The Montegiallo School of Swearing

by Andrew HC McDonald

Accidentally buying a Sicilian villa for just one euro is not the great Eat, Pray, Love game changer that Brian Chapman hopes it would be. Instead, tumbledown buildings, a shortage of plumbers, and resentful locals make Brian's drunken whim look like the biggest mistake of his chequered career so far. Who could believe that an outbreak of swearing would lead not only to cultural reconciliation but to this very Australian fish out of water finding true love in Italy?

Genres: Audiobook, Humor, Contemporary, Fiction, Adult Fiction, Comedy

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2025

Reviews

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5★

I was delighted to stumble upon this debut by WA author Andrew HC McDonald while browsing the Libby catalogue. The premise - not the swearing, but the expat renovator - is my absolute catnip, so I borrowed it at the first opportunity. Over the years I have absorbed so many of these stories (albeit in the non-fiction genre) that I even have a GR bookshelf devoted to them. McDonald's book, along with Amanda & Alan's recent European adventures, might just have reignited my interest in adding to my shelf.

In this fictional offering we have a Melbourne teacher named Brian Chapman, who is still reeling from a messy divorce. One night, after drinking far too much with his best mate Toby, Brian goes online and buys a crumbling Sicilian mansion for €1. He has no real recollection of his purchase, but the next morning he reads the confirmation email and can't believe how lucky he was that it was only €1 wasted! But of course, there's more...

And the next thing he (and we) know, he is arriving in Palermo for the final leg of his epic journey to Montegiallo in rural Sicily to take possession of his new home. The house is huge! And it's a dump! (Actually I thought it sounded like it had heaps of potential haha.) Drawing upon his distant memory of high school Italian, Brian begins to explore Montegiallo and get to know the locals. Initially they are not at all friendly. Brian's not sure why, until he stumbles upon members of the English/American expat community who all have €1 homes in a different part of the town. Friendly on the surface, but actually quite insular and jealous of scarce renovation resources (i.e. tradies), Brian really doesn't want the Italian locals to think he's the same.

So the renovation moves very slowly, and when it looks like chewing through his savings way too quickly, Brian knows he's going to have to find a way of raising some funds. More by chance than design, the school of swearing is born.

This was a really funny and charming read, which I looked forward to picking up each day. For anyone concerned about the swearing, while it is quite full on (especially during classes), it's mainly confined to the final quarter of the story. For anyone not concerned about the swearing, I appreciated the audiobook, mainly because the narrator's (swearing) fluency is way smoother and more natural than my own!

I was really pleasantly surprised by this book and may even have rated it 5 stars, had the ending not been quite so hectic and slightly silly. But on the other hand, it was exactly what you'd expect for this type of story.

[Brooke - Brooke's Reading Life · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Thank you to Fremantle Press for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 1 April 2025**

It's actually not often that I'll genuinely giggle out loud while reading but I did a few times in this story. Australian Brian accidentally buys a Sicilian villa for one euro - as you do. He seizes the opportunity though and off he goes to recreate himself. Somehow he finds himself slowly being accepted by the locals while teaching them very naughty words in English, which means his home renovations get prioritised over all of the English and Americans who are also renovating, causing chaos in this little town. This is one of those feel-good books that is just a delight to read; utter entertaining light-hearted fun.
Overall: I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I think a new bucket list item for me is to get drunk and buy myself a one-euro villa.

[Janelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun read, I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. The last third in particular had lots of laugh out loud moments. The main character Brian Chapman, after a divorce and quitting his teaching job, about to be homeless, buys a one euro house in Sicily after a drunken night out. The swearing school doesn’t start till late in the book but with the help of the Angels and lots of Aussie expressions like ‘we’re not here to fuck spiders’ Brian has the locals swearing at each other and the other obnoxious expats (English and Americans) who also bought one euro houses. Great fun read.

[Gina Z · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading the first couple of chapters I was very close to not continuing with it. It did not draw me in at all. But... I decided to persist and in the end it was better than I thought. The story didn't really take off until Brian landed in Italy and it did amuse me in some parts so overall it was good.
Thanks to Better Reading for providing a preview copy in exchange for an honest review.

[EmG ReadsDaily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laugh-out-loud funny, entertaining, lighthearted.

[Andrew Soo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I inhaled this debut novel like a delicious plate of carbonara!

Melbourne school teacher Brian buys an Italian mansion for one euro online, while drunk! He then moves to Montegiallo meeting snobby expats, charming locals and the fierce and beautiful real estate agent Viviana.

To fund his new digs, Brian begins teaching the locals how to swear the proper Aussie way!

