Umbrian Twilight: Tra il Lusco e il Brusco

When faced with unspeakable tragedy, the author retreats to rural Italy. The gentle madness of everyday life, the brio her friends and neighbors share with her, help her to heal. The book description Amazon provides above opens with "soul dredging" which sounds dismal indeed, but this is not a depressing book. Yes, the author has a great deal of pain. She shares just enough to make you understand the value of the joy and peace she finds. This is a life affirming book about learning to put one foot in front of the other again, about loss, about love, about life, and above all, about Italy.If you've ever wanted to go to Italy, why wait? Pour a glass of wine, put some Puccini and Jerry Vale in the cd player, and open up this wonderful book.

The story of the author's Italian family traditions and her love affair with Italy and the Italian people and culture. A mixture of joy and happy memories intermingled with tragedy and with deep sadness. I found it interesting.

reading giovannas book ,was like sitting with her on a couch,drinking a glass of wine,and hearing a close tell stories of her latest adventures in italy,or having her open her heart to you about a loss that is to hard to verbalize,or just describing a warm evening breeze that caresses your face,its all about a friend opening up and sharing. thankyou giovanna a good read

This book transports you to Italy with the very specific details of the farm and people she meets along her journey . Touching and spiritual book I highly recommend this book.

I felt like I was living the expereince with Giovanna Picccossi as she went from dark to light, from tragedy to acceptance to love. YOu will be enriched by this book, I highly reccomend it.

Fine read by a local author. Having lived on the East End of Long Island for over twenty years and after being raised by Italian American parents, there were instant connections to this book. My childhood recollections mirror the author's memoirs of family, food and affection. I smiled recalling my father distributing pieces of sliced fruit to us at the conclusion of our dinners. On my sole trip to Italy I also connected with the instinct to return to the earth and its simplicity.I recommend this book as enjoyable and engaging, perfect for the summer and the shore. The author compares and contrasts her experiences in the States with those in Italy. I learned about the people and culture of the Italian country side. The author opens her heart as she accepts tragic loss in her life making the reader reflect inward as well.

This story touched my heart...the author's ability to find meaning and peace in Umbria after suffering a loss so great and her experiences in the renovation of her home in Italy, the characters she meets there...bringing her family and friends to share in the place that feeds her soul. I enjoyed each page and felt like I was there! Wonderful story!

Beautifully written memoir that embraces gorgeous Tuscany and the fierce bonds of family and history. Composed with great heart and a poignant Mother's love. Highly recommend - deeply honest and genuine.