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Simply Italian #1
A Zany Slice of Italy
This light, lively book takes place in Italy, with hilarious anecdotes about the author and her husband’s trip to visit his family in Abruzzo and finally their escape to Tuscany. Her own expectations were shattered when she embarked on la dolce vita. She envisioned drinking unforgettable Brunello by candlelight and discussing art and history with elegant dinner guests. Instead, dinner discussions revolved around how to avoid a “bad wind,” whether the Mafia runs IKEA, and bizarre theories on why the Chinese in Italy never have funerals. Now she drinks Zio’s own “unforgettable,” almost undrinkable, wine, as he pays long-winded tributes to the vile liquid as if it were an elixir of the gods. Celebrate with our author—for mere mortals, or their livers, could not have lived to tell the tale. Although the author was initially drawn to Italy for its art, architecture, and Vogue, often described in other books, it is evident that still lifes and stilettos do not hold this author’s attention as much as living people do. The author’s open, sympathetic viewpoint captures the characters' quirky charm and the local color. Although you certainly wouldn’t call this a philosophical book, how the author observes and deals with individuals and situations in her life shows that she follows her own philosophy, one that is worth looking into. If we could regard the most sinister carabinieri and the most self-important consulate employee with sympathetic amusement and not anger, that would be an accomplishment worth imitating. The author can laugh at her own expense, a rare quality. Her attitude and wit can turn even adversity into an almost tolerable and redeeming experience. Although the author is not so naïve as to think that all Italians’ lives flow as smoothly as their olive oil, she has not met anyone in Italy who is bitterly disappointed with life. Follow her unlikely adventures as she’s reduced to tears by crazy-making Italian bureaucrats and tries to find work as a truffle telemarketer. You will encounter elderly aunts climbing trees, pyromaniac septuagenarians, and all sorts of “fowl” play. So pour yourself a glass of bad Italian wine, add a dose of accordion music, and spend some time in Ivanka Di Felice’s Italy.
307 pages, Paperback
First published April 26, 2014
116 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Ivanka Di Felice
43 books5 followersIvanka Di Felice is a writer living in Tuscany. She will assure you that it's far less pretentious than it sounds. She was born in Toronto, Canada. She is 39 years and 94 months old. In her quest for happiness, she followed Nora Ephron’s advice: “Secret to life, marry an Italian.” She loves writing humorous stories and enjoys reading.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 13, 2015
This book is so well written, so refreshing and truly funny. Moreover, it is completely different from other books about la dolce vita in Italy, or any other place for that matter. I devoured it and I was sorry to get to the last page. This is a book to keep. Do yourself (or someone else) a favour and enjoy this Italian ride! Definitely a five-star.
July 23, 2016
Fabulous Fun Reading, a Tuscan Dream or Nightmare?
My man and I have lived in Tuscany for twelve years, the first one near Arrezzo. The house hunting chapters are absolutely spot on as are the neighbors' enthusiasm for bringing gifts of half their vegetable plots. Ivanka paints the picture really well and her characters come alive in vivid colour. Really good book, I'm about to buy the next one!
June Finnigan - Writer
My man and I have lived in Tuscany for twelve years, the first one near Arrezzo. The house hunting chapters are absolutely spot on as are the neighbors' enthusiasm for bringing gifts of half their vegetable plots. Ivanka paints the picture really well and her characters come alive in vivid colour. Really good book, I'm about to buy the next one!
June Finnigan - Writer
May 5, 2014
I have read a lot of books about life in Italy, some good, some bad, but none have made me laugh out loud like this one. Just a fun look at someone trying to live in Italy without preaching its superiority from a mountain top or rolling out all the clichés. The style of humour made me think of Bill Bryson or Peter Mayle. Very Enjoyable!
October 23, 2014
Ever wonder what it would be like to take a year off and live among your Italian relatives in Italy? Wonder no longer! The author has done it and recounts it with wit and wisdom in this memoirs. Her first-generation Canadian-Italian husband manages to get Italian citizenship, so they can stay in Italy legally, and have some health coverage, too. What they didn't count on was the gregarious Italian social life that centers around family.
