A fascinating trip with an American married to an Italian lady who lives in Verona. An interesting and accurate account of the Italian way of life. ( )

It is a sharp analysis of our (Italian) family and social life. It is amusing, and sometimes it made me to think about our habits, that surely are difficult to understand for people from other countries. Parks forgot another important Italian habit: we can say all the possible evil about our own country, but nobody else can! So, sometimes I felt hurt by his words, even if I must say they are pretty accurate.
A good book, that gives Italian an interesting point of view on their own life.

Tim Parks is married to an Italian and living near Verona with their two children. He explores contemporary Italian life at home and at work. Even though I have been to Italy on holiday many times I realised how little I really understood Italian attitudes, politics and predjudices. He writes with an amusing light touch, that frequently had me laughing out loud. ( )

Loved it - great descriptions, cuts below the surface. ( )

I really enjoyed Parks' humorous expat. view of the underbelly of Italian education and society in general. Good droll english humor. I felt like I was living in Italy with him and his family. ( )