Author Andrew HC McDonald's debut was an absolute pleasure to read ☺️

Thank you to Better Reading Australia for providing me with the ARC 🙏

[tinkingaboutbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andrew HC McDonald's debut novel, The Montegiallo School of Swearing, delivers a hilarious exploration of language, culture, and self-discovery, largely set within the fictional Sicilian town of Montegiallo.

McDonald introduces readers to a cast of wonderfully flawed characters, including Brian, an Australian who impulsively purchases a dilapidated villa in Montegiallo for one Euro after a few too many drinks.

Described as a male version of 'Eat, Pray, Love,' the book's humour is a consistent highlight, ranging from irreverent observations on Catholic mass – 'Thank Christ' – to the absurdities of local customs and real estate ventures. As a former Catholic school student, I found Brian's budding friendship with the priest, his 'wingman', exceptionally funny.

The Montegiallo School of Swearing is revealed in the final third of the book, established in the unconventional setting of the local bar. Will teaching swear words enable Brian to earn an (off the record) income and also break down cultural divides?

Thank you to Feemantle Press and Good Reading Mag for my ARC of The Montegiallo School of Swearing. I devoured the book in 24 hours and found myself researching the author, eager for more of his writing!

[Angell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and breezy and tries hard to be funny - an Australian, post divorce and sick of the English classroom, spontaneously joins in on the 1€ house promotion that seems to be a popular story/film idea lately- before falling in love with the beautiful but sassy coordinator for the token hot Italian love interest… interestingly, the title made no sense until the final 1/5 of the novel - almost as if - completely mirroring “Brian”s actions of having no better ideas and eventually half heartedly trying to write like Hemingway before someone else picked up his 70% done manuscript and said he needed a hook and a bit, and to switch the direction of the book.
While if so, it worked - the title did give me pause and got me reading it - it felt tacked on and out of place with the rest of the story.
The best friend Toby character was so cliched and cringe that it made the story feel like it wasn’t written but an actual Australian, but someone who didn’t really get the culture - and then pasted it also onto Sicilian culture too…
Token found family attempt was kind of cute.

[Roslyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

I received a free copy of this from the publisher in return for a review, so I feel very guilty that I've failed to write the review until now, and this too won't really be a proper review. This was a fun novel about an Australian bloke who goes to live in the south of Italy and - as the title suggests - starts a school in which he teaches English through swearing. It was funny and cute, and there was a romance which to me had no chemistry at all, so all I can really say is that it was an enjoyable read but not earthshaking - which, in fact, is absolutely fine.

[Geetha Chandran · Rating 3 out of 5]

a short romp in sicialy, cover your ears if faint hearted. audiobook

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have rated this book higher but I felt like I was back in preprimary school being read to by the teacher. Sorry the audio narrator was a bit too zealous for me.

[Lucy · Rating 2 out of 5]

an interesting concept that would have benefited from an editor willing to tell the author he's maybe not as funny as he thinks he is. I was disappointed because it had potential but the joke got old far before the millionth time it was used and the characters weren't interesting enough to carry it. The main character was the world's biggest pick-me with no real driving force behind him, and I audibly sighed every time his best friend was in a scene because I found him such a slog to get through. A classic case of the disorder all Aussie men suffer from: thinking they're the only people on earth who curse and that it counts as a sufficient substitute for actually being funny

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘La figura di merda’ or Brian puts the wrong foot forward!: Review of The Montegiallo School of Swearing by Andrew HC McDonald

This book does what it says on the cover! It is brilliantly sweary; so, if you are offended by colourful language, be warned.

As a potty mouth, I loved it and guffawed as Brian, the titular character, stumbled from one social faux pas to another, until discovering swearing as a universal language and social connector. Levity aside, this book captures the challenges of migration, especially if you don’t speak the language, let alone the local dialect. My sister married an Italian and migrated to Abruzzo, Italy in 2002. Twenty-three years later she is still considered ‘uno straneiro’, a foreigner. The term is used pejoratively, despite like Brian, making every effort to fit in.

Like Brian, she teaches English as a second language, which brings joy, frustration – and many laughs. She’s keen for Brian’s Sicilian-tested system to take Italy by storm.

McDonald captures the ‘intricacies’ of Italian bureaucracy and the creative workarounds Italians find to navigate these idiosyncrasies. He expertly captured other aspects of Italian life, like the centrality of the bar and coffee to community life; the concept of the ‘la bella figura’, embodies by Viviana, Brian’s love interest, and the innate ability of Italians to live comfortably with contradiction.

[Lyn Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brian is reluctantly single again and out of work (runner up Teacher of the Year) by choice. Waking one morning hungover and a vague recollection of buying a one Euro house in Italy. Finding he’s also paid the deposit on a large house with many toilets and one bidet, there’s no backing out now. What has he got to lose?