Family in Italy means obligations, inspections, helping hands, intrusive noses, lots of free food, opinionated lectures, and a bedroom now and then when touring the country. North American culture allows for more privacy than the author and her husband, both a bit introverted, discover is an oddity in densely populated, highly-social, and close-knit Italy.
The style of humor and writing in A Zany slice of Italy reminded me of Ferenc Mate, another Canadian who emigrated to Italy and wrote a book about it.
The book is well-written and expertly edited. The cover is cute and fits the book perfectly. I feel that the book is actually a book and an half. The selective story of the couple's year in Italy feels like one book that should end when the couple returns to Canada. I looked for the chapter on how they try to integrate into their life in Canada all the things they learned they loved while living in Italy.
Instead there is an immediate and barely explained leap back to Italy, where the couple hopes to live permanently. They leave good jobs behind to move to a country where it is nearly impossible to find a job, let alone a job that provides a livable wage. The stories related in that "second book" are so negative I kept waiting for the leap back to Canada.
That leap may still come, but it is not in this book, which is why I feel like the second book is only half there. There is no resolution to their economic woes. Perhaps this book is an attempt to find one. As the author says: "...despite my reality--the chaotic, relentless visits from fun-loving paesani and relatives; dealing with Italy's Byzantine bureaucracies; the difficulty earning a living--I realize my life here is much richer than I ever could have imagined."
I wish them all the best of luck and happiness!
Please read my full and illustrated review at Italophile Book Reviews.
http://italophilebookreviews.blogspot...
Family in Italy means obligations, inspections, helping hands, intrusive noses, lots of free food, opinionated lectures, and a bedroom now and then when touring the country. North American culture allows for more privacy than the author and her husband, both a bit introverted, discover is an oddity in densely populated, highly-social, and close-knit Italy.
The style of humor and writing in A Zany slice of Italy reminded me of Ferenc Mate, another Canadian who emigrated to Italy and wrote a book about it.
The book is well-written and expertly edited. The cover is cute and fits the book perfectly. I feel that the book is actually a book and an half. The selective story of the couple's year in Italy feels like one book that should end when the couple returns to Canada. I looked for the chapter on how they try to integrate into their life in Canada all the things they learned they loved while living in Italy.
Instead there is an immediate and barely explained leap back to Italy, where the couple hopes to live permanently. They leave good jobs behind to move to a country where it is nearly impossible to find a job, let alone a job that provides a livable wage. The stories related in that "second book" are so negative I kept waiting for the leap back to Canada.
That leap may still come, but it is not in this book, which is why I feel like the second book is only half there. There is no resolution to their economic woes. Perhaps this book is an attempt to find one. As the author says: "...despite my reality--the chaotic, relentless visits from fun-loving paesani and relatives; dealing with Italy's Byzantine bureaucracies; the difficulty earning a living--I realize my life here is much richer than I ever could have imagined."
I wish them all the best of luck and happiness!
Please read my full and illustrated review at Italophile Book Reviews.
http://italophilebookreviews.blogspot...
May 30, 2015
I've lived overseas for nearly half of my life, in 2nd- and 3rd-world countries. I knew the second I opened this book that I'd be able to relate to the story, and that I'd laugh many times. Anyone who has packed up and moved halfway across the world will understand the culture shock, frustration, disbelief and eventual acceptance of learning to live in a new culture - even if it's a culture they admire and think they understand. In the end, it's the expat who changes their expectations and adapts, if they are open minded enough to put aside pre-conceived notions of how things *should* work. On the other side of that struggle to adapt is happiness and a deep appreciation for the culture, food, language, music and architecture of your adopted country.
