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3.53 AVERAGE
3.53 AVERAGE
Before I launch into this, I couldn't help but notice the surprising amount of negative reviews for this book. Objectively, I can't imagine that it could ever be considered unreadable. I'm going to assume it's because it's not YA.
With that out of the way, I will say this was a pleasant book to read. Perfect for spring break in a boring Midwestern environment that has currently blah weather. I'd seen the movie before and figured that half (in fact, I would now say 98%) of it was fabricated and formulaic. But not a bad movie by any means, I actually consider it to be one of my guilty pleasures. I came into reading the book with fairly realistic expectations and kept them as low as possible.
It didn't seem like a promising start at first, I will admit, mostly because it involves the purchase of the Tuscan house and the start of what would be extensive remodeling at the beginning. That part was tedious to read, mostly because there's only so many times you can read about dry wall being knocked down.
But, I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly the book hit its stride afterwards. It becomes very immersive with vivid descriptions of the landscape, the towns, the architecture, and of course, the food. I don't think you can talk about Italy without talking about food. I even found the recipe portions interesting to read, if only so I can imagine myself making half of those dishes successfully (only in daydreams).
I felt like I had a better understanding of Italian culture after reading this book. And the Italian words throughout really adds to the authenticity. Mayes seems to have a long-lasting love for Italy, and it shows here. This book is perfect for a vacation, even if it's a metaphorical one.
With that out of the way, I will say this was a pleasant book to read. Perfect for spring break in a boring Midwestern environment that has currently blah weather. I'd seen the movie before and figured that half (in fact, I would now say 98%) of it was fabricated and formulaic. But not a bad movie by any means, I actually consider it to be one of my guilty pleasures. I came into reading the book with fairly realistic expectations and kept them as low as possible.
It didn't seem like a promising start at first, I will admit, mostly because it involves the purchase of the Tuscan house and the start of what would be extensive remodeling at the beginning. That part was tedious to read, mostly because there's only so many times you can read about dry wall being knocked down.
But, I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly the book hit its stride afterwards. It becomes very immersive with vivid descriptions of the landscape, the towns, the architecture, and of course, the food. I don't think you can talk about Italy without talking about food. I even found the recipe portions interesting to read, if only so I can imagine myself making half of those dishes successfully (only in daydreams).
I felt like I had a better understanding of Italian culture after reading this book. And the Italian words throughout really adds to the authenticity. Mayes seems to have a long-lasting love for Italy, and it shows here. This book is perfect for a vacation, even if it's a metaphorical one.
I admit that since I first read Under the Tuscan Sun (approximately 20 years ago--yikes!), I’ve dreamed of following in Frances Mayes’s footsteps and dropping everything to purchase an old villa in Tuscany. Just like her, I imagine myself uncovering beautiful frescas under years of dirt, searching through the Italian countryside for the perfect furniture to complement and bring comfort to my home, and daily trips to the market to buy all of the beautiful fresh ingredients for my simple rustic dinner (paired with a gorgeous wine, of course).
But, then, I pretty quickly remember that I don’t have the money, time, or patience to do such things. (I’m also not particularly talented--or interested--in the DIY arena...probably important when attempting to restore an old villa.)
So, when I picked up the book again, I knew what I was getting myself into. I made sure there was red wine in my kitchen, fresh flowers on my balcony, and a list of Italian restaurants that delivered nearby before digging in again, so I wouldn’t get too jealous of her life. I knew I would be transported to the luscious fields, rolling hills, and old villas that dot the Tuscan countryside. I knew I would salivate at her descriptions of fresh pasta, rich cheeses, and complex wines. I knew there would be discussions of sealants, scrubbing, paint selections and a lot of hard work.
I also knew there wasn’t much more to the book than that. The book is a description of the time Frances Mayes and her partner bought a villa in Tuscany, the efforts they made to restore it and turn it into a home, and everything they learned about Italy along the way. (Spoiler: the book is pretty much nothing like the movie, Under the Tuscan Sun, though I love that, too.)
If you, too, dream of a simpler life in Tuscany, cozy up with a glass of Chianti and this book.
One note: I did try the audiobook version for this second read and I just couldn’t do it. Although I normally love it when authors read their own books, I’m afraid I couldn’t get over her slow Southern drawl and surprisingly awful Italian pronunciations. This is one you’ll want to hold in your hands anyway.
But, then, I pretty quickly remember that I don’t have the money, time, or patience to do such things. (I’m also not particularly talented--or interested--in the DIY arena...probably important when attempting to restore an old villa.)
So, when I picked up the book again, I knew what I was getting myself into. I made sure there was red wine in my kitchen, fresh flowers on my balcony, and a list of Italian restaurants that delivered nearby before digging in again, so I wouldn’t get too jealous of her life. I knew I would be transported to the luscious fields, rolling hills, and old villas that dot the Tuscan countryside. I knew I would salivate at her descriptions of fresh pasta, rich cheeses, and complex wines. I knew there would be discussions of sealants, scrubbing, paint selections and a lot of hard work.
I also knew there wasn’t much more to the book than that. The book is a description of the time Frances Mayes and her partner bought a villa in Tuscany, the efforts they made to restore it and turn it into a home, and everything they learned about Italy along the way. (Spoiler: the book is pretty much nothing like the movie, Under the Tuscan Sun, though I love that, too.)
If you, too, dream of a simpler life in Tuscany, cozy up with a glass of Chianti and this book.
One note: I did try the audiobook version for this second read and I just couldn’t do it. Although I normally love it when authors read their own books, I’m afraid I couldn’t get over her slow Southern drawl and surprisingly awful Italian pronunciations. This is one you’ll want to hold in your hands anyway.
slow-paced
I will begin with I love the movie. Recently I have thought about the movie where Frances realizes that the family she has isn't quite the family she imagined - and is cool with that. Unfortunately, that was not in this book. Frances is completely different. I did have a harder time connecting with the real Frances because we really don't have much in common, but I think we could in person. I found the book to be interesting with the rehabilitating Bramasole. If you are looking for a laid back book in which nothing really happens then this a good choice.
Read this book during quarantine when I was preoccupied with making my house a cozy home. Drawn to stories about “home” and the love of.
Just a note - it's not at all like the movie. I enjoyed it, recently having come back home from a trip to Italy. The story was interesting and inspiring and I like her style of writing which allows me to really picture what she discusses.
Might be biased - lasot grāmatu par villu Toskānā, zvilnot pie baseina, līdzās citai villai Toskānā. 10/10 would recommend
I love this book! It seems like I leave enough time in between readings that it feels like a different book every time. It always makes me want to work on our own place, but we never can. This time through I have planned out my room. My husband has said when we get our own place I am going to have my own room to do all my crafting in. It seems to be annoying him that I have a knitting basket and knit while I watch TV. But I want to have light linen curtains hanging from an iron curtain rod in the window. I’d have all my books, the movies he never wants to watch, my desk, a table to do all the crafting at, craft supplies, and a corner full of pillows and a blanket where I can curl up and read.
But anyway. (Click here for the rest.)
But anyway. (Click here for the rest.)
Basically like reading a rich middle aged lady’s aspirational mid life crisis Pinterest board come to life. But it’s beautifully written, so it’s kinda fun to be so indulgent with her. For the most part, she’s decent company, although sometimes she gets a little too FWPy and over-idealizing the simple lives of the common folk.
Works as a nice escapist fantasy, like an older book with little plot and substance, but pretty descriptions that keep you reading.
Works as a nice escapist fantasy, like an older book with little plot and substance, but pretty descriptions that keep you reading.
