Italian Lessons: Fifty Things We Know About Life Now

by Beppe Severgnini

Overview

One-of-a-kind timeless lessons for handling challenges and living with joy, the Italian way—“with unparalleled insight and brilliant wit, Severgnini’s book not only transports us to Italy but deep into the Italian mind and spirit" (Stanley Tucci, host of Searching for Italy).

Is there an Italian way to deal with life? Can we all learn something from the Italians?

Italy often arouses in Americans a unique mix of attraction and bafflement, moderate disapproval and incredible allure. From the Italians' love of poetry to an innate desire to socialize to the regional differences between the north and the south, Beppe Severgnini, who has dedicated his career to the meticulous observation of his compatriots, embarks on an enthralling quest to identify a core Italian identity and explore how that identity has evolved since the global pandemic.

Told with the warmth and humor of a longtime friend, Severgnini touches upon patience, endurance, and wisdom, and offers a one-of-a-kind set of timeless lessons for overcoming trials, the Italian way.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780593315637
Publisher:	Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
Publication date:	05/03/2022
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	5.20(w) x 7.90(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Beppe Severgnini is an acclaimed columnist and an editor for Italy’s largest circulation daily newspaper, Corriere della Sera. A longtime Italian correspondent for The Economist and a frequent contributor to The New York Times, he traveled all over the world. Among his books are the New York Times bestseller La Bella Figura: A Field Guide to the Italian Mind, Off the Rails: a Train Trip Through Life, and the international bestseller Ciao, America!: An Italian Discovers the U.S. He lives with his family outside Milan.

Editorial Reviews

With unparalleled insight and brilliant wit, Beppe Severgnini’s book not only transports us to Italy but deep into the Italian mind and spirit.” —Stanley Tucci, host of Searching for Italy

"Engaging . . . . Prolific author Severgnini (Off the Rails) is known for his thoughtful observations about his home country and his fellow Italians. . . . He addresses world events through comparative national lenses, raising thought-provoking questions. Ranging in tone from didactic to amusing to evocative, these essays are always interesting. Severgnini's ultimate reassuring takeaway for the future? There's hope—especially if you're Italian." —Kathleen McBroom, Booklist

From the Publisher

Inspired by Italy’s response to the Covid pandemic, this audiobook, narrated by AUDIOFILE Golden Voice Edoardo Ballerini, offers historical anecdotes, cautionary tales, and stereotype-busting assertions and affirmations that highlight the character of Italians. Ballerini delivers its passionate descriptions of the Italian core personality—in particular, a love of poetry, music, and food—with respect and delicacy. When he practically sings a list of names of sumptuous Italian dishes, mouths will water. Severgnini credits Italy’s successes to its good national health system, the importance of family in its social structures, and the Italian unwillingness to fail, even in the face of Covid. Ballerini’s flawless delivery of Italian words and an Italian accent make the listening experience feel especially authentic. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine

JULY 2022 - AudioFile

Inspired by Italy’s response to the Covid pandemic, this audiobook, narrated by AUDIOFILE Golden Voice Edoardo Ballerini, offers historical anecdotes, cautionary tales, and stereotype-busting assertions and affirmations that highlight the character of Italians. Ballerini delivers its passionate descriptions of the Italian core personality—in particular, a love of poetry, music, and food—with respect and delicacy. When he practically sings a list of names of sumptuous Italian dishes, mouths will water. Severgnini credits Italy’s successes to its good national health system, the importance of family in its social structures, and the Italian unwillingness to fail, even in the face of Covid. Ballerini’s flawless delivery of Italian words and an Italian accent make the listening experience feel especially authentic. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine

JULY 2022 - AudioFile