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Bella Figura: How to Live, Love, and Eat the Italian Way
One woman's story of finding beauty, and herself--and a practical guide to living a better life, the Italian way!
Kamin Mohammadi, a magazine editor in London, should have been on top of the world. But after heartbreak and loneliness, the stress of her dream life was ruining her physical and mental health. Gifted a ticket to freedom--a redundancy package and the offer of a friend's apartment in Florence--Kamin took a giant leap. It did not take her long to notice how differently her new Italian neighbors approached life: enjoying themselves, taking their time to eat and drink, taking their lives at a deliberately slower pace. Filled with wonderful characters--from the local bartender/barista who becomes her love advisor, to the plumbers who fix her heating and teach her to make pasta al pomodoro--here is a mantra for savoring the beauty and color of every day that Italians have followed for generations, a guide to the slow life for busy people, a story of finding love (and self-love) in unlikely places, and an evocative account of a year living an Italian life.
Kamin Mohammadi, a magazine editor in London, should have been on top of the world. But after heartbreak and loneliness, the stress of her dream life was ruining her physical and mental health. Gifted a ticket to freedom--a redundancy package and the offer of a friend's apartment in Florence--Kamin took a giant leap. It did not take her long to notice how differently her new Italian neighbors approached life: enjoying themselves, taking their time to eat and drink, taking their lives at a deliberately slower pace. Filled with wonderful characters--from the local bartender/barista who becomes her love advisor, to the plumbers who fix her heating and teach her to make pasta al pomodoro--here is a mantra for savoring the beauty and color of every day that Italians have followed for generations, a guide to the slow life for busy people, a story of finding love (and self-love) in unlikely places, and an evocative account of a year living an Italian life.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published April 5, 2018
206 people are currently reading
4197 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 353 reviews
April 16, 2018
Must. Move. To Italy. Now.
This is one of those books where you can live vicariously though the author and feel like you are living their life (and truly wishing you could!) Part 'Under the Tuscan Sun', a dash of 'Bridget Jones' Diary' and some hints of "Eat, Pray, Love" I am dreaming of Florence, it's people, it's food, and can easily picture the beautiful scenery after reading this!
Kamin is stuck. Shes in a bit of a rut professionally, personally, and mentally. The stresses of everyday life combined with lingering heartache are wearing down on her immensely and she takes a giant leap of faith and moves to Italy for a year. To write, mostly, but the lessons she ends up learning will change her life forever.
The way this book is structured is my absolute favorite! Every chapter is a month of her new Italian life, and starts with little snippets of the month (Smells, What's in season, Italian phrases learned) and they all end with AMAZING recipes that were talked about in that chapter. I adore how she shares these almost intimate details, and feel as if I'm there with her.
I really enjoyed this book. I can't wait to try some of the recipes, and I aim to embrace "Bella Figura!"
I received a copy of Bella Figura as part of the Penguin First to Read program in exchange for my honest review.
This is one of those books where you can live vicariously though the author and feel like you are living their life (and truly wishing you could!) Part 'Under the Tuscan Sun', a dash of 'Bridget Jones' Diary' and some hints of "Eat, Pray, Love" I am dreaming of Florence, it's people, it's food, and can easily picture the beautiful scenery after reading this!
Kamin is stuck. Shes in a bit of a rut professionally, personally, and mentally. The stresses of everyday life combined with lingering heartache are wearing down on her immensely and she takes a giant leap of faith and moves to Italy for a year. To write, mostly, but the lessons she ends up learning will change her life forever.
The way this book is structured is my absolute favorite! Every chapter is a month of her new Italian life, and starts with little snippets of the month (Smells, What's in season, Italian phrases learned) and they all end with AMAZING recipes that were talked about in that chapter. I adore how she shares these almost intimate details, and feel as if I'm there with her.
I really enjoyed this book. I can't wait to try some of the recipes, and I aim to embrace "Bella Figura!"
I received a copy of Bella Figura as part of the Penguin First to Read program in exchange for my honest review.
April 19, 2018
I received a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
I really wanted to love this book - I love memoirs, Italian culture, and stories of Americans (or a Brit, in this case) moving to different parts of the world. Mohammadi has a beautiful way of describing her environment and although this made the book feel slow at times (these descriptions sometimes went on for pages), it was also relaxing reading about her Italian environs. I liked the set-up of the book where each chapter followed a month (the whole book comprising a year) and she began each chapter with little notes about an Italian phrase/word she learned that month as well as things current to the season such as the produce.
