Italian Lessons

by Peter Pezzelli

With his trademark warmth, humor, and wisdom, Peter Pezzelli's newest novel weaves an unforgettable tale of Italian-American life and family, hope and heartbreak, lessons learned and lessons deferred, and a love that can heal time's greatest wounds. . . Italian Lessons Fresh out of college, Carter Quinn has returned to his home in North Providence, Rhode Island, unsure of just about everything except his plans to go to Italy and pursue the woman of his dreams. To do that, he needs to learn to speak Italian, and only one man is right for the job--Giancarlo Rosa. . .if Carter can survive him. Giancarlo is nobody's fool. The middle-aged music professor does offer Italian lessons, but only to those who are truly motivated. If Carter wants to learn, he will have to prove lessons three times a week, hours of studying, strict discipline. And there will be no questions about the professor's life--why he hasn't written music in years, why he lives alone, and why he left his homeland in the first place. Carter may see Italy as a land of romance, but Giancarlo knows just what disappointments and betrayals live under the Abruzzo sky. What begins as an apparent mismatch between mentor and student soon blossoms into something deeper--a friendship that carries them into the old country, where forgotten secrets may hold the key to a new lease on life. Now, in a land of sun, wine, new romance and old wounds, two men will embark on separate, unpredictable journeys that will take them deep into the untraveled places of the heart where everything must be learned. . . Praise for the Novels of Peter Pezzelli Francesca's Kitchen "Home cooking, good pasta and traditional family values conquer all in this amusing and touching story."
-- Publishers Weekly "Filled with warmth and humor, Pezzelli's latest novel entices. Readers won't want to put down this richly detailed novel."
-- Romantic Times Every Sunday "A sweet, brave, and funny novel--with a heart as big as the entire state of Rhode Island."
--Claire Cook, author of Must Love Dogs Home To Italy A BookSense Pick! "A beautiful novel. . .Peter Pezzelli captures the warmth of Italy--family, friendships, and food--invites us into the world of his wonderful characters, and takes us full circle on a journey of life and love."
--Luanne Rice, New York Times bestselling author "Bighearted and wise, Home to Italy is a charming ode to the romance of new beginnings and the Italian gusto for life."
--Louisa Ermelino, author of Joey Dee Gets Wise "A warmhearted novel, perfect for an autumn evening in front of the fire."
-- Litchfield Enquirer   

Genres: Italy, Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Travel, Italian Literature

346 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2007

About the author

Peter Pezzelli was born and raised in Rhode Island. A graduate of Wesleyan University, he lives with his wife, two children and their dog in Rhode Island where, most days, he is busy at work at his next novel.

Reviews

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doamne, ce carte minunată!

[joyce g · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story.

[Bunyip · Rating 2 out of 5]

Would a college graduate really be totally unaware of Michelangelo's David, or prosciutto, or Gorgonzola or how to organise a passport... ? I choose not to believe that young Americans are that ignorant.

Otherwise another train/tram/bus/transport on the way to work read. Not to be taken too seriously.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started off a little slow for me, but I really got into the story once Carter went over to Italy. Not my favorite book of Pezzelli's, but I still enjoyed it. His books have the most beautiful covers.

[Coco Quinn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Picked it up while waiting in a long line for starbucks at the barnes and noble. By the time I ordered I was into the second chapter and decided to take it as well as my Passion Tazo. The best part of this book is the cover artwork. It's pretty. Would make a nice bedside accent piece. But don't bother opening it.

[Jeanne Fredriksen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story. The two men of different generations finding themselves, was such a heartwarming experience. A clever story that brought tears to my eyes. Thank you!

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like this book was more of a 2.5 as opposed to a 3, and for a variety of reasons. Firstly, I found that there were so many clichés that the author spoke of in this book that made me cringe. He talked about how Professor Rosa didn't want to tutor Carter because he hates tutoring 'jocks', then Carter told Professor Rosa the only reason he wanted to learn Italian was because he wanted to woo a girl that he met ONCE after a sports mishap, and fell 'instantly in love' with (this is the part in which I rolled my eyes). More clichés followed, such as Carter's construction job, and eating 'hamburgers' since he was so hungry, with Professor Rosa being angry about it. Another was Carter not knowing that he needed a passport to go to Italy, oh come on, jocks can't be that clueless can they? Nevertheless, the clichés continued throughout the entire book, which made me want to turn the pages faster. Secondly, I felt that the entire story was one soapy drama, with Carter learning Italian to find a girl that he loves, then having to bring the pocketwatch back to Professor Rosa's brother, and Giorgio needing Professor Rosa for some 'drastic' need, with him having to come into contact with his brother's wife, whom he once loved. Too many situations in which were quite predictable, making the book uninteresting most of the time. Lastly, I felt that there were so many events in which the author just dragged on to fill page space, such as Carter's tour of Italy, meeting various individuals, which had absolutely no connection to the plot at hand. Those events just made me yawn even more, as I wondered why I was even wanting to finish the book. Overall, this book just didn't leave a good taste in my mouth, and I wouldn't recommend it unfortunately.

