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When In Rome - Chasing La Dolce Vita
With her thirtieth birthday on the horizon and her safe and comfortable life in Sydney outside her front door, Penelope Green decided it was now or never. Undaunted by the fact she spoke absolutely no Italian, had no job, no friends and nowhere to live - and armed only with an Italian-English dictionary, irresistible optimism and a fair dash of bravery, she was determined to carve out her own slice of la dolce vita.
Both frank and funny, Penny tells how she plunged into the deep end of Roman life from her first giddy Vespa ride to daily struggles with the language and culture (not to mention a few lecherous locals), to seeing in her birthday with a kiss from her lover under the floodlit Colosseum.
Both frank and funny, Penny tells how she plunged into the deep end of Roman life from her first giddy Vespa ride to daily struggles with the language and culture (not to mention a few lecherous locals), to seeing in her birthday with a kiss from her lover under the floodlit Colosseum.
305 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
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240 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
August 16, 2017
A delightful. lighthearted story with an even narrative, a very relate-able main character and which is a lot of fun to read.
The story told by Penelope, is about how at the age of 28, despite having a perfect job and an enviable life in Sydney and ditched her life in order to pursue a lifelong dream and move to Italy!
Wow, is that guts or what?
The story of how she moved there (without speaking Italian), joined an Italian course, worked at small jobs to survive, found housemates, learnt Italian and learnt to love Rome... Well, it is often lovely, cheerful reading. It is the day to day adventures and fails that make it the most fun: Finding the perfect 'bar' to have your morning coffee at, one that does nice cornetto pastries, realising that you live within visual range of the Colosseum - even if the hot water does not work! All the small excitements and raptures of traveling as well as the downsides. I fell in love with Italy right along with Pene, and now I want to go there.
It seems to me that Pene is a natural vagabond, only Italy is here destination, not the whole world. Because of this wonderful wide open attitude to the world and because of the honesty in her experiences that Pene writes with, she can come across as ditzy, young, or even at times a bit annoying. There is a beguuiling upfront honesty in the telling, and Pene can be increadibly juvenile at times, which has the potential to grate upon the reader. She can also be moody, mercurial and is merciless in betraying some of her poor decision making.
Nevertheless, this is a lovely, fresh enjoyable book to read, that I would recommend to anyone who has an interest in traveling to Italy, or travel in general, or just a curiosity about the county.
The story told by Penelope, is about how at the age of 28, despite having a perfect job and an enviable life in Sydney and ditched her life in order to pursue a lifelong dream and move to Italy!
Wow, is that guts or what?
The story of how she moved there (without speaking Italian), joined an Italian course, worked at small jobs to survive, found housemates, learnt Italian and learnt to love Rome... Well, it is often lovely, cheerful reading. It is the day to day adventures and fails that make it the most fun: Finding the perfect 'bar' to have your morning coffee at, one that does nice cornetto pastries, realising that you live within visual range of the Colosseum - even if the hot water does not work! All the small excitements and raptures of traveling as well as the downsides. I fell in love with Italy right along with Pene, and now I want to go there.
It seems to me that Pene is a natural vagabond, only Italy is here destination, not the whole world. Because of this wonderful wide open attitude to the world and because of the honesty in her experiences that Pene writes with, she can come across as ditzy, young, or even at times a bit annoying. There is a beguuiling upfront honesty in the telling, and Pene can be increadibly juvenile at times, which has the potential to grate upon the reader. She can also be moody, mercurial and is merciless in betraying some of her poor decision making.
Nevertheless, this is a lovely, fresh enjoyable book to read, that I would recommend to anyone who has an interest in traveling to Italy, or travel in general, or just a curiosity about the county.
October 15, 2016
Although I love to read aboutmy treasured Italy,and always glean nuggets to explore on a later visit,this author spoiled the read for me with her judgemental constant comments about body types and characteristics in people she picked on constantly like a mean schoolyard bully.
