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Summary: I couldn't put this down....
Review: ....because I was looking for a high spot from which to throw it! (Unfortunately, I borrowed it from a friend so I couldn't. At least it's not an embarrassment on my bookshelf).Two hundred and twenty-six pages of complete drivel. That's all you need to know.
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Summary: Ultimately sad tale
Review: As short at this book was (easy to finish in two days), I found myself increasingly eager to be done with it, despite the lure of Italy (which I love) and other exotic locations. Not least of my objections was the annoying present tense, second person narrative, which only added to the sense of being a participant in a rather shallow woman's self-indulgence. (An aesthetic sense and love of la dolce vita do not in themselves add up to depth.) Nor could I be particularly sympathetic to a woman with endless leisure and money to find herself (she mentions money being tight at times, but this is obviously relative, as she can fly to London or Italy or Morocco when the whim takes her), who in her late 30s still seems to think that loveless sex is a path to happiness, or who fails to realize that(despite the lulling effects of the romantic locations)trading sexual intimacies with men she's known less than a day (as she does in Stroboli)is not only stupid but dangerous. The fact that the book masquerades as some kind of inner journey only makes it all the more sad. The characters all play the same sexual games, hurting each other in the process and seem in the end as lonely as they began. The fact that (some)Europeans play the game with more grace and, frequently, more kindness than Americans does not detract from its ultimate emptiness.
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Summary: Great story written in an unusual voice!
Review: The only differences between my life experiences and those of Ms. Fraser are that she has traveled to some very exotic places since her divorce and I haven't; she has had an exciting, life-affirming relationship and I haven't; she has written a great book about her experiences, and I haven't. I intend to recommend this book to several friends who have gone through the agony of divorce. I read the book in two days and felt I was reading someone's diary. It's great for the dog days of summer.
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Summary: An Italian Affair by Laura Fraser
Review: This book is about a woman coming to terms with the sudden end of her marriage. Laura Fraser wrote this book the same way life is lived. It is very poignant, graphic, detailed and mezmerizing. The author also showed how life can be completely different in another person's eyes. Go and read this book. It is worth the time of day.
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Summary: An Italian Affair
Review: With out a doubt, this book should be rated a 5+. Ms. Fraser presents the most fascinating descriptions of the local residents in the various places they visited. I felt like I, too, was traveling with them, enjoying the side trips, the bed and breakfasts, savoring the food, wine and coffees in all the places they vacationed. The love affair is beautifully articulated. Ms. Fraser shows us the many facets of all kinds of relationships. What I liked about her book is that she allows the reader to become intimate with her views, thoughts and feelings and also those of the Professor. Her descriptions of the social life in San Francisco is right on point and probably is true of the way many people interact in any city in the U.S. as compared to international cities. Ms. Fraser shows us the cultural differences. An Italian Affair is most definitely a second read and I think a sequel is in order!
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Summary: Opening Up to Life Amid Divorce's Ugliness
Review: An Italian Affair is the most unusual memoir that I have ever read about how a woman coped with divorce. When I describe the book to other people, they refuse to believe that it is not fiction. But the author says that the events occurred, and only the names have been changed. For those who like their romances to be exotic and perfectly shaped, An Italian Affair will lend new fanatasies. On the other hand, those who are concerned about proper behavior will wonder about the author's pursuit of pleasure with a married father. Whether you admire or admonish Ms. Fraser, you will be charmed by her marvelous writing and sense of joy. Ms. Fraser's marriage broke up in a most ugly way. Her husband of a year told her he had changed his mind about having children, and began staying out late. One night, she came home to find him cavorting with an old high school girl friend. After the divorce, he married the old girl friend and had a child with her. Ms. Fraser is now past 35 and feels her chance to be a mother ticking away. She is bent by the betrayal, but unbroken. Her work as a writer takes her around the world, and while visiting friends in Italy, she is encouraged to find an Italian lover on the island of Ischia. Soon Italian men are showing interest, but she connects instead with a Parisian who is half Italian on his annual vacation without his wife and children. His wife also sees other men, and they seem to have an "open" marriage. He is waiting for a Spanish brunette who has stood him up, but Ms. Fraser doesn't find out about this until later. M. teaches art, but also seems talented in the art of beautiful living and making her feel beautiful and appreciated. Over the next two years, they find many opportunities to meet around the world and continue the relationship. He encourages her at the end to find someone like himself who isn't married. This book can also be enjoyed as a travelogue of the many wonderful places they visited and how to enjoy time with someone you like to be with. The locations include Milan, London, San Francisco, Los Angeles, the Aeolian Islands, and Morocco. The pair has a special affinity for beaches and bare bathing, and fine food. To me, some of the most exquisite writing is about the food and wine they enjoyed together. What I found most appealing about the book was the way that M. could pay a compliment, avoid hurting her feelings, and make her feel appreciated while being perfectly candid that he wasn't in love with her and intended to stay married to his wife. If you take those skills and put them into a loving relationship, even better results should occur! For example, Ms. Fraser has a negative body image. M. describes that Renoir, Ingres, Boucher, and Poussin would have enjoyed having her as a nude model. He also caresses her in those places where she is most self-critical. After you finish enjoying this memoir, I suggest that you think about how you could capture some of its romance for you and your spouse or the person you are dating. Learn to speak and act more lovingly!
