The Seasons of Rome: A Journal

by Paul Hofmann

Delving into the daily life of a city that is in so many ways larger than life, Paul Hofmann steers us beyond the tourist board, revealing a fetish for Vatican gossip, the idiosyncrasies of the gattare (cat women who care for the city's stray cats), and the vagaries of the ever-volatile Roman government. As he winds through Rome's ancient streets, we listen with him to the voices of the city, past and present, and we discover with him the intricacies and the beauty of Italy's finest city.

Genres: Italy, Travel, Nonfiction, Memoir

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Paul Hofmann was an author, journalist, linguist, and political activist. The New York Times, for whom he was a foreign correspondent, described him as fluent in German, Italian, French, and English, having a command of several other languages that was more than passable, as well as "a broad grasp of history and diplomatic affairs and an often playful curiosity."

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is one of several travel books I have left on my tbr shelf. I could read a steady diet of these for weeks but I'd never get anything else read if I did that, so I allow myself one as a treat now and then.

This one did something no other travel book has ever done for me; it cured me of any desire to actually go to Rome. I loved the format of the book; it's written like a journal with dated entries, but I expected (admittedly my mistake) a kinder, more charming look at life in one of the most popular cities in the world.

What I got was a lot of information about the constant political struggles, strikes, terrible traffic congestion, crime (organized and otherwise), major public transit difficulties, air pollution, out of control soccer fans, housing problems and bureaucratic headaches that constitute life in Rome. It sounds like a miserable place to live and even to visit. All large cities have these problems to some extent, but most of the travel books I've read try to infuse at least a little bit of romance into the the mental pictures they paint. The author refers to Rome as "the most beautiful city on earth" but unfortunately this book made Rome seem like a dirty and unfriendly destination.

The writing is good, it's the material that I found boring, maybe because it was so much fact and so little feeling. There was no atmosphere, no sparkle; I didn't even enjoy the section about the city's great hotels and I love hotels. The last third of the book I more or less just scanned the pages to see if there was anything interesting and I was very glad to get to the end of it. I hate saying that because I know it takes an enormous amount of commitment and hard work to produce any book and I feel guilty every time I have to say I didn't like one. And to be fair, there are probably many people who would love "The Seasons Of Rome", but darn it, it didn't appeal to me at all.

[Naturegirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book on Italy by a man who's lived in Rome for decades. This was a much more educational read than a romantic one, but I loved the honest perspective about how crazy Rome can be to live in. I love Rome. I want to go back so badly, but the more I read about it, the more I realize that it's not a place i'd ever want to settle down. THe history is fascinating, and when I read books like this one, I learn so much about the politics and attitudes that exist in these places.

[Tri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, how I miss Rome. This book almost made me feel like I was back there. Almost.

This book was beautiful and heart felt and eye opening. It made me think about a time of Roman history I hardly ever think on: 1945-1999.

It also was very interesting to read about a city I know so well, set right before I was born. Wow, 2000 was a big thing! I was just a tiny baby!

And unfortunately, it was disheartening to once again see how little we’ve progressed. People still have to march and protest and strike to get anywhere.

Of course, you can’t have a book about Italy in the 20th century without having heartbreaking stories of the Holocaust.

This book made me laugh aloud, brought me to tears, and gave me more things to put on my “to see” list the next time I get to Rome.

4 stars.

TW: Holocaust, police violence, racism, earthquake

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a delight. Reading it 25 years after publishing had wonderful charm. I loved the style of storytelling and those stories that got told. It was a great book to read before and during a trip to Rome.

[Sarah Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting vignettes, but now pretty dated.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amusing vignettes of a year in a life in Rome. Despite the frustrations, author has made Rome his home since WWII. Teacher can't find work because "there are not enough children in Italy." Polytechnic graduate hides his degree to get a job, collecting garbage left by Romans and tourists. Embassy staff notorious for not paying rent. Noisy Vespas, whose name means wasp. Facets of multicultural Rome - Filipina nannies in demand, established Italian restaurant owned by Chinese immigrants staffed by Italian waiters, immigrant teens who speak romanesco, Piazza Vittorio neighborhood and market.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, it makes me quite nostalgic for my time living in Rome. He captures the essence of the Italian people and their way of life, and taps into the absurdities of their reality with great affection. As someone who lived in Rome for a college semester, it opened my eyes to the inner workings of the city, and the thoughts of its residents. Very informative and makes me understand why I could never figure out what time the banks are open!

[Cerealflakes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed sections of this book, but some of it went into too much detail. He wrote about one of the many years he lived in Rome and broke it out month by month. Many of us don't do something interesting enough to write about each month, and Hofmann is no different. I did enjoy his descriptions of the way Italians look at life and they way they handle problems.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book provided a great insight about life in Rome: the crazy religious antics, the cat women, the different winds that blow into town, the sounds that emanate from people's apartments, how Italians are experts at "arranging" things, how Italians have rules for heated arguments. I felt as if I were there.

[B · Rating 4 out of 5]

914.56 A journal of a stay in Rome, including all kinds of interesting tidbits about life in Rome...unresponsive government, nutty women taking care of wild cats, wonderful food, etc.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love stories of Rome.....and this one talked about the hotel I stayed in last time! Aww!!!!