Every chapter had more of it,and I was amazed how she could find so many ways to insult physical attributes or just plain humanity. In our world right now we need to be kinder in our observations of others. I left the book feeling sadder for us all, and that is difficult to do in the age we find ourselves living currently. Just not fun.
Every chapter had more of it,and I was amazed how she could find so many ways to insult physical attributes or just plain humanity. In our world right now we need to be kinder in our observations of others. I left the book feeling sadder for us all, and that is difficult to do in the age we find ourselves living currently. Just not fun.
January 26, 2019
This book was a real struggle for me to finish. It wasn’t really for me. I had trouble engaging with it and there were so many people in it, many with similar names, I got a bit lost.
This may be good for someone who has a particular interest in true travel tales or in Italy. Unfortunately it was not for me.
This may be good for someone who has a particular interest in true travel tales or in Italy. Unfortunately it was not for me.
July 15, 2024
Dutch translation of the book 'When in Rome ...'.
Autobiographical story of an Australian girl who is determined to learn to speak and understand Italian and determined to make it in Rome. Even if it means cleaning toilets and be a waitress.
She learns about Italian men who like to stay at home with their mum as long as possible because she makes the best pasta. Italian men being very indecisive and not taking initiatives to build up their own life because it is easier to just receive financial support from the parents ?
In 10 years time she moves house (or just one room) a lot.
I liked reading about Rome, the history, the beauty etc. because I have been there.
Even stayed in a side street to the Colosseum like Penelope.
I would have preferred to read it in the original language though.
Autobiographical story of an Australian girl who is determined to learn to speak and understand Italian and determined to make it in Rome. Even if it means cleaning toilets and be a waitress.
She learns about Italian men who like to stay at home with their mum as long as possible because she makes the best pasta. Italian men being very indecisive and not taking initiatives to build up their own life because it is easier to just receive financial support from the parents ?
In 10 years time she moves house (or just one room) a lot.
I liked reading about Rome, the history, the beauty etc. because I have been there.
Even stayed in a side street to the Colosseum like Penelope.
I would have preferred to read it in the original language though.
April 18, 2008
Oh I wanted to like this book. Really! The whole idea, Chasing La Dolce Vita really IS up my street. So when a friend gave me this book as a Christmas present, I couldn't WAIT to get started.
It tells the story of Penelope Green as she leaves her native Australia for Rome armed only with a one way ticket and no grasp of the Italian language. (I tell you I should have loved it).
There were so many reasons I didn't enjoy this book yet I persevered and tried to convince myself I was being too harsh. But in the end I didn't (and couldn't) warm to Penelope and I think that threw everything else off.
It tells the story of Penelope Green as she leaves her native Australia for Rome armed only with a one way ticket and no grasp of the Italian language. (I tell you I should have loved it).
There were so many reasons I didn't enjoy this book yet I persevered and tried to convince myself I was being too harsh. But in the end I didn't (and couldn't) warm to Penelope and I think that threw everything else off.
October 14, 2019
Everything changed when I discover, in about 1/3 of the book, that it was a memoir (I first thought it was fiction - my bad). From there, I started reading it through the eyes of a real person, and everything made sense. It's a nice book for people thinking about moving to a foreign country (I hope it persuades you to move only with the right papers and speaking the language). What Penelope writes there is real life, and what happens with day-to-day people (unless you are Elizabeth Gilbert going to a gap year - then unbelievable things really happen).
February 27, 2018
I loved this book about Penelope Green's move to Rome to build a life in Italy ... such a brave move and she had to overcome a range of challenges in learning a new language and finding work in a foreign country ... and engrossing story from start to finish ..
April 17, 2024
I loved this book. Penelope Green documents her decision to leave her PR executive job in Sydney and move to Rome to play out her long-held dream to live in Italy. (I'm always impressed when anyone takes a step outside of their comfort zone.) She leaves behind her life in Sydney to find herself in a foreign country, unable to speak the language, without a job lined up, and without a place to live. As her publisher writes.