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Summary: yuck
Review: just wanted to rate it. I thought it was awful
Rating:
Summary: What a great book!
Review: I read another book by Ms. Fraser which was an excellent journalistic investigation of the weight loss industry. And I was very intrigued to see that she has written a novel, a memoir.
I loved this book! Her use of the second person narrative was so refreshing and maintains the feeling that the book was written for her closest friends. Her descriptions of each locale, while inspired and exotic, were also believeable and compelling. It made me want to stock my kitchen with fresh basil, tomatoes and spicy olives, just in case friends drop by who actually have time for a chat. Or better yet, to get my plane tickets in order! The first visit, in Florence, I have such an affinity with, because I took a vacation there with the man who would later become my husband. The book made me remember again the incredible experience of being with someone who loves the exploration of a beautiful time and place as much as you do, and on the same "level" you do. I think folks dream for such and experience with a lover, and never get it. Some not even with their spouses. I imagine that a person finishing book and seeing the "this is a true story" on the last page just wouldn't believe it, but then think, "well could be, I hope so at least." I admire her because she has related a painful time in her life while creating a beautiful story. Readers may sense that this healing process is not only true to the author, but could be true for anyone who has had to heal from a broken heart. Of course, not everyone choses to heal in the places she did! This is what I think makes it not just a decent book about relationship-recovery, but a book we remember. Others would love to heal in places like Morocco, with a wonderful person. But she actually leapt at the opportunity, and had the ability and talent to make it a story of stories. How many of us have the courage to take those kind of chances? She could have written this like a basic travelogue. A book like this could have been banal, or it could have been overly sexual or a trite "bodice ripper". It could have been too jaded and bitter, it could have been self-absorbed. But happily it is none of these things. This book, to me, is about what can happen when you open yourself to new experiences. Readers who themselves have been rewarded by taking chances, as well as those to afraid to, will take something valuable out of this book. We might like to step "outside of the box" and evolve and not just grow old. Or we can read authors like Ms. Fraser, who make us feel we are there with her while she does the stepping out. I feel grateful Laura Fraser chose to share her versatile writing talent with the rest of the reading world. I finished the book feeling happy and hopeful. I hope she writes another book soon. 7-8-01
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Summary: WONDERFUL....a very touching story!
Review: I stumbled across "An Italian Affair" while searching for a Father's Day gift. I read the inside cover and found it to be interesting so I bought it for myself. It wasn't until a few days ago that I finally picked up the book to read. Wow, why did I wait? I loved every minute. I also found that I didn't want the story to end...although I am happy to know that Laura finally came into own. I felt as if Laura was a friend and she was telling me her story. I felt I was with her on her journey enjoying every minute while she slowly embraced change and also feeling her pain as she grew. Who hasn't experienced some of the pain and insecurities she describes? A very touching, bittersweet, empowering story about love, loss and life. Great book, great story...way to go Laura! ^5
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Summary: well done
Review: Real and engrossing, this book kept my attention the entire way through and is a revealing look into the nature of love and forgiveness. The author took a chance when writing in the second person, and it worked for me.
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