Rating: 
Summary: Slightly over rated!
Review: The author's descriptions of the food and the scenery were the best parts of the book. However, the author was too technically descriptive regarding the villa's restoration. It was difficult to visualize the before and after without pictures to support her efforts. Also, a map of Italy and surrounding areas would have been a helpful reference point for the reader as well as glossary of the Italian terms she referenced quite frequently.Overall, I enjoyed the book but it was not worth the hype surrounding it.
Rating: 
Summary: Brava Signora Mayes, brava !!!
Review: This book will undoubtedly create an immense amount of "envy" of Ms. Mayes. The life, the food, the excitement of rebuilding the past and creating a home in what is certainly one of, if not THE most enchanting place on the planet. Even if you don't like challenges or work or travelling, how can one not feel the immense desire to walk in Ms. Mayes footsteps. Go for it!!!
Rating: 
Summary: It could have been promising!
Review: Under the Tuscan Sun provides with a few fragmentary glimpses into Italian life but unfortunately, having grown up in Italy I can tell it fails to grasp the heart, spirit, culture and true essence of Italy. Still, F.Mayes is a pretty good writter and she could have written a great book if she had placed Italy in the Center of the story instead of focusing excessively on herself, her opinions, her house, her taste ... Also, a touch of humour like Peter Mayle's would be useful. Unfortunately, Ms Mayes takes herself and everything about her life extremely seriously, whereas Mr Mayle has a noble humbleness that renders a humorous view on life possible ! If you'd like to learn more about F.Mayes, her house, and her taste on food, then this is the book for you; however, if you wish to read about genuine Italy, another book would be more advisable, even Goethe's travels to Italy written ages ago !
Rating:
Summary: What book did that "reader from USA" read??
Review: Frances Mayes doesn't whine; she exults. The Italians are not "quaint stereotypes;" they come in all shapes, sizes, and types and are alive on the page. It's amazing how one person's prejudices and envies blind him or her to the palpable reality of this marvelous book.
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Summary: A beautiful book overflowing with luscious imagery & warmth
Review: What a powerful talent the poet turned author is. Frances Mayes' imagery is truly evocative - compelling you out of your current surroundings and into the tumbling and fascinating world of Tuscany. Read this, you'll love it!!
Rating: 
Summary: Lazy, hazy, yummy read
Review: Frances Mayes is a darn good writer. Darn good. Of course, as a professor of creative writing at a university, you would hope she would be. But, I've been disappointed in these matters before. Through some genetic mishap, I was born with a dominant gene for traveling. However, my current circumstances allow only for short trips to unniteresting places, so I have to do my traveling via armchair. As a result, I am very strict, exigent if you will, about the travel books I read. I must feel like I am THERE. "Under The Tuscan Sun" transported me nicely to Italy. . The heat, the smells, the textures, I was there, cooking in the kitchen, stomping scorpions, waxing floors, sipping olive oil, having dinner with ex-patriot writers, worrying over replacing the floor.. This book is almost (emphasis on the almost) as good as being there in person. Admittedly, "Under The.." isn't a quick, gripping read. The pacing is languid and the structure is loose (but not sloppy) . Part travelogue,part recipe book, part diary, Mayes segues from one topic to another then back again. It works, though. It works very well. Enjoy.
Rating: 
Summary: Martha Stewart in Tuscany
Review: This book was boring, whiny, and obnoxious. This rich b****h buys a Tuscan villa, and then writes hundreds of pages listing all of the other things she buys to furnish the house: The title of this book should have been "Shop 'til You Drop in Tuscany." Throughout all this shopping, she feels sorry for herself and whines about how her Tuscan home doesn't boast the niceties of her other home in San Francisco. When actual Italians make cameo appearances in her self-centered monologue, they are quaint little stereotypes. And often the author is just plain wrong about her facts: For instance, in a chapter about visiting the Maremma, she goes to Montalcino, which ain't the Maremma. I suppose there are Martha Stewart-esque Italophiles who will think this book is "precious," but otherwise, beware.
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Summary: An Evocative Memoir
Review: I read this book on a 5 hour flight across the country. Within the first chapter, I was dreaming of taking another flight to Italy to find my dream villa. This book inspires me to action... I may not buy a villa, but I hope to rent one next summer. Her descriptions of the people, food, work, etc. takes you to Cortona, where you work along side her to reach her dream. Thanks for the escape!
Rating:
Summary: A feast for the mind, soul and tummy!
Review: I should be so lucky as to have to put up with the trials and tribulations of remodeling an ancient Italian ruin! What a delight to devour this book, relishing all the while the excursions across the Tuscan countryside, the pleasant times of dining, the history lessons and the relaxed approach of local workers. To sum up my innermost feelings of this book, I read the last 30 pages, sitting on our pool deck here in the Texas Hillcountry in 100 degree heat, dipping chunks of homemade bread in olive oil and washing it down with red wine. I probably gained 3 pounds while reading this book and loved every calorie!
Rating:
Summary: I really liked this book
Review: I liked the book. I read it twice. I liked the idea of someone purchasing an old house in another country and fixing it up. I love adventure and it is something that I would like to do someday (hopefully). I also like to cook, so it was interesting to read all the recipes using herbs and veggies from her property. I think it's a must read for people who have an interest in travel and adventure.
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