I read it a year or so after returning from a trip to Italy in 2005. Rome was our last stop on our itinerary. Penelope writes beautifully about the sites and people of Rome, which took me back to our time there. She's pretty candid about her relationships and really takes you with her on her journey. I thought it a really good read.
I read it a year or so after returning from a trip to Italy in 2005. Rome was our last stop on our itinerary. Penelope writes beautifully about the sites and people of Rome, which took me back to our time there. She's pretty candid about her relationships and really takes you with her on her journey. I thought it a really good read.
June 3, 2024
The writer has a way of bringing Italy (and Rome specifically) to life very vividly. You literally experience everything through her eyes. The beauty of the city, the passion of the people, Italians' every day lives and the food. This is the second time I've read When in Rome and I loved it even more than the first time I read it! My wife and I are going to Italy in Sep '24 to celebrate our 30th Anniversary and these books help bring it all to life before we go!
October 18, 2019
She can write good descriptions, but there's little plot tension.
I'm not that interested in her romantic perspective. It got repetitive. Besides, I don't relate to her somewhat privileged life.
I'm not that interested in her romantic perspective. It got repetitive. Besides, I don't relate to her somewhat privileged life.
April 25, 2020
Voor mij een heerlijk boek wat heel veel herinneringen oproept aan mijn tijd in Italie. Een fijne trip down memory lane :) maar tegelijk kan ik me goed voorstellen dat het minder boeiend is voor een andere lezer
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February 15, 2021was constantly waiting for something to happen, but nothing massive really did.
thought that it was trying to be like an 'Eat, Pray Love'.
In saying this, i love how the author dipped into the concept of always being able to create a home away from home- very nostalgic, love it !!
thought that it was trying to be like an 'Eat, Pray Love'.
In saying this, i love how the author dipped into the concept of always being able to create a home away from home- very nostalgic, love it !!
January 2, 2018
A light hearted, well told story of an Australian woman moving to Rome.
July 26, 2019
Certainly not a great read but full marks for trying.
November 15, 2019
Narratorka była odrobinę wkurzająca i nie zdołałam jej polubić, ale sama książka jako lekka lektura na jesienną chandrę spisała się w porządku.
March 26, 2020
A thoroughly enjoyable read. It took me straight back to my trips to Italy and reminded me how much I love and miss Rome. Heart warming.
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March 28, 2020Na 100 paginas weggelegd kon me niet genoeg boeien
August 6, 2020
bad book, quite obvious
August 6, 2023
A light hearted, honest and very entertaining insight into real Italy.
October 18, 2023
If you lovely travel, you will love this
October 27, 2023
I enjoyed Penelope’s travel memoir about living in Rome. Her descriptions of the city and its people, along with the architecture allowed me to reminisce about my own time in Rome.
June 3, 2024
It was good, but I enjoyed the next book, See Naples and Die much more - it felt much more polished.
July 14, 2025
lowkey couldn’t put the book down and now I want to live in Italy like her☺️ but all her problems were champagne problems and she was making a big fuss out of it for no reason😊
July 14, 2021
A decent little beach read, with some lovely imagery of Rome, which is why I picked it up in the first place.
March 6, 2017
PS 2017 - A book about Travel
August 15, 2012
The book is amazing. As one of the reviews suggests, I can almost smell the coffee. The descriptions are so picture perfect. The idea of escaping to a dream European country is initially idealistic and fictional. As the story progresses and the characters come alive amidst the powerful and illuminating backdrop of Italy, the story makes more sense. The trials and tribulations one has to face in order to go ahead with fulfilling a dream is beautifully portrayed. From a prestigious job in Sydney to cleaning toilets in bars to being a receptionist, the whole journey is like a full circle life story. I fell in love with all the characters and more with the city. The way Penelope Green describes Rome and other cities, it's almost like a paradise. I absolutely adore her perception of sex and the very indifferent usage of words like "shag" and "tits" in a very humorous tone. The heavy usage of Italian in between has been educational if not intriguing. And the puns and realities. It's absolutely endearing how she wants to gel in with the masses. I love the way her friendships and relationships are so casual and yet deep and worthy rooting for.
