Under the Tuscan Sun: At Home In Italy

It Really Just Depends

I started reading this book knowing that it was going to be nothing like the movie. And let me tell you, I was right. I knew it wouldn't have the fluff and romance the movie did, and I was okay with that- or so I thought.
This book is beautifully written, and if you're one of those armchair travelers, you'll absolutely LOVE IT- go buy it right now! Although, if you're not...then think a bit more before.
I think that this book would be something fantastic to read if you wanted to relax and escape from your world, if only for a little bit. Maybe the reason I didn't like it so much was because I was on my school's winter break, and therefore- already too relaxed. This book had no action, no romance, and nothing really to get me INTO it. Then again, if I ever have a really rough day where everything seems to be going wrong- I will
definitely pick up this book and read a couple of pages. Because it's relaxing, it's interesting, it's descriptions are flawless.
If you want to read this book and ENJOY it, you have to love learning, because that's what it is, really. It's teaching you about her experience in Italy and the country's culture as well.
To sum it up, this book is for those who love biographies, beautiful and descriptive writing, culture, and something that you can sit down and relax to.

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

A superb feast

I am an avid reader. I don't waste time on books if they don't catch my interest right in the beginning. Hey, there are sooo many books out there to read and so little time. Anway, this book is beyond words. I tasted the food described and felt the sun on my back and sensed the colors of the terrain. It was such a treat to read. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a book that transports them to another place! She has a new one coming out too....titled "Swan".

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Excellent Choice

This is a very detailed book. Like a previous review stated, it is not a "before bed" book. It's more of a rainy Sunday afternoon curl up on the couch with a book, blanket, and a glass of wine. I bought this book because I wanted to see how close the movie was to it. There are bits and pieces from the book in it, but doesn't come close. If you enjoy the movie, you will love this book. I can't wait to read Bella next.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

A delicious read!

Under the Tuscan Sun follows creative writing professor Frances Mayes and her husband as they move to Italy and restore a villa, all while sampling the local food and learning how to be Italian.

This book is mostly about home restoration and food, two topics Mayes manages to make both humorous and interesting. I loved the book, but there were a few things that bothered me.

First, Mayes' descriptions of her childhood throughout the book scream of wealth and privilege... not nice at all. Secondly, her attitude towards the Catholic church really bothered me. She seemed to almost make fun of it, going to far as to mention that she wants a font of holy water for her home! I find this extremely offensive, being Catholic myself.

But those things are few and far between in the book, and besides them, the book is great, very relaxing to read and slow-paced, so it's easy to follow. It's good to read over and over, and the recipes included sound so delicious, you just want to try them yourself. Unless you're someone looking for a romance or action book, you'll love Under the Tuscan Sun.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A wonderfull biography, unlike the movie

This is a wonderfull book on the exsperiences of Frances Mayers and her friend Ed who buy bramasole villa in Tuscany. The author goes into every detail about the house, gardens and problems with remodling. As well as the countryside of Tuscany. If you are looking for something like the movie, this book is not for you. The movie is pure fiction. This book is more like a biography, and need to be read as such.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

I liked this.

If you're after 'chills & thrills,' this isn't for you. This is an adventure of the spirit, for those who enjoy learning as they read. Ms. Mayes & her companion Ed Kleinschmidt take the risk of buying a run-down house in Tuscany &, over the succeeding summers, renovate it, making discoveries about the house, the surrounding country, their neighbors, & themselves.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A Recent Italian Traveler

I am 18 years old, and I recently returned from a trip to Italy, on which I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Frances Mayes, right outside her home, Bramasole. For all of the readers who do not understand how she could love those simple things so much, it would be hard to imagine....unless you have been there, which I have. Italy, particularly the region of Tuscany, is a breathtaking place that cannot possibly be done justice in a book. I love this book simply because when I read it, I remembered how much I loved being there.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Lovely

A lovely book about a woman who took a chance and changed her life. The descriptions of the flowers, views and daily life are marvelous. Although I've never been to Tuscany, her book has taken me there and I will never forget it.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

smell the pasta

I think the best part of the book was to remind me how pathetic most Americans have become in reference to taking the time to enjoy the 'given'. 'Given' meaning such things as the simple joy of food, wildlife, what makes an individual unique, taking a walk, etc. In the U.S. we are so concerned with making a buck, doing things as fast as we can so that we have more time to do what? This book reminded me at least of what is most important and how the most enjoyable things in life are either in your home or right outside the door....

