Bella Tuscany: The Sweet Life in Italy Summary and Reviews

Bella Tuscany: The Sweet Life in Italy
by Frances Mayes

Bella Tuscany: The Sweet Life in Italy
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Book Summary Information

Author: Frances Mayes
Edition: Paperback
Published: 2000-04-04
ISBN: 076790284X
Number of pages: 304
Publisher: Broadway

Book Reviews of Bella Tuscany: The Sweet Life in Italy

Book Review: pretentious but occasionally thought-provoking
Summary: 3 Stars

Overall, I found the book to be pretentious in its sensual praise of Tuscany. As we get chapters on Sicily, the Veneto and Umbria the title is also somewhat misleading. And, as one reviewer commented why not "Bella Toscana"? Life would be the way Mayes describes it if we all had as many almighty American bucks in our bank accounts for the renovations, garden modifications, meals out, handbags, shoes and clothes. The reality is quite different if you live in Italy 365 days a year. The bank balance is much lower, your priorities change and it's sometimes impossible to find much that's positive about the place. Having said that, I would readily agree that life in Tuscany or anywhere in Italy is saner than America so perhaps Mayes has good reasons for raving. This reviewer lives in Italy but not by choice and I must say that Mayes, to her credit, manages to open the reader's eyes more to what tends to feel ordinary or commonplace. I attended worship in a medieval parish church this morning and contemplated part of a fresco wondering whether it could be incorporated into my ongoing house renovations.

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