Ebook: 268 KB print length of 174 pages.
Genre: Personal Memoir
Publisher: Wanderlust Women Travel Ltd.
Source: The author in return for an unbiased review.
First Sentence: Chapter One: Love defines us be it good or bad.
Favourite Quote: Each day is a gift. While life takes work, it is yours to make great.
My Opinion: A disappointing read.
According to the publicity material for 'Amalfi Blue' it is a true story of love and lust, men and women, friendships and family, death and re-birth, set in some of the most beautiful locations in Europe. Toss in kidnapping, intrigue, hot salsa nights and sex and you've got passion, Italian style. Set on the Amalfi coast, Roma and Venice, Lisa Fantino sets out to explore the land of her DNA and Italian lovers.
Having spent a long time as an ex-pat in Italy I was able to empathise with much of what the author has to say. However I did find her impressions of and attitude towards Italian men, rather too much of a generalisation. Despite her telling us otherwise there are many decent Italian guys out there! Use of the Italian language scattered throughout the text was fine for me, as I have a fair understanding of the language, but it felt wrong that the reader with no Italian was not considered, some translations would have been welcome.
Amalfi Blue is a personal memoir but I felt the story was not fully told and at just over 170 pages that is not surprising, surely Lisa Fantino could have expanded on her adventures in Italy. In fact I felt the descriptions of areas of Italy that I am familiar with were of more interest and useful for travellers than the memoir aspects which felt incomplete. A disappointing read but one that will probably appeal to Italophiles that are not as familiar with Italy.
I have tried to be honest in my opinions and I genuinely wish Lisa Fantino all the best with her writing. Maybe one day she will publish a more in depth memoir as I am sure that there is a constant demand for this type of 'life in Italy' publication.
Author Profile
Lisa Fantino is an award-winning journalist and attorney. During 20+ years in New York, USA, she worked as a writer, as well as hosting her own celebrity chat show on Cablevision. She has interviewed many stars including Robert Plant, Mick Jagger and several world leaders. Lisa has travelled the world for work & play but her soul is always happiest in Italy.
The biographical information and photo used in this post are with thanks to the following websites, where you can also find more information about the author and her writing.
Goodreads - Author Profile Facebook Profile Amazon Profile
a true story of love and lust...well, at my age, those two flew out the window years ago. LOL
ReplyDeleteAt less than 200 pages in this 'memoir' book, I feel as you do and haven't read the work...come on, much more to be said I'm sure.
It is indeed a shame that Lisa Fantino did not write a fuller memoir, but yes maybe one day.
DeleteThis sounds like an interesting read, I wouldn't mind checking it out. I have never lived in the south of Italy, only gone there on vacation and had a sort of serious boyfriend from there... but I think this would still be a fun read, seeing things from an expat's point of view.
ReplyDeleteOh do Elisa, as I would be interested in knowing what you make of it. :)
DeleteSad that you are dissapointed but I loved the cover page.
ReplyDeleteNever mind, I have read so many books about living in Italy I think it would be a surprise if I enjoyed them all.
DeleteI agree with books that have a lot of alternative languages in them. I read one recently that had a lot of conversations and comments in French which I was able to keep up with but I'm sure many wouldn't be able to.
ReplyDeleteAnn
It is a problem Ann, one that it seems many authors do not consider to be though.
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