Over in Italy Brian finds himself in one dilemma and haphazard situation after another bringing the reader of this story joy and laughter. You feel like a mix between his mother and cheer (and roast) squad thinking “Oh Brian” or “Oh God Brian!”, alongside Brian’s mate Toby.

Whilst I really enjoyed this story, I found it surprising to get to the last third of the book before we learned about the school of swearing. I loved this concept and could see how it would make learning a new language easy and fun. Brian is a likable character, along with the hearts and minds of those in Montegiallo he meets. This is an easy and fun read which will bring a smile to all who read.

A word to those easily offended by swearing, this is not the book for you!

If you are anything like me, you will also be amazed in how many different ways we use swear words, in terms of endearment as well and derogatory.

I was grateful to Better Reading for a preview of this book.

[Martin Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Hilarious, chaotic, and unexpectedly heartwarming

This book had me laughing out loud and constantly annoying my partner by reading quotes out loud as I hit them.

Brian, a recently divorced Aussie teacher, gets blackout drunk with his best mate and accidentally buys a crumbling house in Sicily for one euro. When he arrives, he’s faced with hostile locals, clueless expats, and an unlivable eight-bedroom mess overlooking a piazza. Armed with primary school Italian, a grammar book, and his trusty toy Overlord Skeletor, Brian tries to make the best of his increasingly chaotic new life.

The first half sets the tone, but it’s the second half where things really shine. After one spectacular meltdown, Brian corrects the locals’ pronunciation of a certain English swear word — and inadvertently launches a profanity-filled language school that becomes the heart of the community.

Between his growing (and collapsing) relationship with the devilishly sharp Viviana and his mate Toby’s commentary on his “bidet-based love triangle,” this book delivers some of the funniest lines I’ve read in ages.

A delightfully absurd, feel-good read with just the right amount of heart and chaos. Highly recommended.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was hilarious!
It was a pure delight being in the company of the ever optimistic Brian Chapman.
Being an unemployed divorcee about to be evicted won’t knock him down.
Neither will a late night drunken impulse purchase of a one euro ramshackle villa in Central Sicily.
Neither will being a social pariah- unwelcome by the Sicilian locals and disliking the company of the other one-euro ex pats.

By embracing his situation,learning the language and immersing himself into local culture, Brian is able to carve out a fairly fabulous new life.
Further helped by giving a spontaneous English swearing lesson at the local bar.
Who would have thought profanity would be so beneficial for assimilation?
Yes it’s ridiculous but so much more entertaining than ‘Eat, Pray, Love’.
It actually did feel like an accurate portrayal of the challenges of the one euro scheme, whilst highlighting some very lovely benefits.
And yes. Much enthusiastically cheerful swearing to be had.

Thank you to good reading, Fremantle press and author for an early copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
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[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get an Early Bird Read from Good Reading Review. This is such a fun book! My review is below:
The Montegiallo School of Swearing by Andrew HC McDonald is rollercoaster riot of fun! From the set up to the play by play in the chapters, you can tell this book was written by an author who knows how to write a great comedy set. It had me laughing out loud and was well and truly a five star book for this reader.
I was drawn into the beautifully depicted setting of Montegiallo to the point where I was searching online to find out if this was a real or wonderfully created town. I loved the cast of characters, where even the ‘bad guys’ are redeemable. I want there to be a follow up book so I know where they are now and what adventures have ensued since the humour-filled but satisfying ending to this story.
I’ve been drawn in hook, line and sinker by the skill Andrew HC McDonald displayed as a comedic author. It has shone in the creation of this entertaining, moving and highly readable narrative. There is both depth and a lightness to this book that makes me want to share it with friends and discuss it at book club. A Good Read!

[Karen Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a preview copy of The Montegiallo School of Swearing from @betterreading
The Montegiallo School of Swearing is a quirky story starting in Melbourne, an unemployed teacher and recently divorced Brian is on a downward slide of over drinking. After a big night he wakes up to find he has purchased a Sicilian villa for one Euro. With the money from the settlement of his divorce he goes to Sicily not really knowing what he has signed up for.
Brian has a Personal Italian Grammar book, some Italian he learned at secondary school as a form of communication when he arrives. His villa is very rundown and set apart from the other expats who have also purchased villas for one Euro.
He doesn’t really fit in with the expats and he needs to work hard to be accepted by the Sicilians. Attempting to speak Italian starts to help.
Brian is challenged by the system of a waiting list for trades people and keeping onside with right people to get things done. He is attracted to the Real Estate Agent Viviana but finds this doesn’t help to get him moved up the list.
As he befriends the local publican his Italian improves, as does his acceptance to the community.
One night over a few drinks and shared English swear words the Montegiallo School of Swearing is born. This gives Brian a small and needed income as well as accidentally moving him up the trades list. What does this do to his relationship with the expats and especially Viviana?
If you are looking for a few laughs and don’t mind profanity this book is for you.

[Miranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh, it was ok. Kind of silly but entertaining enough to keep me listening with one ear while doing various other tasks. I picked it up when browsing through audiobooks available now on libby. It reminded me of lots of other chick-lit type books and movies I've read (particularly Under a Tuscan Sun, a Diane Lane movie that I enjoyed as a teen), very light and frivolous and wish-fulfilment-y. The only difference was that it was written by and about a man. I thought it was wildly unrealistic that Brian managed to endear himself to the locals just by bumbling around and putting in minimal effort to learn Italian. Conveniently, the REST of the expats were unlikeable jerks to a man, arrogantly determined to learn NOTHING about the culture or language of Italy despite having moved there, so he looked good in comparison.
The ending started to get a bit cringe. Laying it on too thick.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the front cover review started with “This is Eat, Pray, Love, Swear” I knew I had found a book I would enjoy. And The Montegiallo School of Swearing did not disappoint.

Andrew HC McDonald’s debut novel is a hoot! From the moment we meet Brian (and his hangover) you just know we’re going to be in for a rollercoaster ride of laughs and emotions. From Australia to Italy, we learn a little of Brian’s recent history and watch as he sets up his future. All the while laughing along at the sheer ridiculousness of some of the situations Brian gets himself into.

Provided you don’t mind a few well-placed swear words, you’re going to love The Montegiallo School of Swearing!

[Amy apple · Rating 2 out of 5]

I almost gave up on this one as it starts painfully slow. For a good chunk of the beginning, not much happens, and I found myself wondering if it was worth continuing

Then—miraculously—the second half kicks in, things actually start happening, and there are a few genuinely funny moments. I even chuckled. Once. Maybe twice.

But honestly? I was still thrilled when it ended. Not because it was satisfying—just because I could finally stop reading it.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy this one as an easy bit of silly fun ...but as others have commented it was a slow start, and I'm not sure the style of the narrator was to my taste. When the action started in the second half of the book, it was a fun one to listen to though. I had followed a couple of [Brian , give me an insult to insert here] one euro renovators on You Tube which gave some extra context to this story. Enjoyed 👍🏼

[Bianca · Rating 3 out of 5]

An Italian villa + swearing? Count me in! As a prolific swearer (swearerer?) in several languages, who also dreams of visiting Italy one day, hopefully soon, I was keen to read this novel. It promised laughs as well, what's not to like, right?

Unfortunately, I found it predictable, and I thought it was trying too hard to be funny. The characters felt like caricatures.

I did enjoy the swearing, but I needed more.

[Emma Byth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I f&$&ing loved this book! I have recently read quite a few books about ex pats purchasing 1 euro houses in Sicily, but none made me laugh out loud like this one! I could see the characters in my mind, due to the excellent writing. I am about to embark on my own Eat, Pray, Love adventure this year, & I know feel it would be un-Australian of me not to incorporate a little swearing!

[Kelly Callaghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A different take on the ‘moving to Italy to find love’ genre.

Divorced and disappointed with his life Brian buys a one euro house in Sicily after a drunken binge. After compounding his mistake by paying 5,000 euros Brian decides to travel to see what he has bought and to reinvent himself. Caught between the expats and the locals Brian sets out to build a life for himself.

[Nunyah Biznuss · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This would've been a 4-star if the school of swearing had started earlier in the book. I almost DNF'd it as it took so long to get going. Once the swearing school started (about 60% in), it really picked up and made me laugh out loud. Some very good ethnographic insights (I think) and some great Aussie swearing.

[Corinne Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 from me. It is slow to start, and I really wanted to give Brian a good talking to. But his desire to actually fit in to the community in his new neighbourhood in Sicily was admirable. I think Nicky Pellegrino's A Dream of Italy did the whole buy a villa for one euro so much better, to be honest.

[Jess Laker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very light-hearted read with the happy ending you expect.
As an Aussie with Italian heritage, I have a soft spot for the idea of moving back to my ancestral home with about 50% of the Italian knowledge that Brian has.

Highly recommended for a weekend read :)

[Christine Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cracker of a read, as an old Aussie would say! Delightful book with some surprises! Made me laugh out loud numerous times. Clever writing that you just have to read aloud with your spouse or friends. What a joy!

[Fiona Kekic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminded me of Tony Hawks - if Hawks was an Australian fiction writer. I loved it. Upbeat and very, very funny.