Minor spoiler alert ahead... The book lost me around the 3rd or 4th chapter as Mohammadi began writing more about dating than Italian culture. I would have kept going had it not been for a somewhat violent sexual encounter. Despite being uncomfortable to read about I still would have kept reading, however in skimming ahead it seemed that Mohammadi declared her love for this man and kept seeing him. I felt I'd lose track of the story as a whole if I tried to skip over this section (which went into at least the next chapter though I don't know what happened past then). I could have been misinterpreting Mohammadi's tone but she seemed to be wary and scared of this man and I didn't want to continue to follow this story, which was not at all what I was expecting from this book (I was hoping for a breezy memoir about life in Italy). As a result, I decided not to finish the book.
I really wanted to love this book - I love memoirs, Italian culture, and stories of Americans (or a Brit, in this case) moving to different parts of the world. Mohammadi has a beautiful way of describing her environment and although this made the book feel slow at times (these descriptions sometimes went on for pages), it was also relaxing reading about her Italian environs. I liked the set-up of the book where each chapter followed a month (the whole book comprising a year) and she began each chapter with little notes about an Italian phrase/word she learned that month as well as things current to the season such as the produce.
Minor spoiler alert ahead... The book lost me around the 3rd or 4th chapter as Mohammadi began writing more about dating than Italian culture. I would have kept going had it not been for a somewhat violent sexual encounter. Despite being uncomfortable to read about I still would have kept reading, however in skimming ahead it seemed that Mohammadi declared her love for this man and kept seeing him. I felt I'd lose track of the story as a whole if I tried to skip over this section (which went into at least the next chapter though I don't know what happened past then). I could have been misinterpreting Mohammadi's tone but she seemed to be wary and scared of this man and I didn't want to continue to follow this story, which was not at all what I was expecting from this book (I was hoping for a breezy memoir about life in Italy). As a result, I decided not to finish the book.
April 9, 2018
Kamin Mohammadi moves to Italy for respite from the stressful and unhappy life she has created for herself in London. She begins again, guided by new Italian friends, and, without really doing anything other than embracing the delights of a real life, with real food, real people, and real activities, she finds happiness and acceptance.
Mohammadi is a beautiful writer, and this book is a joy to read.
Mohammadi is a beautiful writer, and this book is a joy to read.
December 8, 2024
ACTUAL RATING: 4.5 STARS
What a gorgeous and honest read about a woman changing her life for the better thanks to friendships, a positive atmosphere, new love, and a strong-willed attitude.
What a gorgeous and honest read about a woman changing her life for the better thanks to friendships, a positive atmosphere, new love, and a strong-willed attitude.
July 20, 2021
Моето Италианско виртуално приключение - “Bella Figura. Как да живеем, да се храним и обичаме по Италиански.”
Историята e толкова увлекателна, че няма как да не се хареса на всички, обичащи Италия. Камин Мохамади разказва своята лична история и го прави по един чудесен начин. Вдъхнови ме сериозно и ме кара да предприема още промени в личен план. Да и аз мечтая да живея в Италия, и аз искам да похапвам паста всеки ден и да съм озарена, и да пийвам аперитиво на някоя красива пиаца 😁
Историята на Камин наистина е вдъхновяваща и ни потапя в трансформацията и от работохолик - редактор на модно списание в Лондон, който е нон-стоп на някоя диета до похапващ бохем на средиземноморска диета, сияеща, озарена и щастлива, заобиколена от колоритни италианци.
Беше истинско удоволствие да се потопя в ежедневните малки радости на италианското ежедневие - пазаруване (ежедневно, избиране на локални и свежи продукти), кафе, аперитиво, среща на площада, разходки и похапване на вкусна храна и разбира се il mare целият Август!
*****
“Смисълът на Bella Figura e да направиш
всяка една частичка от живота си, колкото може по-красива, незасисмо дали си в Рим, Лондон или… Ню-Йорк… Тази идея е едновременно романтична и практична. Тя обхваща всичко, което правим - от това какво ядем, до начина, по който сутрин стигаме до работа…
Bella figura е щедрост и изобилие, не духовна нищета и лишения.”
I love it 🇮🇹🍝🍕🍷🇮🇹
Историята e толкова увлекателна, че няма как да не се хареса на всички, обичащи Италия. Камин Мохамади разказва своята лична история и го прави по един чудесен начин. Вдъхнови ме сериозно и ме кара да предприема още промени в личен план. Да и аз мечтая да живея в Италия, и аз искам да похапвам паста всеки ден и да съм озарена, и да пийвам аперитиво на някоя красива пиаца 😁
Историята на Камин наистина е вдъхновяваща и ни потапя в трансформацията и от работохолик - редактор на модно списание в Лондон, който е нон-стоп на някоя диета до похапващ бохем на средиземноморска диета, сияеща, озарена и щастлива, заобиколена от колоритни италианци.
