A Small Place in Italy

Eric Newby's travel memoir chronicles his purchase and renovation of a dilapidated farmhouse in northern Italy during the late 1960s. Together with his wife Wanda, he navigates the complexities of Italian real estate, local bureaucracy, and rural life while transforming their property, I Castagni. The book details the practical challenges of restoring an ancient building, from structural repairs to pest control, while simultaneously depicting the social dynamics of their remote Italian community. The narrative follows their legal battles, encounters with neighbors, and gradual integration into local customs and traditions. The heart of the story lies in Newby's portraits of the local inhabitants - the spirited widow Signora Angiolina, the wine-making Dada family, and various other characters who shape their experience of Italian country life. These relationships form the foundation of their transition from outsiders to accepted members of the community. The memoir captures a pivotal moment in Italian history, when rural traditions still held strong against encroaching modernization, while exploring themes of cultural adaptation and the meaning of home.

Readers appreciate Newby's details about restoring an old Italian farmhouse and his descriptions of rural Tuscan life in the 1960s. Many note his dry British humor and observations of local characters. Positive mentions: - Authentic portrayal of Italian village culture - Personal anecdotes about interactions with neighbors - Descriptions of food, wine, and seasonal rhythms - Details about traditional building methods Common criticisms: - Uneven pacing with slow sections - Too much focus on construction specifics - Limited character development beyond surface interactions - Some readers found his tone condescending toward locals Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (294 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (52 ratings) "A charming time capsule of rural Italy before mass tourism" - Goodreads reviewer "Gets bogged down in renovation minutiae" - Amazon reviewer "Not as engaging as his travel writing" - LibraryThing review Note: Rating data as of 2023

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🌟 Eric Newby was a renowned British travel writer who served in WWII and was held as a prisoner of war in Italy, where he first fell in love with the country. 🌟 I Castagni, the farmhouse featured in the book, was purchased for just £1,400 in 1967 - a fraction of what similar properties would cost today in Tuscany. 🌟 The Apuan Alps region described in the book is famous for its marble quarries, including those that provided the stone for Michelangelo's David. 🌟 Newby's wife Wanda, who features prominently in the book, was actually an Italian partisan who helped him escape during WWII when he was a fugitive POW. 🌟 The book was published in 1994, nearly 30 years after the events it describes, during a period when "buying a house in Italy" memoirs were becoming increasingly popular.