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Quite different from the movie

But a lovely book to read. Gives a wonderful insight to living in Italy. Wish I could trade places with her!

I could feel the warmth of the Tuscan sun

I enjoyed and could feel the author's love for this region of Italy and found it a bit contagious. I loved her descriptions of their house on the hill overlooking a river valley and their discoveries of Etruscan roads and artifacts on their property and close by. She takes us with her on a tour of Tuscany and Umbria searching out Etruscan sites and tombs and savoring all the food and wine the region has to offer. It was very inspiring to read about their restoration projects and how they progressed. About how they terraced the hillside all around their home and took great care in planning and planting all of their gardens and outdoor dining and sitting areas. Her love for food and cooking is hard to ignore and there are some wonderful recipes included in this book which I can't wait to try.

Interesting Book

This book is a very detailed book with a lot of interesting facts
that give you a true insight to the life in Italy. It is not an easy
read though to relax before bed as the type is very small and it is
lengthy in detail...not really a novel which I had thought it was when
I bought it but all in all, a great read and worth reading!

Great Book for Armchair Travelers

You should start with this book before reading Frances Mayes other two books on her life in Tuscany Italy. It is good book for a rainy day at home or at the beach on a sunny day. Also, if you saw the movie Under the Tuscan Sun you should read this book because it is much better and much different than the movie. The only problem I have with the book is the lack of illustrations and photos. However she is good at describing her life over there that it makes up for the lack of photos.

Horrible Book

I read this book hoping for an enchanting story about Italy. All I recieved was a boring, dull, detailed story about inanamate objects. I wasted three months, without reading anything else and i barely got to page 50. (and i'm not a slow reader) It dragged on and on and it didn't have a plot or a climax. Overall this book stunk.

0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

one of the most boring books I've ever read

I chose this book because I myself lived in Italy a few years ago, but aside from sparking some memories, this book had nothing to offer. Mayes often spent multiple paragraphs describing a trivial object, and seemed to focus obsessively on food. The story offered no character development (she said virtually nothing about her husband, Ed, or daughter,) no real plot, no climax, and no resolution. The content was better suited for a personal diary that did not have hopes of entertaining others.

From Now On, 'The Money Pit ' Goes To The Olive Garden For All Meals

One thing I can definitely say about this book is that it left me hungry. One, for a better book selection next time, and, two, for some Italian food. The book seemed more like a cookbook to me...almost every page described something edible. Even when they were doing renovations, running into problems, etc. there was still food involved. I was waiting for the turkey to fly out of the oven explosively as in 'The Money Pit' also when Ms. Mayes made one. That was some comedy that this book certainly could have used. On the positive side, I learned what a 'Catherine Wheel' was. Previously, I thought it was an alternative rock group from my past that I miss excruciatingly (the past, not the group).

A vacation in the pages...

I really enjoyed this book, but it wasn't what I would call 'light reading'. I had to read without any form of distraction so I could escape to her beautiful location. Every page was filled with dense descriptions of her surroundings and detailed narratives, and I felt as if I were on a wonderful vacation. It was a very enjoyable read, despite the two weeks it took me to finish the book!

Was Expecting More

When I saw trailers to the movie, I thought I would read the book first before I watched the movie. You know the book is always better than the movie. But in my opinion, the book was rather dull. I enjoyed the first half of the book but soon become bored by the end. It was very descriptive on behalf of her travels and food cuisine. I guess if I would have been to Italy I could appreciate the book.

lovely and light a book I enjoy relaxing to

Just find a comfortable chair, relax open the book and Frances Mayes will take you there. Even better if visiting Italy is on your wish list (read it to enjoy it -and not to pick it apart). P.S Now I'm hoping that Lidia will make her cookbooks like a memoir.

Good book - but not for everyone

I really liked the descriptions of the home and the city. Some chapters actually made me taste olive oil through words. Great descriptions of scenery and tastes. I'll be in Italy next year too! She does drift a little and the reader must be tolerant of a softly plotted, more description than action book. It will keep you dreaming of far off places, people, and foods/drinks.