Беше истинско удоволствие да се потопя в ежедневните малки радости на италианското ежедневие - пазаруване (ежедневно, избиране на локални и свежи продукти), кафе, аперитиво, среща на площада, разходки и похапване на вкусна храна и разбира се il mare целият Август!
*****
“Смисълът на Bella Figura e да направиш
всяка една частичка от живота си, колкото може по-красива, незасисмо дали си в Рим, Лондон или… Ню-Йорк… Тази идея е едновременно романтична и практична. Тя обхваща всичко, което правим - от това какво ядем, до начина, по който сутрин стигаме до работа…
Bella figura е щедрост и изобилие, не духовна нищета и лишения.”
I love it 🇮🇹🍝🍕🍷🇮🇹
April 1, 2018
This is a personal challenge to read books with an Italian connection. I really enjoyed Bella Figura with its descriptions of the Italian life. This book is taking you on a vacation and you'll know that La vita è bella in Italy.
May 28, 2018
I loved the first half of the book - a single woman moving to Italy, leaving her busy job in London behind, roaming the streets of Florence, getting to know locals, and realising that a diet on pasta, olive oil and fresh vegetables & fruits is the best you can have. My favourite thing about this book were the recipes she’s included in each chapter, as she was learning to cook from her Italian friends. The second half was, however, a bit boring as she was getting into way too many details about her dating life. Although I know that the dating scene can be very different in each country, the way she described her disappointment in Italian men sounded like a bit of a cliche. Women go through the same frustrations regardless the nationality of the men they are dating. It’d have been more interesting to read more about Florence, instead of her anxiety and fear of relationships. I was very grateful for the recipes though and I’ll make sure to try some of them!
December 5, 2019
That's it. I'm moving to Italy.
August 18, 2023
"Докато на връщане вървях по окъпаните от слънце улици на Флоренция, маневрирайки между туристите, докато минавах по моя неугледен мост на благодатта, докато извивах врат нагоре към терасите на градините "Бардини", проснали се по склоновете на хълма зад дворците, все си поемах дълбоко дъх, опитвайки се да попия всичко това - цялата красота, пресните продукти в пазарската чанта, музиката, която все още звучеше в ушите ми. Това беше мястото, където живеех."
"Bella figura"
Камин Мохамади
"Bella figura"
Камин Мохамади
April 17, 2018
At first it feels like this is a book you've read before: a stressed out woman suddenly finds herself jobless and alone with no life to speak of and an opportunity to live somewhere fabulous to get over it.
And it does fit that very used format in a general sense, but Mohammadi holds nothing back and is a genius at describing things so you can actually feel/taste/smell them. She stands out from similar titles by being unafraid to share the lows as well as the highs of her time in Florence.
The chapters get divided into months; which are introduced by the food in season, the smell of the city, an experience that defined it, and a word and phrase in Italian that is good to remember. It sets up the mood and expectations for what's to come and it also helps as a quick guide to the tenets of the Bella Figura philosophy.
It's nothing new beyond a reminder to love yourself, eat good food with gusto, and enjoy life - but Mohammadi's experiences (and her fantastic way of writing about them) get the point across as smoothly as if the reader were chatting with a friend.
You will walk away from this book with envy at the chance Mohammadi had of living rent free in Florence, a better outlook (and posture), a mad desire to visit the city, and some great tips to living a better life.
There's also some delicious sounding recipes after every chapter and if they're all as good as the one I already tried, then the book is worth the read just for those.
And it does fit that very used format in a general sense, but Mohammadi holds nothing back and is a genius at describing things so you can actually feel/taste/smell them. She stands out from similar titles by being unafraid to share the lows as well as the highs of her time in Florence.
The chapters get divided into months; which are introduced by the food in season, the smell of the city, an experience that defined it, and a word and phrase in Italian that is good to remember. It sets up the mood and expectations for what's to come and it also helps as a quick guide to the tenets of the Bella Figura philosophy.
It's nothing new beyond a reminder to love yourself, eat good food with gusto, and enjoy life - but Mohammadi's experiences (and her fantastic way of writing about them) get the point across as smoothly as if the reader were chatting with a friend.
You will walk away from this book with envy at the chance Mohammadi had of living rent free in Florence, a better outlook (and posture), a mad desire to visit the city, and some great tips to living a better life.
There's also some delicious sounding recipes after every chapter and if they're all as good as the one I already tried, then the book is worth the read just for those.
April 1, 2018
What a fantastic way to live vicariously through the author. This book takes place over the course of a year, as the author finds herself discovering all the beauty and passion of Florence while simultaneously discovering herself. I make no qualms about my own passion for Florence, so I do think that has influenced how I view this book, but I found this to be a lovely journal of a unique experience. Her growth through language, food and love are realistic in their depiction of ups and downs. I did find some of the details a bit explicit, and almost tedious in spots, but that is also a reflection of how forthright this memoir can be. Not everyone falls in love with Florence, but those of us who do feel an affinity that never wanes. This is a beautiful celebration of this. Thanks to Penguin Random House for the advance look.
