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Summary: A Totally Dull Account of a House Renovation in Tuscany
Review: I began reading this book with much anticipation being a lover of Italy. But what a complete bore - pages and pages of description of clearing fields, shoring up walls, striping floors. It was a big yawn and an act of will just to finish the book. Something makes me suspect that it became a bestseller because of the similiarity of the author's name to that of Peter Mayle who writes those delightful books about Provence. Believe me Mayes is not in his class. If you want to read about the renovation of a house read Tracy Kidder's book," House". It's vastly superior.
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Summary: Sensual descriptions of warmth, light and food of Tuscany
Review: The author captures the essence of Tuscany in a most sensual and inviting style. Her descriptions of the sights, smells, tastes of the local food and wine, and her poetic conveyance of the effects of sunshine and light on the landscape and archtecture take you there in a moment. One cannot help but enjoy the journey of discovery that Frances takes you on in this journal.
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Summary: No insight, substance or even humor -- not worth the time
Review: The author has no insight into the people or the countryside of Tuscany. She rambles and rambles without providing substance or interest. I was very disappointed having hoped for something as fun and insightful as Peter Mayle's A Year in Provence. I am leaving for Tuscany with a group of friends and told thme not to bother with this book. I love to read but this was work...
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Summary: Book-warm and beguiling. Author-warm and generous
Review: Well, done, Frances, well done. I would have never thought of visiting Italy--but through Frances Mayes' warm and generous spirit, I've felt I have lived there, and I pick up the book whenever I feel like returning. Her ability to create a new and wondrous life after divorce speaks highly of her resilience. Her observations are lovingly done, and I respect her decision to lightly draw in the personalities around her--I felt that she protected their privacy must better than Peter Mayle. I have picked up other travel books looking for Frances' talent to make you long to inhabit a place and all I get is glimpses of small souls--witness Paul Theroux in Riding the Iron Rooster.
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Summary: Self-absorbed and Pretentious
Review: Although the food descriptions were mouth-watering and the inclusion of recipes was a pleasant surprise, over-all the book was tedious. The local Italians were written about in a condescending and patronizing manner. Some of the text served only to get petty jabs in on other more accomplished authors. After reading this book, I still prefer Provence!
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Summary: A Woman Finds A New Persona Through Renovating an Old House
Review: I enjoyed this book very much. I saw it as a woman, over 50, after a divorce finding a new interest in life. She and a new husband discover a love for a home and property that they are renovating. It was alot of work - but worth it. The recipes are an added bonus.
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Summary: Boring after a few chapters
Review: Gets boring and very predictable after the first couple of chapters. A very American view of Europe I would say.
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Summary: This book satistfied my yearning
Review: to renovate an old house in a foreign country. Actually, I'm not sure that I ever had such a yearning, but I don't after reading this book. Don't get me wrong--Mayes writes beautifully about a place and activities she loves, but I definitely feel like I've been "close enough" to the hard work portion of her story! The book drags in spots, and at times Mayes seems a bit smug and superior, but perhaps that's just contentment and appreciation filtered through print. She does, however, seem overly delighted with the "characters" she meets, as though they were less people she didn't really know well and more practitioners of quirks for her entertainment. Overall I liked the book, but I'm not sure I'd read it again--except for the recipes.
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Summary: I feel sorry for her students....
Review: I would have liked this book better if the author was just independently wealthy. But, she had a job, and it seemed that all she wanted to do was escape this job to be with her precious house. I guess the moral of the story is "only as a teacher can you get paid to spend 4 months referbishing your vacation house in Europe." Maybe she should look into telecommuting.
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Summary: Not enough about Italy and too much about Mayes' feelings.
Review: Sorry, but I just don't get it. The first chapter or two were entertaining and enlightening. The rest is a boring, self-absorbed account of the author's feelings about the good fortune she has had to buy a house in Italy. I learned very little about the Italian people and more than I ever wanted to know about Ms. Mayes' eating habits and flea market finds. Definitely not for the person preparing for a trip to Italy.
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