Italy in Mind: An Anthology

by Alice Leccese Powers (Editor, Introduction)

Comprised of short stories, novel excerpts, essays, poetry journals and letters, this work will delight anyone who loves Italy or great travel writing. Pieces include Barbara Grizzuti Harrison marveling at baroque Sicilian confections, Mary McCarthy celebrating Venice's threadbare dignity, and Henry James's Isabel Archer succumbing to the treacherous antiquities of Florence.

Genres: Italy, Travel, Nonfiction, Anthologies, Short Stories, Poetry

368 pages, Paperback

First published April 29, 1997

Reviews

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best short story anthologies I've read, a wonderful book with something for everyone!

[Margaret Kasimatis · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing array of voices in both fiction and nonfiction.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't read all of the stories, there were some that didn't seem interesting as I glazed past them. I did feel it was kind of cop out to arrange the stories in alphabetical order instead of territory or theme or even year written.

Personal favorites, "Women of the Shadows" by Ann Cornelisen and "The Art of Arrangement" from "That Fine Italian Hand" by Paul Hofmann. Both stories focus on the strength of Italians and their ability to survive despite their surroundings. I know that they may seem negative as the plot unfolds but focusing on the characters and how they overcome obstacles it what made me turn each page.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of all kinds of things written about Italy -- poetry, memoir, excerpts from novels such as The English Patient, short stories, and travel narratives. I was surprised that none of them were things I had read before and I enjoyed the fact that I could skip around depending on my interest and the length of time I was willing to spend. I am on my way to Rome next month for a few days so I think this helped me to have a better understanding of what to expect, since it contains the writings of those who have visited Italy and those who have lived there and those who have tried to prepare travelers for Italy.

[Tiffany · Rating 2 out of 5]

How can a book with so much potential go so flat?! The editor chose to arrange the excerpts in alphabetical order according to the author's last name... wtf? Why not thematically, or chronologically? It made for a disjointed read. Also there were so many selections that had the same tone of 'Italy as a privileged foreigner sees Italy' that it got boring and stereotypical. Still, I was introduced to a few writers, and great travel writing by a great writer is hard to beat.

[Ted · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read most of this book in 2006, though I skipped some of the fiction and poetry. I'm pretty sure it had an affect on my wanting to visit Italy (looking back now, 6 years later). A little over a year after finishing the book, I did visit Italy with my wife and four dear friends. It was the best vacation I ever had, and most every one of us I think felt the same way. Thanks to Ms. Powers for her part in that!

[themadblonde · Rating 3 out of 5]

A wide range of readability here, from classic authors @ their most charming to modern authors in all their styles. If you're hoping for a travelogue of Italy, this is not the book. However, if you'd like to come to a little better understanding of the nature of the country & its people, through the writings of many excellent, & vastly different authors, this is a fascinating way to do it.

[Michelle King · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good anthology of stories, poems and book excerpts about Italy from a variety of authors. Wonderful stories and memories about Italy abound in this book. Makes me want to book another trip to Italy!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A group of short stories, essays and poems written by well published authors on their travels in Italy. From Edith Wharton to Ernest Hemingway. Delightful!

[Denise Ballentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This anthology surprised me. I found it quite enjoyable. A different way to experience this country. Very readable, good selections.

[msleighm]

nice anthology of excepts, short stories, poems, etc about Italy. I was introduced or reacquainted with authors I'd like to get to know better.

[SPE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to take on a trip to Italy.

Adds color and dimension -- time and experience-- to many different cities.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had been sitting on my shelf for awhile, but my reading challenge this year—to read all of the unread books on my shelf before borrowing or purchasing new ones—prompted me to give it a whirl. I didn’t love the way the collection was organized. It’s presented alphabetically and includes everything from poems and letters to novel excerpts, short stories, and journalism. The flow felt off as a result. I wonder what the reading experience would have been like if it had instead been ordered by region, but I digress. I skipped quite a few selections that didn’t hold my interest but enjoyed quite a few. And I did end up discovering a few new-to-me writers whose featured works I am excited to read in full, so it was worth it for that alone.

[Emily Monaco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it fair to give this five stars when I glazed over some of the essays? I think it has to be, because this collection introduced me to some writers I had long overlooked, including (embarrassingly) D.H. Lawrence. I often read a book set in my destination when I travel, and this collection was indeed perfect for vacation: The selections were short, the introductions to each provided just the right amount of context, and the experience had me adding at least three or four new full-length works to my to-read pile just from the excerpts. From Dickens to Wharton, Lord Byron to Henry James, seeing Italy through the eyes of writers was an overall fascinating and rewarding experience.

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read a few of the stories and essays in this book in preparation for a trip I am taking to Italy in a few weeks. A couple of selections were interesting - the description of a small Southern Italian town and the hard-working women that reside in it and another about 2 American soldiers who are tasked with going into a Sicilian town after the Fascists have been driven out.

[Greta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this anthology of English language writers with a focus on Italy. Their first hand experiences added just the right seasoning for the flavor of their experiences. Italy, it's residents and visiters cook up all kinds of fun.

[Cris · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is “so random.” All white British or American people from the 19th-20th century visiting tourist destinations in Italy. Not short stories or essays. EXCERPTS from longer books, plays, and operas, with random prefaces about each author that do little to explain the chosen excerpt. 🤦🏻‍♀️

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

overall this is a really good collection, although I wish it had been arranged chronologically or even thematically, rather than alphabetically by author

[Sailor · Rating 4 out of 5]

sets a vibe. I will be honest… I skipped a lot of the letters but the writings and poems I loved. Definitely a vibe

Page 48 IV. Page 309 to 317. Page 30 to 32

[Raina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some really lovely pieces. The anthology is missing an architect point of view, though :)

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection introduced me to many new authors.

[Alessandra · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not sure how the editor managed to compile such a dull selection of pieces.