March 16, 2018
3.5 stars. While not quite as polished or breezy as Eat, Pray, Love, it's an enjoyable and heartfelt story very much in that vein, from the starting point - burnt out single woman looking for something more abroad - to the way she reconnects with food, herself, and ultimately finds love.
The only part I balked at was the urge to make lists and transform experience to guidance, presumably a holdover from the author's background in women's fashion magazines. To wit: she now drinks 4 teaspoons of olive oil a day for her skin!? Why not just drizzle that on lunch and dinner? I don't know. Olive oil is so good on everything, it feels anti-pleasure (while the book is very pro-pleasure) to make it a 'tonic.'
A great beach or plane read if you are feeling emotional (I was).
The only part I balked at was the urge to make lists and transform experience to guidance, presumably a holdover from the author's background in women's fashion magazines. To wit: she now drinks 4 teaspoons of olive oil a day for her skin!? Why not just drizzle that on lunch and dinner? I don't know. Olive oil is so good on everything, it feels anti-pleasure (while the book is very pro-pleasure) to make it a 'tonic.'
A great beach or plane read if you are feeling emotional (I was).
May 14, 2020
"Books are the plane, and the train, and the road. They are the DESTINATION, and the journey. They are home." Anna Quindlen
While reading Bella Figura, I was living vicariously through Kamin's year in Florence, Italy. I was supposed to be traveling to Rome, Sorrento, Orvieto, and then, wrapping up the trip in Le Piane, a beautiful farmhouse and yoga retreat in the Tuscan hills this coming June. Unfortunately, we had to cancel due to this pandemic. Nevertheless, this most insightful memoir was loaned to me by a friend who thought I would enjoy it more than her at this particular time.
I needed to read and breathe in this book, as it immersed me in "La Dolce Vita" ... the lusciousness of the Italian food, the slowing down of life to appreciate its surrounding beauty and enjoying the sweetness of life. Of course, one can do that anywhere, but there is something about the Italian culture that innately knows the secrets of how to love life and oneself.
I have visited Italy a few times, but have never lived there. My dad went to visit our relatives every year after he retired, so I can say from personal experience that life does seem sweeter there. It may be the pesto, the gelato, or the aperitivo in the late afternoons. It may be the cappuccinos and morning delicacies. Perhaps, the prosecco? This book captures all of this, as Kamin leaves behind her lonely and stressed out life in London, exchanging it for her awakening experiences from January to December. I especially loved her first chapter, January, 2008: Festina Lente or How to Slow Down. I loved meeting Luigo in his bar where he graciously explains many Italian traditions to her and how to love herself. This book is filled with many colorful characters who add a sparkle and zest to her life.
I am still thinking about traveling to Italy, hopefully next spring to spend a month in one Tuscan city where I can delight in every aspect of living the Sweet Life..."La Dolce Vita." I would highly recommend this heartfelt book to everyone who has dreamed of traveling abroad and immersing oneself in a different culture....it was an awesome escape from our present day reality of "staying at home."
While reading Bella Figura, I was living vicariously through Kamin's year in Florence, Italy. I was supposed to be traveling to Rome, Sorrento, Orvieto, and then, wrapping up the trip in Le Piane, a beautiful farmhouse and yoga retreat in the Tuscan hills this coming June. Unfortunately, we had to cancel due to this pandemic. Nevertheless, this most insightful memoir was loaned to me by a friend who thought I would enjoy it more than her at this particular time.
I needed to read and breathe in this book, as it immersed me in "La Dolce Vita" ... the lusciousness of the Italian food, the slowing down of life to appreciate its surrounding beauty and enjoying the sweetness of life. Of course, one can do that anywhere, but there is something about the Italian culture that innately knows the secrets of how to love life and oneself.
I have visited Italy a few times, but have never lived there. My dad went to visit our relatives every year after he retired, so I can say from personal experience that life does seem sweeter there. It may be the pesto, the gelato, or the aperitivo in the late afternoons. It may be the cappuccinos and morning delicacies. Perhaps, the prosecco? This book captures all of this, as Kamin leaves behind her lonely and stressed out life in London, exchanging it for her awakening experiences from January to December. I especially loved her first chapter, January, 2008: Festina Lente or How to Slow Down. I loved meeting Luigo in his bar where he graciously explains many Italian traditions to her and how to love herself. This book is filled with many colorful characters who add a sparkle and zest to her life.
