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Imperfect Pairings by Jackie Townsend
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Imperfect Pairings (edition 2013)

by Jackie Townsend

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6130428,967 (2.91)13
Smart, career driven Jamie had not intended to fall in love. And to a foreigner no less, an Italian who doesn’t reveal his heritage at first. Jack is short for John, he tells her, but she soon discovers that John is short for Giovanni. Insanely handsome and intense but unreadable, Giovanni is a man of few words. When after two months together she accompanies him to his cousin’s wedding in Italy, Jamie learns that he hasn’t been back to the troubled family estate in ten years—but with one step upon the rich Italian soil covered in ancient vines, it’s as if he never left. Suddenly his language is no longer her language, and Jamie is drawn inexplicably into an Italy that outsiders rarely see—a crumbling villa, an old family scandal, a tragic mother, an estranged father, and a host of spirited Italian cousins. Jack is finally forced to face the destiny he’s been renouncing; and Jamie makes a rash decision, unaware that it will change her life forever.… (more)
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Showing 1-5 of 32 (next | show all)
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
I didn't care for Imperfect Pairings as much as I thought I would. The summary sounds good, but I couldn't connect with either Giovanni or Jamie - which is obviously a problem. I never could figure out what it was that brought the two of them together - or even what kept them together later on. They obviously have wildly different views on life, based - as Townsend managed to show quite well - on their cultural differences. However, if the two of them do not even like each other, why should readers be expected to? ( )
  ItEntertainsMe | Oct 5, 2016 |
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
An intricate look at relationships, careers and family with a setting that takes you from the U.S. to Europe. Not completely centering around wine as one would expect. It focuses more on one man's family legacy and his battle to be worthy of it. Being an Italian living in America he battles emotionally between his family and his new life with his American girlfriend. She also battles her own issues and was disappointing as the weaker character. Instead of leaving you with a happy love can conquer all feeling it is much more real and true to life. I really enjoyed the witty moments and the look into Italy and the Italian way of life but over all not really thrilled by this story.

I received a copy for an honest review. ( )
  LiteraryChanteuse | Jan 27, 2016 |
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
I just could not get into this book, so finally gave up. Sorry! ( )
  KathyBrandt | Mar 27, 2014 |
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
Quite enjoyed this book about a high powered workaholic discovering herself - and her partner and his family - while her life gets pulled between the US and Italy! A few gasps, a few "wow!" moments... a bit of boredom at the slow pace of this story ...such is life, really, and this author did a great job of creating authentic main characters with complicated modern lives!! Perhaps there were a few too many peripheral Italian characters, though, such that I found it challenging to keep up with who they all were, especially in relation to Jack/Giovanni!... and I agree with other reviews that I did wish for/expect more of an atmospheric read, especially for the parts taking place in Italy. Overall, though, a pleasant Saturday afternoon-into-evening read! ( )
  tsaj | Dec 1, 2013 |
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
Like many others I too had high hopes for this book, with the promise of delicious descriptions of Italian travel, food and wine. But it didn't quite live up to expectations. The romantic relationship at the centre of the book didn't ring at all true to me; Jamie, the American woman, was prickly and unsympathetic, and Jack/Giovanni, the Italian man, was inscrutable. I hadn't a clue why these two had gotten together, or what kept them together. Disappointing. ( )
  Panopticon2 | Jul 1, 2013 |
Showing 1-5 of 32 (next | show all)
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Epigraph
"It is fate that I am here," George persisted, "but you can call it Italy if it makes you less unhappy." -- E.M. Forster, A Room with a View
Nothing can be compared to the new life that the discovery of another country provides for a thoughtful person. Although I am still the same I believe to have changed to the bones. -- Johann Wofgang von Goethe, Italian Journey
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For our Italian family
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The wheels lift off the tarmac and suddenly his name is not one syllable but three: Jack, now a melodic Giovanni, as it might be sung in an Italian opera.
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Smart, career driven Jamie had not intended to fall in love. And to a foreigner no less, an Italian who doesn’t reveal his heritage at first. Jack is short for John, he tells her, but she soon discovers that John is short for Giovanni. Insanely handsome and intense but unreadable, Giovanni is a man of few words. When after two months together she accompanies him to his cousin’s wedding in Italy, Jamie learns that he hasn’t been back to the troubled family estate in ten years—but with one step upon the rich Italian soil covered in ancient vines, it’s as if he never left. Suddenly his language is no longer her language, and Jamie is drawn inexplicably into an Italy that outsiders rarely see—a crumbling villa, an old family scandal, a tragic mother, an estranged father, and a host of spirited Italian cousins. Jack is finally forced to face the destiny he’s been renouncing; and Jamie makes a rash decision, unaware that it will change her life forever.

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