Shortly after arriving in Italy, I accepted an invitation to a book signing and reading event in Rome. When I learned of the book’s subject matter (a thirty-something woman who finds love with an Italian and moves to Rome) I thought, “Oh, no, not another fairy tale about coming to Italy, having an affair with Marcello Mastroianni and living happily ever after!” Needless to say I was skeptical. Seriously, is there anyone out there who could bring freshness to this tired and overly-saturated genre of storybook fantasies alla Three Coins in a Fountain, Under the Tuscan Sun and Eat, Pray, Love? I know I sound jaded – my expectations were low.
After a brief introduction, author Estelle Jobson sat down on a cushion in the courtyard of The Beehive Hotel, opened her book, Finding Rome on the Map of Love, and began to read. As I listened to her recount the stories, I noticed the corners of my mouth began to spontaneously turn upward. Her elegant and proper South African accent was in sharp contrast to the wry, sardonic, and sassy repartee. Hey, this girl gets it! When she finished I was a bit sad, but fortunately I’d purchased my very own autographed copy of the book and immediately cracked it open on the train back to Orvieto.
During the first couple of chapters, I was gulping down Estelle’s pages the way a typical American might eat their dinner – swallowing without taking time to taste. Perhaps I’ve been in Italy long enough that a voice in my head warned, “Don’t be in a hurry – savor each flavor and texture”. This book was just like a good Italian meal – I never wanted the literary feast to end, but when it did I felt warm and utterly satisfied.
Estelle Jobson is a talented writer who has a true gift for observation; describing things as an expatriate I’d experienced but was never able to fully articulate. I think what I appreciated the most about Estelle’s storytelling is that she doesn’t laugh at Italians, she laughs with them. Her book is filled with intelligent humor, compassion, and edgy insight. She is sarcastic without being mean; clever without being pretentious; and emotional without being too sentimental. Estelle sees Italians the way they really are and reconfirms, at least for me, why I love living among them.
I’ll stay with the food analogy for just a little bit longer to say that I really enjoyed chewing slowly on every single delicious “bite” of Finding Rome on the Map of Love – her words were proprio buonissime!
Enjoying my copy…
…in front of the…
…Duomo di Orvieto.
Gotta order mine online! Nice review!
Lisa, what are you, a speed reader? I swear I just posted it 30 seconds ago! How are you doing? Are you back from N.O.? Write and give me all the details when you can. Hugs. t
You make this book very intriging, must put it on my list!
Yes, you should have it for the trip here. Gives you a real perspective and will make you pee your pants (which is a high recommendation coming from me). Hugs. t
It’s downloaded to my Kindle! Hopefully I can wait to start it til I get on the plane in March. Hugs, D-
If the book is half as good as your review, it will definitely be worth reading!! Nice job!!!!
Susan,
Thanks for saying that. Made my day! How are you? Will you be back in the Spring? Buon Anno to you and Alan! t
What a lovely, spot-on review of this gem of a book (written by my gem of a friend Estelle )
Thanks Gillian. I am sure you are very proud of Estelle! See you soon, I hope. Toni
Oooo, I liked this review!
Thanks Judith!!! xxo t
I really enjoyed your review Toni, liking the fact that this write laughs with the Italians rather than at them.
I hope you do not mind if I share the link to this post. on my FB Book Reviews Extras page.
Hi there! Thanks so much. I am glad you enjoyed the review and I am happy you want to share the link…much appreciated by Estelle, the author, and me! Buon Anno! xxo toni
It is a pleasure Toni, here is the link in case any of your readers are interested.
http://www.facebook.com/LindyLouMacsBookReviewsExtras
This sounds like me Toni. I loved your review. And of course your recommendation is all the encouragement I need. I know just what you mean about being a tad cautious about ‘Italy’ books these days but Estelle sounds like a breath of fresh air. And I LOVE the snaps of your ‘gulping down’ the pages. So cute! I can see life in Orvieto is agreeing with you! xx
I have added this book to my list..:-) and I would love to visit the Beehive, read alot about the place
Dear Toni, I am so grateful to you for this delightful review and so pleased that the book hit the spot. Ladies & gents, please contact me on findingrome@gmail.com to find out about ordering the paperback. I ship to all corners of the globe.
Tante belle cose (Many beautiful things, i.e.to you)
Signora Stella