The story of four American strangers who bond in Italy and change their lives over the course of an exceptional year, from the bestselling author of Under the Tuscan Sun. Don’t miss Frances Mayes in PBS’s Dream of Italy: Tuscan Sun Special! She watches from her terrazza as the three American women carry their luggage into the stone villa down the hill. Who are they, and what brings them to this … villa down the hill. Who are they, and what brings them to this Tuscan village so far from home? An expat herself and with her own unfinished story, she can’t help but question: will they find what they came for?
Kit Raine, an American writer living in Tuscany, is working on a biography of her close friend, a complex woman who continues to cast a shadow on Kit’s own life. Her work is waylaid by the arrival of three women—Julia, Camille, and Susan—all of whom have launched a recent and spontaneous friendship that will uproot them completely and redirect their lives. Susan, the most adventurous of the three, has enticed them to subvert expectations of staid retirement by taking a lease on a big, beautiful house in Tuscany. Though novices in a foreign culture, their renewed sense of adventure imbues each of them with a bright sense of bravery, a gusto for life, and a fierce determination to thrive. But how? With Kit’s friendship and guidance, the three friends launch themselves into Italian life, pursuing passions long-forgotten—and with drastic and unforeseeable results.
more
This is a well written wonderful story about friendship, new beginnings and the joy and beauty of living and eating in Italy.
Really loved this book. Inspired me to look at aging in a different and positive way.
Simply could not get into the ramblings of this author, and I really tried!
Very confusing.
I have been to Tuscany and I have been widowed and alone. I found myself identifying with these women and understanding their journey. I loved this book.
Well written can’t put it down! Characters are so real. Storyline interesting
A different type of story about three American women whose children think they should move to a senior retirement community. The women meet at an orientation, and decide they have a lot in common and are not ready to settle down in their 60s. This leads them to embark on a trip to Italy together, where they find a relaxing, different change of pace in life and decide to rent a villa together for a year. A nice read.
The characters are multi-layered and fascinating.
This book is my best read, so far, in 2018.
An absolute delight ! Smart, fun, rich and very entertaining characters. A page-turner and yet I wanted this journey to Tuscany and into the characters lives to go on and on and not end. Highly recommend !
I see this book as more literary than light. Yes, there are four main story lines of four [each one unusually talented] mature women, three of which come to Tuscany to determine which way to go from the crossroads at which they stand. At once intrigued, but sometimes slightly exasperated with them for nothing seems to be out of their reach. There are also many minor characters to keep track of, too. Highly descriptive of Tuscany and surrounding regions as well as the continuous array of foods, this aspect of the writing is a visual feast for the imagination. I do recommend this book for mature women who might like to visit Italy or who may know it very well already.
Three women reach crossroads in their lives. Instead of giving up, they opt to move to Tuscany. I love reading about everyday life in Italy. More than a beach read.
Nice to read about women in there 60s to show there’s another chapter in life.Not just going to” senior” living. But going to another country, and succeeding.
This is an entertaining novel that will illustrate living in Italy and the characters will charm you.
an excellent reading experience.