A Garden in Lucca : Finding Paradise in Tuscany

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Summary: Massachusetts 'Yankee' in Italian Paradise
Review: In A Garden In Lucca, Paul Gervais presents a delightful account of his transition into life in the most beautiful part of Italy. Moving from ignorance to expertise in the field of gardening, Mr. Gervais makes the reader a partner in his acquisition of new skills and knowledge.

The book also deals with the high and low drama of a possible sale of Mr. Gervais's 'Italian Paradise' as well as personal elements of the author's life. Even readers unfamiliar with the Latin names for plant species come to feel the passion Mr. Gervais has brought to his new life.

The book is a great read.

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Summary: A Garden in Lucca: Finding Paradise in Tuscany
Review: Novelist Gervais (Extraordinary People) has lived in Italy for the past 18 years. Here, with line drawings, he recounts his experiences, as a novice gardener, of creating an acclaimed garden out of the overgrown grounds of a Renaissance Tuscan hunting lodge. There are delightful sketches of eccentric fellow gardeners, accounts of his relationship with the caretaker who came as part of the deal, and a suspenseful description of his attempt, at one point, to sell the property. We read about the tribulations caused by a peacock Gervais received as a gift and his purchase of large, hand-crafted clay pots that were the last of a set made at a pottery that was closing down. (Prince Charles bought the rest.) Gervais is a talented writer, and his memoir makes for entertaining and easy reading. Fans of Frances Mayes's Under the Tuscan Sun will also enjoy. For gardening and travel collections.--

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Summary: A book for good ideas and a good feeling.
Review: Paul Gervais has written a wonderful book. A book for everyone. Gardening lovers, gardeners, neophytes, everyone including those who have always been lazy with their garden. The story is just amazing. The extremely witty way of telling it and the incredible setting keep the reader glued to the book with a funny feeling. You actually realise you want to do the same thing Paul has done. You want to create your own garden, improve your little terrace or add a flower-bed to your plain-looking lawn. You will fall in love with the countryside. The author looks at Italy with an eye full of reverence, passion and excitement and he never fails to convey the humble feeling with which he approaches his work in his gardens. You'll love the book. Professionals will read it and smile and recognise some of the struggles to obtain what they wanted, people will learn something new. All will enjoy the story that lies behind the wonderful house and its gardens. It's the right book to dream with, find new ideas and have a great feeling.