Ivanka Di Felice's "A Zany Slice Of Italy" is part diary and part travel guide covering the first year of their new life. She and her husband, who are Canadian, move to Italy and live near his Italian parents. The author had a rosy vision of Italy from reading Frances Mayes' "Under The Tuscan Sun" but the realities of invasive inlaws, government bureaucracy, deeply grained traditions and crazy drivers don't quite match her expectations. As they adjust and settle in, they begin to see the beauty of a different way of life, and find contentment. Written in a self-deprecating and humorous way, this book entertained me start to finish.
I received a complimentary copy of the book for reading and review purposes. I give this book 4.5 stars for humor, honesty, and a realistic view of living in another country.
Ivanka Di Felice's "A Zany Slice Of Italy" is part diary and part travel guide covering the first year of their new life. She and her husband, who are Canadian, move to Italy and live near his Italian parents. The author had a rosy vision of Italy from reading Frances Mayes' "Under The Tuscan Sun" but the realities of invasive inlaws, government bureaucracy, deeply grained traditions and crazy drivers don't quite match her expectations. As they adjust and settle in, they begin to see the beauty of a different way of life, and find contentment. Written in a self-deprecating and humorous way, this book entertained me start to finish.
I received a complimentary copy of the book for reading and review purposes. I give this book 4.5 stars for humor, honesty, and a realistic view of living in another country.
January 19, 2015
An enjoyable first-person narrative about two Canadians moving to Italy, written with an engaging style and lots of humour. This will be enjoyed by anyone who has lived in Italy, or moved to another country, or been married to someone with a large family. I tick two out of three of the boxes, and I loved this. I laughed out loud several times as I read it, and that doesn't happen all that often for me. If I had a criticism, it would be that there's not enough of a narrative structure, but it's not really that sort of book. Still, Di Felice has such a good eye for telling detail, and such nice way with words, that I look forward to her next book. I hope it's a novel - I am sure she will write a very good one. Oh, and there are some recipes at the end as a bonus!
March 1, 2017
A Zany Slice of Italy is a delightfully charming and funny memoir made up of short anecdotes about author Ivanka's “Italian Prince,” who was once Canadian, and his many traditional Italian relatives plus equally quirky friends and neighbors in Italy. Old world charm and tradition, for better or worse, meets modern Canadian "Americani." Ivanka has a great sense of humor that pokes fun with love, letting us see a more real Italy than the fairytale land of glowing sunflowers and fine wine enjoyed by rich expats. Don't expect a travelogue, although plenty of passages made me feel the beauty of Italy and crave wine that was not Zio Mario's. I highly recommend this well-written book with the cute cover.
January 13, 2015
“The truth is out there.” Many have some fairy-tale-like ideas about what life is like in Italy. Tuscan sun, Michelangelo, Rome, the Renaissance, blah blah blah for example. Having lived through a somewhat similar life-altering experience as Ms. Di Felice myself, I could not help but laugh out loud many times throughout her book. Her capture of the real “Dolce Vita” is socially accurate, portraying the reality of the Italian family culture with a humor and wit that only an insider can. As confounding as the Italian way of doing things is, her true life experiences are presented in such a way that you will still want to come to Italy nonetheless.
January 13, 2015
This book will leave you with the sensation of having relocated to Italy yourself with all the twists and turns such a move would entail. The only exception is that you are not left exasperated, but rather have a healthy dose of humor injected into your "travels". The Italian Prince and his Canadian Princess assume an ever endearing role as they crusade against their newfound, yet ancient civilization. This book is a very enjoyable and easy read even for those who are not bookworms. You will be highly amused, greatly captivated and completely enamored with the characters and their "relative" experiences. -Mena Becker
January 14, 2015
If you are looking for another book praising the beauty of Italian nature and art, this is not perhaps your cup of tea, but if you want to enjoy a funny and relaxing read you cannot miss this one. With an acute and pungent sense of humour the writer portrays Italian behaviour in a way that will make you laugh at every single page. Being Italian myself, I particularly enjoyed this hilarious analysis of the “Italian nature” considered from the “Canadian point of view.” Personally I look forward to reading the next book Ms. Di Felice will write.
