Culture Shock! Italy: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette

Culture Shock!

by Raymond Flower, Alessandro Falassi

Information and background for travelers and expatriates includes a brief history and description of the country, along with facts about the food, language, culture, and pastimes to help the "shocked" function in society, business, and residence.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel, Italy

290 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1994

Reviews

[Andy M]

This book's insights are ultimately diluted by so many stock expressions in the style of writing. It's stilted by formality even for a book written as late as the mid-1990s. Some of the lore is certainly valuable, but the perspective seems limited to an incurious single British man in his mid-twenties hoping to work in business in Italy with the dream of seducing some women. While I don't think this book could be made any more appealing by running it through a filter of political correctness, it could have been written by someone more willing to explore.

[John Tetteroo]

Not much of a culture shock, mostly stuff that is common sense. Even a bit behind the times in places, I do not see much content that is really relevant if you have a mobile phone with internet. Memorable for the long list of verbal abuse however, it was even subdivided in categories. This gave me a weak smile that lasted for a minute or so... Two stars since it was sort of ok.

[Occhi Aperti]

Having visited Italy a few times, we found this guide informative and entertaining. It does a good job of capturing all the nuances of Italy and its people. Had a some laughs over the Learning the Language Chapter.

[Ivy G.]

It was a good read and actually learned a lot from it, but I wouldn't know if these would be helpful until I actually visit Italy.

[Tammie Painter]

Other than a brief mention of how to behave at a very formal dinner party and a bit on language, this book offers little in the way of telling about the quirks and customs of Italy. Other culture shock books I've read have given a nice and humorous insight into the habits, expected behaviors and ways of doing things in other countries. This was mostly a guide book with a large section on art, one on the geography of the country and another on regional foods. I think I've gotten better cultural advice from a Rick Steves guide book than from this. Quite disappointed with this volume of the culture shock line up.

[Laurie Mcclary]

In preparating for my upcoming trip to Italy I read this book. A lot of the information provided was common sense and some was directed to people who plan on doing more then a 10 day tour. However, I did find parts of it interesting.

[Colleen]

decent