A Valley in Italy

This is on my top ten list of great books. I reread this every couple of years. You should read if you are having a holiday in Italy this summer. I give it to all my good friends. Best book ever.

A fantastic, true story beautifully written. One of my top ten great books. Just get it and read it.

Good book

Those who enjoy reading about very eccentric, irresponsible and self absorbed people who seem to have difficulty relating to others, particularly their own children.... the elder of which is referred to always as 'the child'.... might truly like this book. The writing is good, occasionally funny and paints a nice picture, BUT the author and her family are so unappealing that by the end of the first chapter I was ready to toss the book in disgust. Since I was stuck in an airplane waiting out a thunderstorm and had little choice, I read on.... hoping it would get better. It didn't. After reading several books about people restoring Italian homes and making a life for themselves in Italy, I've come to realize that the author's personality must be tolerable for you or the book will not be. This woman is from another planet. I just can't warm up to someone who would endanger her children's health, at a minumum, and seems to have almost no interest in them, except to chronical their exploits. Her husband is a real case, her daughter, 'the child', is following in Mom's footsteps of crazydom. Only the little boy might have a chance at normalcy, but it's hard to tell. Anyway, if crazy characters seem like fun, this may be the book for you. (Italy, by the way, is only incidental in the book.) If, on the other hand, you want sane, touching, funny, real people you'd like to know and their very charming, very Italian story, ready The Hills of Tuscany by Mate.

I so love Lisa's books! What a life she has lived. And isn't afraid to move anywhere or try life anywhere. Love reading about her experiences and this one was great because it was so interesing reading about the beautiful home!