I am still thinking about traveling to Italy, hopefully next spring to spend a month in one Tuscan city where I can delight in every aspect of living the Sweet Life..."La Dolce Vita." I would highly recommend this heartfelt book to everyone who has dreamed of traveling abroad and immersing oneself in a different culture....it was an awesome escape from our present day reality of "staying at home."
May 21, 2018
There's a lot to love about this book. The author has a wonderful writing style that I was drawn to. Her beautiful descriptions of Florence, Tuscany, and the surrounding areas, instantly transported me back to this incredible place. Also, her descriptions of the Italians and their devotion to living la vita bella was, and is, extremely inspiring. I could relate to her romantic entanglements as well as her battles with trying to lose weight the way typical Brits and Americans do (and usually failing). To read about the culinary delights to be discovered at the market, and then the subsequent making of delicious and simple Italian meals, is a feast in and of itself. Also, I love the fact that she wasn't afraid to include lots of Italian phrases throughout - the language truly is "la bella lingua," and I enjoyed learning some new expressions. I did feel like the book was picking up momentum, but then it started to slow down towards the end before the epilogue, which I felt was a bit distracting. Overall, though, I enjoyed the book and felt the author accomplished her goal of sharing the bitter and sweet moments she experienced while living in Florence for a year.
November 17, 2021
If you ever want to leave your 9-5, feel disgusted by fad diets, and are done with the same old relationship, pack up and move to Italy!
Kamin Mohmammdi is sick of all the rules it takes to be the perfect British woman. She can't lose the weight she wants, she is sick of giving to a corporation that gives her nothing in return. Yea, I get it, first world problems. But don't we have them all?
I love her journey of discovery with an Italian back drop. She meets amazing friends along the way, delicious healthy food, (surprisingly the more pasta she eats the more weight she loses) and of course just the right man.
I did at times think she was a bit boy crazy and found that to be childish. Then I am reminded that its Italy. Do as the Romans do as they say!
I gave this book 3.5 stars rounded up. It’s a great concept of living life to your fullest (no pun intended) and eating healthy along the way! Mohammadi even incorporates some yummy Italian recipes to try!
Kamin Mohmammdi is sick of all the rules it takes to be the perfect British woman. She can't lose the weight she wants, she is sick of giving to a corporation that gives her nothing in return. Yea, I get it, first world problems. But don't we have them all?
I love her journey of discovery with an Italian back drop. She meets amazing friends along the way, delicious healthy food, (surprisingly the more pasta she eats the more weight she loses) and of course just the right man.
I did at times think she was a bit boy crazy and found that to be childish. Then I am reminded that its Italy. Do as the Romans do as they say!
I gave this book 3.5 stars rounded up. It’s a great concept of living life to your fullest (no pun intended) and eating healthy along the way! Mohammadi even incorporates some yummy Italian recipes to try!
August 21, 2018
Bella Figura was a wonderful book! It gave me the right Italian vibes before going to Rome and Florence:-).
I fell in love with Florence five years ago and since that it was my biggest dream to go there. And this year the dream came true.
This book helped me to understand more the Italian culture and to learn how to live the Bella figura lifestyle.
The story actually really draw me in. I felt like I was visiting Florence with her, drinking cappucino and finding fresh tomatoes on a market. I absolutely loved it, it was written with heart and this is what I truly appreciate!
4.8 stars! Totally recommend it!
I fell in love with Florence five years ago and since that it was my biggest dream to go there. And this year the dream came true.
This book helped me to understand more the Italian culture and to learn how to live the Bella figura lifestyle.
The story actually really draw me in. I felt like I was visiting Florence with her, drinking cappucino and finding fresh tomatoes on a market. I absolutely loved it, it was written with heart and this is what I truly appreciate!
4.8 stars! Totally recommend it!
June 27, 2021
It says “finished” but I did not actually finish reading it. I didn’t even make it halfway through. It started off well but it got incredibly graphic and even pornographic in her descriptions of her love affairs. Nope. I did not sign up to read such smut. I’d rather go back to the books by Jennifer L. Scott and Mireille Guiliano.
May 6, 2025
Kamin Mohammadi leaves her successful career and busy London life behind on whim when a friend offers up her apartment in Florence. Kamin spends the next year learning how to slow down, appreciate the world around her and detox from the life she thought she wanted to have.
While it's not exactly realistic for the average person to drop their life and move to Florence for a year, I think most people can probably find Mohammadi's reasoning for doing so relatable, and should try to incorporate some of her lessons in the 'Bella Figura' way of life into their lives. Overall I thought it was an inspiring read.
Especially since COVID, I find myself leaving the house in sweats with no makeup on because I don't care (which is great that I don't care what other people think, but not so great that I don't care about myself). I'm so tired from my demanding job that I tend to opt for 'easy' meals and food that I know is not great for me, and also opt to sit on the couch and binge a TV show rather than get up and get outside. But the points Mohammadi makes in the book - trying your best to eat fresh food when possible, get up and walk even if only for a few minutes at a time, and just savor the simple things like drinking your morning coffee and taking a water break - are all easy things to work into our schedules and don't mean making drastic life changes, but are all things that could drastically change your quality of life when done regularly.
