A Valley in Italy

by Lisa St. Aubin de Terán

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Description

Tracing a year in the life of an Umbrian village, this book shifts month by month through the seasons and the social rites of people. Side by side with the celebrations of particular saints' days, the accompanying banquets, the dances, processions and the cultivation of the land upon which the area has long depended, the author describes the restoration of the huge, dilapidated palazzo she and her family occupy. Between the purchase of the villa and her daughters's wedding party a year show more later, there is an account of life in Umbria as it is lived by the Italians. show less

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Member Reviews

2 reviews
Teran acquires a rundown estate in Umbria and sets about the arduous work of restoring it along with her artist husband. What sets this book apart from countless other like books, is Teran's writing ability. Her lucid prose captures the countryside and the eccentric locals who populate it. Her greater family also is entertaining, including two nannies. called the "beauties" and her daughter, almost too preciously called "the child Iseult." Their adventures add spice to the book. Her village was too small to be located by using Google Earth, etc., and some photographs would have been welcome. Her husband is a vague figure who comes across as somewhat of a twit. Not surprisingly she ultimately ends up divorcing him, albeit some years show more after writing the book. show less
Verslag van een moeizame restauratie van een vervallen huis in Umbrië.

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Author Information

Picture of author.
34+ Works 1,592 Members

Some Editions

Beek, Ellen (Translator)
Goddijn, Anneke (Translator)
Nuis, Aad (Translator)

Common Knowledge

People/Characters
Robbie Duff-Scott
Important places
Umbria, Italy; San Orsola, Italy
First words
For years before I came to settle here in Umbria, the name conjured up for me a strange, wild, contradictory place.
Quotations
"Parla italiano?" Imolo [the author's builder] asked me.

"But we are speaking Italian." "Yes," he said doubtfully, "but we're not talking any sense."
Original language
English

Classifications

Genres
Travel, Nonfiction, Biography & Memoir, General Nonfiction
DDC/MDS
945.65History & geographyHistory of EuropeItalyMarches, Umbria, Lazio; Vatican City
LCC
DG975 .U5 .S7History of Europe, Asia, Africa and OceaniaCityHistory of ItalyOther cities (non-metropolitan), provinces, etc., A-Z
BISAC

Statistics

Members
230
Popularity
142,193
Reviews
2
Rating
½ (3.49)
Languages
Dutch, English, German
Media
Paper
ISBNs
16
ASINs
4