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Summary: Yuppie observations from a long-time tourist--not a resident
Review: I lived in Italy for years, and hoped to read about the experiences of other Americans who have also lived there. This book offered no insights whatsoever except the author's self-absorbed interest in getting her house in order and sharing with her other yuppie friends a Martha Stewart like "image" of Italian life. She seems to have made no real Italian friends, and has no real understanding of what it is to really live in Italy 12 months a year--not just jetting in for the odd holiday. God help the lovely town of Cortona which will undoubtedly be deluged by similar Americans more interested in creating their own cardboard facade of Italy. If you want to read observations of foreigners who have really LIVED in Italy, read Tim Park's Italian Neighbors or Mary Taylor Simeti's Persephone's Island instead.
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Summary: Can't wait to get back there...
Review: I am still in the middle of the book, but I have observed a few things.Mayes' writing is light, yet she still has the ability to reflect deftly the true sensuality, of the land and its people. I am decidedly more interested in learning a people's culture by walking in their shoes, rather than by reading their history books. Mayes scores big with me on this point. Kudos for including the recipes for some of the scrumptious dishes she mentions in the book! Even more for making the book into a basic Italian Primer for some of the more important terms! I'm not thoroughly interested in the details of rebuilding the Italian home - not yet, anyway - but I now have the seeds of a dream planted in my head, how many other books these days truly inspire people. I agree with the reader who indicated that one shouldn't read this book without being prepared to fall in love with Italy.
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Summary: Armchair travel at its best...
Review: Three points about this equisite book: 1) This book should be read with the UTTS calendar nearby. Its photographs perfectly complement Ms. Mayes' evocative prose. 2) Reading UTTS was like taking a quick journey to a serene, sunlit land. Potential readers should probably decide whether they are idea-people or people-people, for ideas are the heart of this lovely memoir. People-oriented people may not be satisfied with the simplicity of Ms. Mayes' creative experience. 3) It's a keeper- I wish I had bought the hardcover edition. The paperback feels flimsy and cheap, but I will be reading it over and over.
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Summary: Packing my bags and going to Italy!
Review: I remeber Meryl Streep's character in Out of Africa telling stories of places she has never been but has read of. Reading Under the Tuscan Sun had me traveling without leaving my house. A beautiful descriptive book. I tasted, smelled, & felt everything in the towns she & her husband visited.
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Summary: Best Seller in US?
Review: The book is totally disappointing. I started off enthusiastically but had to force myself to continue after the first ten pages. I really have no idea why it is still topping the best seller list! I hate to say the following.....but the author cannot write.
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Summary: Magnificent diary of culture and life while restoring a home
Review: This is a spectacular work by a spectacular writer who not only understands the key to enjoying all life has to offer, but knows how to express that joy with unequalled passion and applomb. The author and her spouse have purchased a 17th century villa in the heart of elegant Tuscany, an area that has captured their own hearts and imaginations. Over several years of tender and frustrating restoration thay come to know the peoples, culture, foods, and energies of their new adopted home. Time shared between careers in San Francisco and holidays abroad create a deeply enviable lifestyle. But envy is not the correct word - admiration is more accurate, for this author sees the true joy and breadth of her world in all it's myriad aspects and revels in each new discovery. Her journey and storytelling capabilities are beyond exceptional, and this book is a rare peek into the web of honest happiness and contentment. The recipes, landscapes, personalities, friendships, and pure light of this book will bring tears to any reader's eyes, more so to the reader who knows the thrill and beauty of travel. My favorite of the past year without question.
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Summary: This book changed the way I bought food in a grocery store!
Review: Great book to read in the middle of January. Do not read unless you are prepared to purchase a ticket to Italy! Very relaxed book that gets you back to the basics.
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Summary: So, So. It made the train ride a little less dull
Review: Under a Tuscan Sun was a moderately enjoyable book, although nothing to rave about. Although well written it had that undeniable trait shared by most American travel / overseas books; it was on the whole ignorant of all things foreign. I found many of the author's observations condescending and cutesy.
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Summary: Restoration of a house? No, restoration of the pieno, soul.
Review: Frances Mayes in Under The Tuscan Sun has beautifully captured her adventures on an extended journey in this old land. Frances has not merely detailed the trials and joys of the purchase and subsequent restoration of a house in a land not of her birth. But through the typed word made the reader a intimate companion on the journey of discovery and wonder. Frances descriptive style allows the images to effortlessly appear in to ones minds eye. Open the book commence reading and you are there. Frances has shared her, to be envied, exploration across Tuscan landscape, language, food, wine, customs and life styles. Frances journey has touched on so many things of interest through the book that the reader is not stuck working their way through an extended 'house walk through' or a 280 page DIY guide. What Frances has here is a receipe for passion, passion for life, adventure and those simple things. A book to be read, shared and re-read. Oh yes, I am now off to further the experience.
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Summary: Just as with Peter Mayle, you KNOW where she lives.....
Review: Another wonderful description of "buying an old house and fixing it up in the European countryside." I haven't finished the book yet, but have found the descriptions of local life to be inspiring. The colors, aromas, and lay of the land come through so thoroughly. Who wouldn't love to explore the northern half of Italy after reading this book? (I can't wait to try the author's included recipes!)
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