Too Much Tuscan Sun: Confessions of a Chianti Tour Guide (Insiders' Guides) by Dario Castagno, Robert Rodi Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Too Much Tuscan Sun: Confessions of a Chianti Tour Guide (Insiders' Guides)
Book Review: Too much sun has gone to Castagno's head
Summary: 1 Stars
When a student asked one of my colleagues why he had given him an "F" on a paper, the colleague replied, "Only because the college won't allow me to give you an "H." So I give this book a "1 star" only because amazon.com doesn't allow a "minus 5 star."
I can't imagine spending an hour, let alone a week, with Dario Castagno as a guide to one of the most wonderful areas in Europe. His conceit and arrogance are monumental, as if only he knows the "secret" Tuscan locations and as if only he understands the Tuscan spirit. When he is demeaning his clients (who have paid him hefty prices for his "insights"), does he also assume that along with their awful taste in art, culture and cuisine, they are also illiterate? Somebody should tell him that most Americans can read and understand his continual string of put-downs. And surely no former client reading this book would call him a friend.
I bought the book and read it one evening in Montereggioni. The next morning, so that nobody else would find it, I wrapped it in an old newspaper, sealed it securely with my last bit of invisible tape, and carried it to the street where I found a trash can to leave it.
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Book Review: Funny book
Summary: 5 Stars
As an American living in Italy, I enjoyed this book a lot. The title's contrast with "Under the Tuscan Sun" immediately brought a chuckle, and the book didn't dissappoint. Living in Italy for most people is not about fancy villas on hilltops in the Chianti region. Castagno does a great job of giving a flavor for the area and its people, as well as some of the wackier tourists that he has dealt with. The book is nicely rounded out too, with not only stories that make you think "is that for real?!" of crazy americans, but also lots of nice, genuine people, many of whom have become good friends with Dario over the years, according to the book.
Definitely a worthwhile read, along with Tim Parks' Italian Neighbours and Italian Education.