moment since we are moving to Verona, I just wanted to get a feel for the differences in culture up there compared to here. I am almost done with "Neighbors" but have "A Season with Verona" to read next. So far I like the book, but it's a little boring as I find his neighbors similar to my own, so it's kinda like reading about looking out my own window, if that makes sense. I wish I would have read it before or right after I moved, then perhaps it would be more interesting. I have not read any of Penelope Green's books but from what I heard they are AMAZING! But it's virtually impossible to find copies outside of Australia (again so I have been told). Thanks for your insight!-jessica</strong></em> How about Marlena de Blasi’s ‘A 1000 days in Venice’ and the ’sequels’? The coincidental meeting of her partner in Venice caught my attention in the first few pages but from there on it fizzled out. Her writing is also very Frances Mayish - long descriptions of food and the quaint peculiarities of Italian culture. I’m not sure what everyone else thinks but I have noticed that writers with an American background often ‘romanticize’ their experiences in Italy, whereas writers from the UK/Australia tend to describe it as it is (mind you I thought Penelope Green’s ‘When in Rome’ was a bit ’self-indulgent’ and she did come across as a bit of a ‘princess’ (not typically Australian). A good read is ‘Italian Neighbors’ by Tim Parks - it gives a realistic description of life in Italy from an expats perspective.
Anyway there’s my 2 cents worth!

I haven’t read anything from Marlena de Blasi mostly because I haven’t seen the books here in Rome. I am reading Tim Parks at the moment since we are moving to Verona, I just wanted to get a feel for the differences in culture up there compared to here. I am almost done with “Neighbors” but have “A Season with Verona” to read next. So far I like the book, but it’s a little boring as I find his neighbors similar to my own, so it’s kinda like reading about looking out my own window, if that makes sense. I wish I would have read it before or right after I moved, then perhaps it would be more interesting. I have not read any of Penelope Green’s books but from what I heard they are AMAZING! But it’s virtually impossible to find copies outside of Australia (again so I have been told). Thanks for your insight!-jessica

]]> By: leanne http://www.jessicainrome.com/2008/05/07/the-5-worst-books-ever-written-about-italy/#comment-5358 leanne Thu, 08 May 2008 18:14:08 +0000 http://www.jessicainrome.com/?p=376#comment-5358 Under the Stupid Tuscan Sun....I so hate Ed who loves to 'read poetry and it rather antisocial' well I think she described her nerd boyfriend (who I am sad to say becomes her husband in the second book...yes...I read and despised both. And SO different from the film. I loved the film: newly single woman goes to live in Italy and help lesbian friends etc...but with the stupid real life book so has this nerd Ed and lives in lala land with all her money. OHHHHHHHH.....................In the second one she goes to her daughters wedding and meets this man. She does not recognize him and realizes it is her ex husband - the reason she does not know it is him as Italy has made her a different person. I am sorry to be rambling on, but how could you not recognize your ex-husband. <strong><em>The Ed thing is bizarre. Thank god I didn't accidentally read her other book it's sounds just as lame!-jessica</strong></em> Under the Stupid Tuscan Sun….I so hate Ed who loves to ‘read poetry and it rather antisocial’ well I think she described her nerd boyfriend (who I am sad to say becomes her husband in the second book…yes…I read and despised both.
And SO different from the film. I loved the film: newly single woman goes to live in Italy and help lesbian friends etc…but with the stupid real life book so has this nerd Ed and lives in lala land with all her money. OHHHHHHHH…………………In the second one she goes to her daughters wedding and meets this man. She does not recognize him and realizes it is her ex husband - the reason she does not know it is him as Italy has made her a different person. I am sorry to be rambling on, but how could you not recognize your ex-husband.

The Ed thing is bizarre. Thank god I didn’t accidentally read her other book it’s sounds just as lame!-jessica

]]>