January 12, 2015
A different, funny story; not predictable. Characters suddenly appear from behind fig and olive trees and old walls; each one unique and unintentionally funny. Surprised movie makers haven't spotted them yet!
Italy hands Mrs Di Felice some lemons so she makes lemonade and had enough left over for a big slice of lemon pie! So much better than what she was expecting, and good thing, for if she got what she expected, there would be no book to write or at least not such a jolly one!
Italy hands Mrs Di Felice some lemons so she makes lemonade and had enough left over for a big slice of lemon pie! So much better than what she was expecting, and good thing, for if she got what she expected, there would be no book to write or at least not such a jolly one!
January 27, 2015
From 2 ‘Stranieri’ living in Italy: I really enjoyed reading your book...I almost finished it by day two! I loved the warm and funny recollections of your life and family in Italy. Thank you for the laughs. I look forward to your next edition!
January 29, 2015
I love a book that makes you express the emotions you are feeling out loud. I find myself laughing and occasionally gasping audibly while reading. It is so nice to have a good, clean, fun book to read! Keep them coming!
January 8, 2016
Enjoyable light reading. Descriptions weren't overdone. But enough detail is given to picture the surroundings. Many laughs from the family stories.
January 16, 2018
I loved my three weeks as a tourist in Italy.
After reading this book, I would NEVER want to live there!
After reading this book, I would NEVER want to live there!
January 12, 2015
Great read. Who hasn’t dreamed about what it would be like to live in Italy. I thoroughly enjoyed myself as a fly on the wall in her world, informing myself about the hilarious reality of relocating to the motherland. I especially was entertained by her analysis of her husband’s take on “living the dream” among Seinfeld-like family members and passionate bureaucrats. Funny stories are recounted, but somehow always with a lilt of affection for the situations, that never leave you feeling negative, but feeling like you’ve finally lived...in Italy. Great flow with a quality style of writing and editing. Would recommend it to anyone.
October 12, 2015
I really liked this book. I actually started it while I was in Italy visiting family and life has been hectic upon returning to the states but I read whenever I could. It actually made me laugh out loud more than a few times. I visit family in Italy often and this is a true, authentic story of what it is like living with a bunch of lovable, passionate, and often times superstitious individuals---but I wouldn't have it any other way. I love Italy and it's people---a great recount of one couples journey.
November 19, 2015
When Ivanka Di Felice and her husband, who is a 2nd generation Canadian of Italian descent, move to Italy for a year, leaving behind her high pressure stock market job for the idyllic life she expects in Italy, she didn't count on the extended Italian family she would have to deal with. A woman's role in life in Italy is well defined in the countryside and she will be expected to keep a perfectly clean house and cook and dress and serve the men's food. The adjustment makes for some great laugh aloud episodes. Worth a read.
May 3, 2015
I was pleasantly surprised when I read |Ivanka's book, quite a few laugh out loud moments. It's an easy read, she brought the Italy that I long to see, into my home. I feel like if I sat down to dinner with her family and friends her characterization of them would prove accurate! It's a fun, light read.
May 21, 2015
Very light and very funny.
Truly funnier than I expected and much more entertaining. None of this could be invented and that is why it delights so much. We all may love the cinematic images of Tuscany, but the people who live there are even more humorous and dysfunctional. Didn't want this to end. Italian families can drive everyone crazy.
Truly funnier than I expected and much more entertaining. None of this could be invented and that is why it delights so much. We all may love the cinematic images of Tuscany, but the people who live there are even more humorous and dysfunctional. Didn't want this to end. Italian families can drive everyone crazy.
June 22, 2015
what you get: a couple who came from Canada to live in Abruzzo and later in Tuscany, living on nothing, speaking little Italian and making do with the not always welcome help of relatives.
Not what I wanted, though, sadly.
Not what I wanted, though, sadly.
