"Made in Italy" takes us on a richly layered tour of the country's landscape, art, cuisine and culture. The novel centers on Frank Avetta, a down on his luck, 40-something Italian-American. When an unexpected inheritance draws him to a small Italian mountain town, Frank embarks on a journey of self-discovery as he learns about his ancestral roots. He quickly finds himself pulled into a dangerous turf war involving preservationists, greedy corporate developers and centuries-old antiquities. Along the way he meets a colorful array of characters (including a mysterious love interest) who take him on an insider tour of the countryside. The lush writing conveys a multi-sensory experience of Italy's food, wine, and traditions. And the suspenseful story keeps you turning the pages. It's a fast-paced, exciting, educational read. Made in Italy
I loved this book. Once you start the book you don't want to put it down. You find yourself wondering what happens next to Frank Avetta, a former Olympic bronze medalist in cross-country skiing, who is currently in Aspen and down on his luck when he inherits a house of his own in the Italian mountains. There he confronts a multitude of problems! It will educate you on the history and culture of Northern Italy. As mentioned above the descriptions of food are mouth watering.
What could be better than a return to Italy (or your first visit if you've never been)? Romance, food, wine, ambiance, culture, antiquities, and more await. Have dinner first or you'll be too hungry to finish Frank Avetta's most excellent adventure. Then put your feet up, open a bottle of vino, and enjoy. I sure did!!
I loved this book. It is a beautifully written and conceived adventure/mystery for the thinking person. Frank Avetta, a former Olympic bronze medalist in cross-country skiing, is drifting in Aspen, working on other people's houses and barely avoiding bankruptcy, when he inherits a house of his own in the Italian mountains. There he confronts corporate developers, art thieves, and his own lack of connection with his heritage and other people. The pacing is excellent as the book leads to its climax, and along the way we gain with Frank knowledge of the history and culture of Northern Italy as well as an abiding sense of place. The characters are compelling and the prose is first-rate. The descriptions of food alone are so vivid you will gain 5 pounds just reading the book!
This is a wonderful, well-written book. A real page-turner with substance. Immerse yourself in the adventures of a failing former Olympic skier, as he discovers his rich heritage in the Italian Alps. Loved it!!
Set in the mountains in northern Italy, "Made in Italy" chronicles the adventures of Frank Avetta, a former Olympic medalist in cross country skiing who inherits an ancient property in northern Italy. Down on his luck, he leaves Aspen to check out his inheritance, only to fall in love with the scenery, people, wine and food in the small mountain village. Alas, not all is idyllic, and Frank soon finds himself up against a lot more than he bargained for when antique smugglers, rogue real estate developers and shady lawyers are all trying to divest him of his property in more and more drastic ways. This is a page-turner and I found myself reading through the last half of the book almost in one sitting. As fast paced as it is, the author slows down the action to allow you to savor the tastes, smells, and scenery of the region, as well as introducing compelling characters. A very enjoyable book...highly recommended!
This certainly meets my definition of a "page-turner". I ended up procrastinating on a number of worth-while projects in order to find out where this story would go. Some interesting cultural insights (including North American resort) enhanced the flavor of the book. My advise: Yes, absolutely, read it, but in order for you to keep in good standing don't start reading just before an event that is important for you to be in attendance (like an aniversary dinner with your significant other).
Does anybody have a spare airline ticket to Milan they would like to donate to me? - Action - Cultural - Romance - Italy'
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