[Ann Boytim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carter Quinn has just graduated from college and has returned to his home in N. Providence R.I. Carter has it in his head he wants to learn Italian and go to Italy to meet up with a girl he met at a rugby match. Carter knows the man to teach him Italian has just finished teaching and will be on summer break but this music professor only teaches an occasional student and Carter must persuade him he really wants to learn. After much discussion Giancarlo decides he will give the young man a change and Carter proves to be an exceptional student and quickly learns the language. The professor was born in Italy and left many years ago to pursue his musical career in America much to the disapproval of his father and brother. Giancarlo has never returned to his native country after his brother married the woman they both loved. Carter gets his passport and away he goes on his travels. Carter falls in love with Italy and makes his way to find the girl he once met only to find out she of course is engaged to someone else. Giancarlo has asked Carter to take a pocket watch and return it to his brother who lives in a remote village and as Carter finds his way the villagers welcome him with open arms. Will something happen to bring Giancarlo back into the arms of his family - Carter will find out the true story behind the rift between the brothers.

[Renuka Naidoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

very interesting and suspenseful.

I loved the book and can relate very well. I lived in NYC for over 8 years prior to moving to Rome. I’m currently also learning Italian here and struggling with some of the same issues mentioned in the book about learning a language. I could definitely relate to both cultures because I’ve lived in both countries.
The book was recommended by my book club in Italy and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Once I got into the thick of it, I couldn’t put it down. It has given me great insight into the language as well as Italian culture. I now see the logic in the unique way that the Professor taught his student Italian and besides learning some new vocabulary, it has boosted my confidence in speaking the language.
I would definitely recommend it to anybody learning Italian or wanting to learn about Italian culture. It’s a quick read that can even be read on a flight coming to Italy.
Having travelled considerably in Rome and many other parts of Italy, the author’s descriptions of the places are very apt and visual . He also portrayed Italian and American culture very accurately .