It's like looking at Italy from a photographic lens. I love the city. I love the book. The pace is delicious and so is the story line.
Don't miss it.
It's like looking at Italy from a photographic lens. I love the city. I love the book. The pace is delicious and so is the story line.
Don't miss it.
August 24, 2022
I read this book almost four years ago, but I just dug it out of my bookshelf (and found my original review), so thought I’d share my 20 year-old self's thoughts
- I liked the honesty and reality of moving to a totally new country and the struggles of learning to assimilate in a new culture
- The way Penelope handled her relationships, with friends and her lovers - it’s almost exactly the same way I’d do it and I found I related to her a lot
- Federico was a much better character - more supportive, understanding and interesting - than Raffaello
- There was no sugarcoating any of Penelope’s experiences, I liked how raw and honest she was
- It needed more Italian imagery. It tended to be glossed over in favour of social interactions. When I read a travel book, I want to read about the places visited too
- I love Penny’s determination and persistence living in a new country as an early thirties Australian. I’m always here for a headstrong female lead
Overall 4/5. I love the stories of Australian women adjusting to new cultures in new countries, as this is something I personally relate to. A fun and fluffy read.
- I liked the honesty and reality of moving to a totally new country and the struggles of learning to assimilate in a new culture
- The way Penelope handled her relationships, with friends and her lovers - it’s almost exactly the same way I’d do it and I found I related to her a lot
- Federico was a much better character - more supportive, understanding and interesting - than Raffaello
- There was no sugarcoating any of Penelope’s experiences, I liked how raw and honest she was
- It needed more Italian imagery. It tended to be glossed over in favour of social interactions. When I read a travel book, I want to read about the places visited too
- I love Penny’s determination and persistence living in a new country as an early thirties Australian. I’m always here for a headstrong female lead
Overall 4/5. I love the stories of Australian women adjusting to new cultures in new countries, as this is something I personally relate to. A fun and fluffy read.
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September 25, 2014Just started so unfair, but... do I really want to read another book of this style? No, not really. I've read enough of them. Unhappy girl packs up and goes elsewhere, blah blah. However as I'm only up to page 14 I'll push on a bit. It's for bookclub after all. And this book was republished a few times! Lots of people must like it. So far it feels like a too familiar genre; navel gazing and boring. But I like Italy, love gelato (pistachio, limone & bacio) , and that yummy pizza with just basil on it you buy by the slice so I'll keep reading! Maybe I'll remember more about the food and roof tops of Italy as I go
April 3, 2022
Penelope give up her life in Sydney to chase the adventure of living in Italy. She knows no-one and speaks limited Italian. The story sees her 'dance' with a myriad of friends, jobs and houses.
It's very similar to 'almost French' yet not as classy. Penelope has no ties to any person, place or thing. So the book is like stepping stones, seeing her leap through life rather than digging deeper into her journey. It does give a good insight into Italian life and living the overseas dream.
There is another book but I'm unsure it would be different to this one, bouncing from event to event and job to job rather than digging into the nitty gritty.
It's very similar to 'almost French' yet not as classy. Penelope has no ties to any person, place or thing. So the book is like stepping stones, seeing her leap through life rather than digging deeper into her journey. It does give a good insight into Italian life and living the overseas dream.
There is another book but I'm unsure it would be different to this one, bouncing from event to event and job to job rather than digging into the nitty gritty.
August 10, 2011
I recommend it to anyone heading to Rome. The memories it brought back! She could have left out her "shagging", don't know what her parents thought of that each time she mentioned it. However, she gives a great and honest account of the struggles, the beauty, the history and the food of Rome. I am looking forward to reading her book set in Naples. It still makes me want to pack my bags and head off to Rome.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews