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Under the Tuscan Blunder: One Baby, Two Italian Citizenships, and Three Houses
Have you ever dreamed of moving to a foreign country only to find out that the reality is far more chaotic than the fantasy?
When Richard Lucchesi traded the familiar comforts of America for the charm of Tuscany, he anticipated a life of la dolce vita—quaint villages, rolling vineyards, and endless sunshine. What he didn’t expect were the hurdles, heartbreaks, and hilarious misadventures that would transform him forever.
In this captivating memoir, Lucchesi chronicles his leap into Italian navigating impossible bureaucracy, renovating crumbling houses, battling language barriers, and grappling with a culture that both welcomed and confounded him. Along the way, he builds a home, welcomes the birth of his son, and wrestles with the complexities of belonging as he pursues Italian citizenship.
Whether he’s squaring off with wily realtors, befriending Sardinian bird pluckers, or unraveling the mystery of the town’s trash collection system, Lucchesi’s vivid storytelling reveals the raw truth of chasing dreams abroad. With humor and heart, he offers readers an intimate glimpse into the trials and triumphs of carving out a life far from home.
For anyone who’s dreamed of starting over in a postcard-perfect setting,
Under the Tuscan Blunder
is a reminder that paradise isn’t always what you imagine—but it’s often exactly what you need.
When Richard Lucchesi traded the familiar comforts of America for the charm of Tuscany, he anticipated a life of la dolce vita—quaint villages, rolling vineyards, and endless sunshine. What he didn’t expect were the hurdles, heartbreaks, and hilarious misadventures that would transform him forever.
In this captivating memoir, Lucchesi chronicles his leap into Italian navigating impossible bureaucracy, renovating crumbling houses, battling language barriers, and grappling with a culture that both welcomed and confounded him. Along the way, he builds a home, welcomes the birth of his son, and wrestles with the complexities of belonging as he pursues Italian citizenship.
Whether he’s squaring off with wily realtors, befriending Sardinian bird pluckers, or unraveling the mystery of the town’s trash collection system, Lucchesi’s vivid storytelling reveals the raw truth of chasing dreams abroad. With humor and heart, he offers readers an intimate glimpse into the trials and triumphs of carving out a life far from home.
For anyone who’s dreamed of starting over in a postcard-perfect setting,
Under the Tuscan Blunder
is a reminder that paradise isn’t always what you imagine—but it’s often exactly what you need.
189 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 30, 2025
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Displaying 1 of 2 reviews
April 11, 2026
I just finished reading this book.
So. Funny about La Dolce Vita, and how things work differently in Italy.
Having Italian parents and growing up in Australia, I could relate to so many situations.
Absolutely recommend this book .
So. Funny about La Dolce Vita, and how things work differently in Italy.
Having Italian parents and growing up in Australia, I could relate to so many situations.
Absolutely recommend this book .
Displaying 1 of 2 reviews