[Zołza_czyta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lubię włoskie klimaty w książkach, chociaż w tym kraju żyć bym nie chciała – za dużo słońca jak dla mnie i makaronu to ja dużo nie jem. Jednak książkach ten kraj jest taki błogi i cudowny, że świetnie się o nim czyta. „Lekcje włoskiego” kupiłam, gdy szykowałam się do wyjazdu na Erasmusa do Maceraty, czyli 4 lat temu…. Ten rok zdecydowanie upływa mi pod hasłem „wyczytuję trupy z półki”.
Carter Quinn podczas jednego z meczów footballu amerykańskiego dostrzega w tłumie piękną kobietę. Odważył się do niej podejść i zagadać. Okazało się, że Elena – bo tak miała na imię niewiasta – jest Włoszką i następnego dnia wraca z wymiany do swojego kraju. Carter wrócił do rodzinnego Rhode Island w Nowej Anglii, gdzie ekscentryczny Giancarlo Rosa zgodził się uczyć go włoskiego. Włoch wiele lat temu opuścił swój rodzinny kraj, ale dlaczego tego nie chce zdradzić. Wspólnie spędzany cza owocuje w nowe doświadczenia zarówno dla młodego studenta jak i dla starszego profesora.
Quinn chce wyjechać do Włoch by odnaleźć Elenę, kobietę, którą widział raz w życiu. Dla swoich znajomych jest szalony. Osobiście bym się na to nie odważyła, ale zazdroszczę takim ludziom jak Carter ich samozaparcia do absurdalnych rzeczy. Właśnie dzięki takim ludziom świat jest ciekawy.
Wraz z upływem stron poznajemy również przeszłość nauczyciela Cartera. Jednak jest to wątek poboczny. Z jednej strony to mi nie przeszkadzało, ale z drugiej, gdy przerwy między kolejnymi wtrąceniami o przeszłości Giancarlo wynosiły ponad sto stron było to trochę męczące i za długo było na to czekać.
W zasadzie to książkę wzięłam, bo potrzebowałam czegoś lekkiego i niezobowiązującego. Z tym, że styl Pezzelli’ego przypadł mi do gustu. Prosto, ale ciekawie. Chciałam ciągle czytać tę książkę, ale nie miałam czasu (jak zawsze!).
Autor stworzył ciekawą historię z bohaterami, którzy nie wybijają się jakoś bardzo, ale mają swoje rysy i charakterki. Pewnie sięgnę po kolejne książki Petera Pezzelli’ego, bo uważam, że warto dać się ponieść historiom, które on opowiada.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Carter Quinn has just graduated from college. He had a chance encounter with an Italian young woman before she returned home from a study abroad and he is inspired to learn Italian and travel to Italy to find her. When he finds out that the local college music professor occasionally gives summer Italian lessons, he begs him to take him on as a student. Although Giancarlo is initially reluctant, he gives in and sets Carter to work. He is impressed by Carter’s work ethic as he digs into his lessons while working a construction job during the day. We learn a little about Giancarlo’s past and his break with his brother and about Carter’s neighbor, Sheila, who is getting ready to spend a year in France and helps him to prepare for travel. Giancarlo asks Carter to take a family heirloom back to his brother while in Italy. We see Carter’s travels in Italy and the ups and downs of his journey and his meeting Giancarlo’s family. An unexpected event leads to a reunion and the chance for reconciliation, while Carter recognizes that love can come from unexpected places.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book while recovering from a recent back surgery. It was the perfect companion piece for me with a cup of tea in the afternoon.
I have been studying Italian as well, so this book resonated with me on that level in addition to having also taught music for a number of years.
It felt very comfortable and close to home because I also knew all of the pieces of music that were referenced in the story.
Yes, Beethoven's 3rd movement in his Moonlight Sonata is very challenging, for example.
The story was heartwarming. I enjoyed Pezzelli's style and voice. His characters had depth and also a bit of sadness to them.
I look forward to reading more of this author's works.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautiful story. I loved Carter and Giancarlo and I loved all the beautiful Italian scenery. I might have given this 5 stars if I’d been reading the full book but since this came out of a Readers Digest Select Editions where the books are abridged I didn’t feel like I could give it 5 stars since I hadn’t actually read the whole book.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very nice book for rainy days when one wishes they were somewhere more interesting. I enjoyed all of the author's references to the country and the language of Italy and can't wait to share the book with my Italian friends. Who knows, maybe they have known this author all along. But if not, they should.

[Shannon Re · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story about life, family, cultures, and priorities. It was fun as well to test myself on the Italian phrases Giancarlo teaches Carter and see how each men grow and learn throughout the book. The open-ended ending hints at something I figured would happen and is enjoyable, even if we don’t see the happily ever afters

[Sally Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story so much that I read it in one day.

There are not only Italian lessons, but life lessons in this book. The one you think you want isn't always the right one for you; the one for you may be just next door! Time can heal even the most painful hurts. Family can mean much more than blood. Life is for living. You never need to stop learning.

Just read it.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gave this book 3 stars only because the author is a good writer and because I loved the last tenth of the book! The beginning, though good writing, was just too slow. I found it very hard to stick it out til the end, though I’m glad I did.

[Barbara Biddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read

Loved the characters in this book and their developing relationships. Thoroughly enjoyed learning about the best of Italy as the story unfolded. Highly recommend this.

[Carrie Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a cute light read

[Ishita Sood · Rating 4 out of 5]

All I needed was a light read and this was just that.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun reading, rather predictable. I enjoyed my Italian Lessons here too. Ciao.

[Suzanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Light reading. Pleasant. Happy ending.

[Cass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Usually I hate romance and prefer mystery and manga but this book became my guilty pleasure ♥️ I’ve read it twice and I just love it... just don’t tell anyone 😂

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light readings with warmth, humor and love. So reminiscent of many childhood moments.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable story!

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!

Great story, very well written. Reads like a video with fabulous descriptions of Italy as seen by a first time visitor.

[Sandra Feck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful!

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of an unlikely friendship, a heavy dose of adventure, and sprinkle of romance, to boot.

[Iwona · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5

[Jean Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story so very much. Really good read.