Title: Don't bother - there are many better books
Product review: I enjoyed parts of this and "Bella Tuscany" on a superficial, escapist level. I like sunshine, travel, Italy, good food, shopping and nice houses so these can be a pleasant escape from grey, rainy Scottish winters (and summers!) However, I have to agree with many of the negative comments made about the way the books are written and the way the author comes across. At times they can be deadly dull, unbelievably pretentious, as well as patronising and humourless. If you want to read about house renovating in Italy try "A Valley In Italy" by the fascinating Lisa St Aubin De Teran instead. Also, as many reader have previously mentioned, Peter Mayle and Tim Parks are much better on adjusting to life in a foreign country.
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