While it's not exactly realistic for the average person to drop their life and move to Florence for a year, I think most people can probably find Mohammadi's reasoning for doing so relatable, and should try to incorporate some of her lessons in the 'Bella Figura' way of life into their lives. Overall I thought it was an inspiring read.
Especially since COVID, I find myself leaving the house in sweats with no makeup on because I don't care (which is great that I don't care what other people think, but not so great that I don't care about myself). I'm so tired from my demanding job that I tend to opt for 'easy' meals and food that I know is not great for me, and also opt to sit on the couch and binge a TV show rather than get up and get outside. But the points Mohammadi makes in the book - trying your best to eat fresh food when possible, get up and walk even if only for a few minutes at a time, and just savor the simple things like drinking your morning coffee and taking a water break - are all easy things to work into our schedules and don't mean making drastic life changes, but are all things that could drastically change your quality of life when done regularly.
August 13, 2021
Ráhangolódásnak az olaszországi utazásra tökéletes volt. Könnyed, élvezetes a stílusa, szórakoztatóak a kalandok, az élethelyzetek, a szereplők. Irigylésre méltó, ahogy beilleszkedett a szerző a firenzei közösségbe, de nem irigykedni kell, hanem bizonyos dolgokat kipróbálni. Recepteket nem csak ételekre kaphatunk, hanem a túlélésre is. Sok dolog van, amin érdemes elgondolkodni ahhoz, hogy jobban érezzük magunkat a bőrünkben. (Garantálom, hogy az étrendre és a testmozgásra vonatkozó ajánlások működőképesek!) Persze, idealizált, de egy szippantásnyi dolce vita is jól jön az embernek.
July 8, 2024
Negrožinės literatūros knyga apie metus, kurie pakeitė moters gyvenimą, jos požiūrį į darbą, maistą, save ir meilę. Nuostabi knyga, kuri skaitant atrodo lyg grožinės literatūros kūrinys, tiek daug gražių aprašymų ir minčių pamąstymui. Labai rekomenduoju ❤️
P.s. perspėju, kad paskaitę 100% norėsit pirmu lėktuvu skristi į Florenciją 😃😊
P.s. perspėju, kad paskaitę 100% norėsit pirmu lėktuvu skristi į Florenciją 😃😊
May 5, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this lovely memoir! Tuscany is one of my favorite places in the world (in my dreams, I would love to live there!) and also, my paternal grandmother's family is from Florence, so I was especially drawn to Kamin Mohammadi's tale of self-discovery in Bella Figura: How to Live, Love, and Eat the Italian Way. The writing is lush and descriptive, and I felt that I was walking with her in the marketplace finding the freshest tomatoes, grapes, olive oil, cheese, fresh bread, sitting in a cafe drinking a cappuccino while enjoying the fullness of life, and basking in the gorgeous art filling Florence.
Her travel diary was inspiring as she learned to live the Italian philosophy of life, "Bella Figura", which really boils down to presenting your best self outwardly and enjoying the simple pleasures that are all around us in life. I found myself taking much of what she learned in Italy and gives as advice to heart: walk more, eat more whole foods and less artificial ones (yet enjoy food to the fullest without overindulging...Italians love their food!!), be confident in yourself, indulge in good conversation, surround yourself with good friends, but most of all, enjoy life to the fullest, every day.
Mohammadi writes with wit, heart, warmth, and honesty throughout the heartbreaking, poignant, and funny moments that she shares with her readers. I recommend this to anyone who is looking for a beautiful, inspirational read...and a breathtaking peek into the heart of one of Italy's most beautiful cities!
**Thank you First to Read for the ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review.**
Her travel diary was inspiring as she learned to live the Italian philosophy of life, "Bella Figura", which really boils down to presenting your best self outwardly and enjoying the simple pleasures that are all around us in life. I found myself taking much of what she learned in Italy and gives as advice to heart: walk more, eat more whole foods and less artificial ones (yet enjoy food to the fullest without overindulging...Italians love their food!!), be confident in yourself, indulge in good conversation, surround yourself with good friends, but most of all, enjoy life to the fullest, every day.
Mohammadi writes with wit, heart, warmth, and honesty throughout the heartbreaking, poignant, and funny moments that she shares with her readers. I recommend this to anyone who is looking for a beautiful, inspirational read...and a breathtaking peek into the heart of one of Italy's most beautiful cities!
