Under the Tuscan Sun was on tv last night.
I'd not seen it before - I haven't read the book either even though it's on my to-read list, but more of that later - so that became our after dinner tv viewing last night. We've both been working flat out recently and were too tired to go out anywhere.
In Italian, the title becomes Sotto il sole in Toscana. The translation autmatically made me see it through my Italian rather than expat eyes. I know it's based on Frances Mayes own life in Cortona, but it's so far fetched from what many expats go through when they move to Italy.
Still there were bits that made me laugh out loud, especially when Mr Smooth tells Frances that he could drown in her eyes. That must be the pick-up line that all Italian baby boys are born with as I've had it trotted out several times and I know my friends - Italians, Brits, Australians and Americans - have, too.
I'm curious to read the book now. Have you read it? What do you think?
I don't know if I would read it (again) - I read it because I studied in the town next to Cortona so the images were a bit more vivid for me right after being there, but to be honest, the whole "what-an-inconvenience-my-marble-fireplace-couldnt-get-installed-so-I-used-my -wood-pizza-oven" expat experience is totally opposite my experience so I can't enjoy it.
The movie was also "Americanized" - there is no romance in the books (she's married and older) and focuses on daily "villa" upkeep. It might be interesting if you're a house owner.
Posted by: Sara, Ms. Adventures in Italy | July 24, 2007 at 03:35 PM
Sara
Thanks for your feedback. That's what I'd heard, too. Her experience is totally different to mine and I can't relate to it either. Though I've decided I am going to have read it by the end of the year to be able to judge it for myself.
Emma
Ps - I love your blog :-)
Posted by: Emma Bird | July 25, 2007 at 04:06 PM