title: The Heart of Rome
author:  Lisa Petrocelli 
description: <span>"Author Lisa Petrocelli knows well the depth of religious history that is so intrinsic to understanding Italy. Her extraordinary new book, <i>The Heart of Rome,</i> is full of fascinating details about the churches and Christian relics of the Eternal City. Her prose is like a river of knowledge where one historical anecdote flows to another with ease and wonder. More than a story, <i>The Heart of Rome</i>is a heartfelt tribute by the author to Italy and her rich and influential history. <i>The Heart of Rome</i> is an entertaining and enlightening book that <i>PRIMOMagazine</i> recommends for all to read."<i>Truby Chiaviello, PRIMO Magazine</i></span><br /><br /><span>"If you know and love Italy, you will love <i>The Heart of Rome</i>. And if you don't, you will after reading this book! Petrocelli and her heroine Anna take the reader on a fascinating journey into the sights, sounds, and tastes of modern and ancient Rome. A heartwarming story of loving family. A touching tale of everlasting love." <i>Carol Desch, Statewide Coordinator of Library Services, New York State Library</i></span><br /><br /><span>"Lisa's book tells a story in the style of a diary, for all who want to listen. Rome is a magical city, and people every day here find themselves amazed not only for the astonishing artistic beauty, but for the magic hidden in the smaller things, often unknown to many. Lisa's personal experience helps you to recognize the colors, the perfume, and the taste of those smaller things, making even the reader feel at home in Rome." <i>Rome Central Magazine</i></span><br /><br /><span>"Although this book tells of a trip to Rome by Anna and her brother, there were many unseen characters traveling with them.Comforting memories of family members and long ago trips saturate the narrative like the rainy Italian weather. And the food descriptions! I think I gained five pounds reading about the pastries alone." <i>MaryBeth Farr, Librarian, New York State Library</i></span>
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  MICHAEL DIBDIN
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](inline_1_online.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # Così Fan Tutti
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](faber_online.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  For Katherine, _fedel quanto bella_
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # Contents
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [Title Page](9780571274116_booktitlepage.html#rw-title-block-
  book_294189-00001)
  
  
  
  
  
  [Dedication](9780571274116_dedication.html#rw-frontmatter-
  Dedication_296060-00001)
  
  
  
  
  
  [Epigraph](9780571274116_epigraph.html#rw-frontmatter-Epigraph_296038-00001)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [The setting is supposedly Naples](9780571274116_chapter_01.html#rw-body-
  Chapter_294382-00001)
  
  
  
  
  
  [Love’s the reason](9780571274116_chapter_02.html#rw-body-
  Chapter_294387-00001)
  
  
  
  
  
  [It’s a great life in the forces](9780571274116_chapter_03.html#rw-body-
  Chapter_294412-00001)
  
  
  
  
  
  [Both of them play their parts well](9780571274116_chapter_04.html#rw-body-
  Chapter_294517-00001)
  
  
  
  
  
  [Friend Don Alfonso](9780571274116_chapte