**Thank you First to Read for the ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review.**
June 20, 2018
There’s a certain set of fantasy books that has specific elements: a single woman, on the ragged top end of youth, finds that her work life, love life, and beauty have all become faded. She abandons all that she knows and runs away to become a writer in a beautiful foreign locale, where she is transformed by spiritual awakening, food, and love. I quite enjoy most of these books. Bella Figura has all the right elements, and I enjoyed large chunks of it, but it also has problems. Maybe all such books do.
First, and the reason why I set this book down for a week, is that the author becomes involved in a relationship that could most kindly be described as imbalanced, and which I would call abusive. That she never realizes this, eventually ascribing the man’s actions to typical Italian male behavior, is painful.
Second, the many details of the author’s many relationships crowd out the parts of the book that target readers will come for. Transformation through diet and lifestyle becomes a footnote. The dream of becoming a writer disappears all together for large chunks of the book. And the author’s journey of self discovery almost always takes the form of Wiser Italians Who Have It Figured Out telling her what to do. There is little self empowerment here.
For all that, I did enjoy this book (or most of it). What strikes me is that the author finds happiness by fleeing from the very city I long to flee to. Which should teach me that achieving the Bella Figura is rather less about having a friend who will loan me an apartment in Florence, and rather more about paying attention to what is here in front of me.
First, and the reason why I set this book down for a week, is that the author becomes involved in a relationship that could most kindly be described as imbalanced, and which I would call abusive. That she never realizes this, eventually ascribing the man’s actions to typical Italian male behavior, is painful.
Second, the many details of the author’s many relationships crowd out the parts of the book that target readers will come for. Transformation through diet and lifestyle becomes a footnote. The dream of becoming a writer disappears all together for large chunks of the book. And the author’s journey of self discovery almost always takes the form of Wiser Italians Who Have It Figured Out telling her what to do. There is little self empowerment here.
For all that, I did enjoy this book (or most of it). What strikes me is that the author finds happiness by fleeing from the very city I long to flee to. Which should teach me that achieving the Bella Figura is rather less about having a friend who will loan me an apartment in Florence, and rather more about paying attention to what is here in front of me.
April 5, 2018
Structured like the classic A Year in Provence, Bella Figura sees London-based Magazine editor Kamin Mohammadi give up her stressful job for a year of writing in Florence. She arrives just after the New Year, soaking wet from a rainstorm. In time, she gets to know her neighbors and learns to slow down and appreciate the good life. It's fun to follow her adventures in shopping for fresh ingredients and learning to prepare simple but delicious meals. Then there's her love life which gets off to a rocky start, but as she gains confidence and loses weight, things get quite heated. Includes recipes!
(Thanks to Penguin First to Read program for an early digital copy.)
(Thanks to Penguin First to Read program for an early digital copy.)
May 9, 2018
As in most books in which the author goes to live in Italy, the country is presented as a completely life-changing place. I can totally buy it, the way Mohammadi writes about it. Her descriptions are lush and beautiful and make me long to see the place for myself. In some ways the book fell short of expectations -- for one thing, nearly all her neighbors talked like tourist brochures, and for another, I learned rather more about her sex life than I was interested in knowing. Still, I enjoyed and appreciated her tributes to the food, the flowers, the people, the atmosphere, and the place itself. Copy obtained through First to Read.
April 22, 2018
ARC. First things first. I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars. This is an all embracing memoir of the author’s year in Florence, Italy. Kamin Mohammadi writes with warmth and vivid descriptions of Florence, her neighbors, the food, her friends, her lovers, all with the narrative view of her very personal transformation. She is introduced to Bella Figura, an all encompassing way of life, that, quite literally, changes her life. There may be some slightly uncomfortable scenes, but they are all necessary to understand what Kamin’s life was before and after Bella Figura. I loved this book!
July 8, 2018
So disappointing, so boring. After a great start I couldn’t believe the change into a dating recitation. At one point I went to look up her bio - was this written by a naive 17 year old? Couldn’t wait for it to be done.
September 22, 2018
An Outstanding selection. Another story of slowing down and enjoying life. Kamin Mohammadi is an excellent writer and she had me longing to live my own Bella Figura. I’m ready to pack my bags and move to the mother country. I highly recommend this book.
December 4, 2021
I lived in Rome, Italy, for a semester when I was 18 years old as a sophomore in college at the John Felice Rome Center for Loyola University and I didn't really become 'magically happy' being there for 4 months! I did lose weight walking every day and just eating once or twice a day since the cafeteria was only open twice a day. I was just homesick the whole time for Chicago, but then I did want to stay another semester because I liked the hot weather in December, basically all year round. I just felt so alone and sad trying to make new friends in class.
May 29, 2020
Kamin’s writing transports you to Florence and makes you feel like you can taste the food she eats, see the places she discovers, and love she feels. Warning: this will make you want to move to Italy and live life beautifully.