June 27, 2015
Great book
This is a realistic portrait yet humorous portrait of the experiences involved if you move to Italy, including cultural differences of few of the different regions of Italy
This is a realistic portrait yet humorous portrait of the experiences involved if you move to Italy, including cultural differences of few of the different regions of Italy
June 4, 2016
Read this because I was traveling in Tuscany... that's the only reason. Parts are funny or interesting, but a better editor would have shortened it by half, and the more pithy version would have been more fun.
November 10, 2016
Ivanka and David in Italy
Amusing account of husband and wife living a year in Italy and then going back for more! I enjoyed the descriptions of David's relatives and their insistence of doing things their way!
Amusing account of husband and wife living a year in Italy and then going back for more! I enjoyed the descriptions of David's relatives and their insistence of doing things their way!
March 28, 2016
Funny, cultural and well written.
March 13, 2017
Meh - lots better books like this out there.
July 10, 2021
I bought this book during Covid 2020. Stuck in Australia and unable to travel to Italy, I thought I’d live vicariously through another person’s Italian travels. Unfortunately, this book could have been set in any mediterranean country. There was hardly any mention of Italy, the place, at all. It was solely focused on the people the author met and from that perspective, it didn’t fulfil my objective.
On the upside, this book had several laugh out loud moments. The start was very enjoyable, but I did feel that as I moved further into the book the author began to paint the Italians as caricatures. It’s not that I doubted anything that I read. Being from a mediterranean background myself and having lived in Europe, I can relate. But I just felt at times that the author focused on the negative or the absurdity of the situation and completely ignored the positive or good intentions. It was all about getting as many laughs as possible but to the detriment of the Italians. So much so that by the end, I walked away thinking I wouldn’t want to live in Italy - a country that I absolutely adore and visit yearly. And after the countless dumping of its people, the author decides to move there? I get that amongst the craziness of it all, she fell in love with all the many wonderful aspects of Italy; but adding more of those aspects to her book would have given it more warmth and balance.
(P.s. I gave this book to my mum to read and she’s loving the humour in it)
On the upside, this book had several laugh out loud moments. The start was very enjoyable, but I did feel that as I moved further into the book the author began to paint the Italians as caricatures. It’s not that I doubted anything that I read. Being from a mediterranean background myself and having lived in Europe, I can relate. But I just felt at times that the author focused on the negative or the absurdity of the situation and completely ignored the positive or good intentions. It was all about getting as many laughs as possible but to the detriment of the Italians. So much so that by the end, I walked away thinking I wouldn’t want to live in Italy - a country that I absolutely adore and visit yearly. And after the countless dumping of its people, the author decides to move there? I get that amongst the craziness of it all, she fell in love with all the many wonderful aspects of Italy; but adding more of those aspects to her book would have given it more warmth and balance.
(P.s. I gave this book to my mum to read and she’s loving the humour in it)
July 29, 2020
Hilarious
Ex-Pats in a foreign country? What could go wrong? Everything and anything. I am currently living in Ecuador as an Ex-Patriot from the USA. I've encountered some similar experiences as this couple, minus the relatives. I laughed at the constant stream of company they endured. The two-hour 'pausa' cracked me up. Only on the North American continent do people not find that a necessity. I enjoyed reading this; it was nice to learn of others experiencing the differences of life outside North America. Great job.
Ex-Pats in a foreign country? What could go wrong? Everything and anything. I am currently living in Ecuador as an Ex-Patriot from the USA. I've encountered some similar experiences as this couple, minus the relatives. I laughed at the constant stream of company they endured. The two-hour 'pausa' cracked me up. Only on the North American continent do people not find that a necessity. I enjoyed reading this; it was nice to learn of others experiencing the differences of life outside North America. Great job.
October 21, 2019
Loved it. Am now going to start the second book after I finish something else I started...
But such a great view to living in Italy (and affirmation of my own memories of funny quirks of living there)...also a cautionary tale for anyone who romanticizes what it can be like! =-) (and I should know better, but I still do it myself0
But such a great view to living in Italy (and affirmation of my own memories of funny quirks of living there)...also a cautionary tale for anyone who romanticizes what it can be like! =-) (and I should know better, but I still do it myself0
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews