better than the movie

for some reason, thos os 0ne of Francis Mayes' books I had not read, although I did see the movie. I often wondered if the movie was a true version because it did not fit with the image of the author that I found in reading her other books. I do think I enjoyed Under the Tuscan Sun more because I have actually been to Italy 4 times since seeing the movie and reading her other books. it's not a dream but a very real place and this book does it all the justice it deserves.

I love the subtle humour in this audio book and the very vivid and poetic descriptions which please my visual mind.

At first, I had difficulty with France's southern American accent in her narration, partly because I hadn't really imagined it before and also because it is just so , Southern USA. Having only known her work through my own reading it was my Canadian accent that felt right. Silly I know, but audio books remove our own voice and force us to shift our perception . By the end of the book, however, I felt I knew her and the accent became as endearing.

I am so glad the book was not the movie! I enjoyed the movie, but that was more fantasy. The actual book is an education and immersion in Italian life through the eyes of someone who has invested time exploring which is much more satisfying.

++I had to come back to this review to add 2 things that really saddened and alarmed me about this book. In one chapter the author refers to a child playing as a "retarded" boy running around. I realize that that term is very American. to call people retarded and use that also as an insult., and to label humans with any intellectual differences. But why note that...what you are saying is that you see his intellectual challenges not his humanity. Why not just see him as a child running around playing among the people??? He is just that...a beautiful child .

In another part a visiting American Gospel choir was labeled as black and it was noted they were the only black faces to be seen...really? I found there were many people in Italy from all over the globe , Africans, Romany etc. Why not just notectheyvwere a wonderful choir?

I just feel this is an alert to anyone buying the book ..I already purchased it and might not have given how I feel about bigotry. so, I sm torn about how I feel about this book.

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So different (and better) than the movie!

I was shocked to discover that the book is more a memoir of the time Frances Mayes spends in Italy and the glorious food she enjoys while there - this is something I actually want to enjoy with my young family. The movie is good too, but only faintly resembles the book, and is not something I’m ready to let my kiddo watch yet! Yes, Ms. Mayes’ accent is not a typical “Hollywood” accent, but just move past that so you can enjoy her stories of building a home and garden in Italy - it’s the second-best thing to actually being there!

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buy the movie instead

the narrators voice and accent are very hard to listen to. I was so dissapointed as I loved the movie so much and thought the book would be even better. I will buy the paper version.

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Sounds like a dull textbook....

I'd rather watch paint dry. You win the prize if you can tally the number of times the word "we" is repeated in the text! That and the monotone narrator is as exciting as counting sheep. night night.

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