May 13, 2018
When London magazine editor Kamin Mohammadi found herself unhappy, stressed to the point of burnout, and desperately lonely, the best thing ever happened to her. She got fired. Losing her job at the magazine she helped to grow was depressing and humiliating, but it ultimately led her to an entirely new life.
A writer friend offered her a place to stay in Florence, where Mohammadi could spend a year healing and writing and figuring out what she wanted to do next. She had always wanted to write about her Iranian childhood and her exile to England when she was only 10, so she decided to take her friend up on the offer and moved herself to Italy.
As the weeks and then months melted away, Mohammadi learned how to buy fresh vegetables in the marketplace and cook simple meals for herself. She learned Italian rules for drinking coffee and cooking with seasonal vegetables. She learned the importance of quality ingredients like olive oil and cheeses. And she learned what it meant to live "bella figura."
"Bella figura" is the Italian ideal of making every part of life beautiful. Whether it is a delicious meal or a piece of clothing that makes you feel lovely or just taking time for self-care or housekeeping, "bella figura" is how the Italians stay fit and happy connected. And Mohammadi writes about it all in her memoir of a year in Tuscany, Bella Figura.
Each chapter covers a month of her first year in Italy, with a nod to the seasonal produce, the scent of the city, the Italian word of the month, and her favorite moment as well as recipes that can bring you a taste of her month wherever you are. Throughout the year, she falls in and out of love, learns to slow down, takes a lover, makes friends, loses weight, and figures out how to live and work at her own pace. Mostly, she falls in love with herself, finding beauty in the stories she tells herself and others.
I have never been to Italy myself and love to soak myself in the writings of those who have. Bella Figura is perfect for that. Mohammadi is the perfect writer for this, describing the sights, the colors, the scents, the flavors with such detail that I feel like I could recognize parts of Florence without having been there before.
In the tradition of Frances Mayes' Under the Tuscan Sun or Peter Mayle's A Year in Provence, Bella Figura is a soulful introduction to a fascinating part of the world told by a master storyteller. Like an exceptional pasta dinner, this book should be savored, letting the language and the strong sense of place wash over you as you imagine yourself walking the stony streets of Florence or sitting in one of the cafes savoring your morning coffee. The perfect vacation for those who travel by book, and also a wonderful lifestyle book for anyone wanting a way to melt away some stress and maybe a few pounds by living a beautiful, happy life.
Galleys for Bella Figura were provided by Knopf through Penguin's First to Read program, with many thanks.
A writer friend offered her a place to stay in Florence, where Mohammadi could spend a year healing and writing and figuring out what she wanted to do next. She had always wanted to write about her Iranian childhood and her exile to England when she was only 10, so she decided to take her friend up on the offer and moved herself to Italy.
As the weeks and then months melted away, Mohammadi learned how to buy fresh vegetables in the marketplace and cook simple meals for herself. She learned Italian rules for drinking coffee and cooking with seasonal vegetables. She learned the importance of quality ingredients like olive oil and cheeses. And she learned what it meant to live "bella figura."
"Bella figura" is the Italian ideal of making every part of life beautiful. Whether it is a delicious meal or a piece of clothing that makes you feel lovely or just taking time for self-care or housekeeping, "bella figura" is how the Italians stay fit and happy connected. And Mohammadi writes about it all in her memoir of a year in Tuscany, Bella Figura.
Each chapter covers a month of her first year in Italy, with a nod to the seasonal produce, the scent of the city, the Italian word of the month, and her favorite moment as well as recipes that can bring you a taste of her month wherever you are. Throughout the year, she falls in and out of love, learns to slow down, takes a lover, makes friends, loses weight, and figures out how to live and work at her own pace. Mostly, she falls in love with herself, finding beauty in the stories she tells herself and others.
I have never been to Italy myself and love to soak myself in the writings of those who have. Bella Figura is perfect for that. Mohammadi is the perfect writer for this, describing the sights, the colors, the scents, the flavors with such detail that I feel like I could recognize parts of Florence without having been there before.
In the tradition of Frances Mayes' Under the Tuscan Sun or Peter Mayle's A Year in Provence, Bella Figura is a soulful introduction to a fascinating part of the world told by a master storyteller. Like an exceptional pasta dinner, this book should be savored, letting the language and the strong sense of place wash over you as you imagine yourself walking the stony streets of Florence or sitting in one of the cafes savoring your morning coffee. The perfect vacation for those who travel by book, and also a wonderful lifestyle book for anyone wanting a way to melt away some stress and maybe a few pounds by living a beautiful, happy life.
Galleys for Bella Figura were provided by Knopf through Penguin's First to Read program, with many thanks.
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