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Italian Life
A Modern Fable of Loyalty and Betrayal
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Check link for latest rating. ( 272 ratings, 46 reviews)
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Description
How does Italy actually work? The bestselling writer on Italian culture sets out to answer this question, and the results are often surprising.
Italian Life by Tim Parks offers detailed cultural observation, witty yet eagle-eyed, of what makes Italians so Italian. As The Times notes, "Parks... offers detailed cultural observation, witty yet eagle-eyed, of what makes Italians so Italian."
When Valeria travels from hot, dusty Basilicata to begin her studies in a northern university town, she has little idea of the kind of education she will find there. Italian Life is her story, and that of the students and professors around her—a story of power and corruption, influence and exclusion, and the workings of a society where your connections are everything.
Written with flair and insight, Italian Life joins Tim Parks' bestselling books about his beloved and paradoxical adopted country. It is a gripping, entertaining, behind-the-scenes account of how Italy actually happens, and the ways it can surprise those who know it inside out.
A satisfyingly truthful, entertaining, and provocative comedy, according to the Daily Telegraph.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Italian Life by Tim Parks has received praise for its insightful cultural observations, with reviewers highlighting Parks' ability to capture the essence of Italian society with wit and detail. Critics commend his exploration of Italian universities as a microcosm of the broader societal dynamics, with themes of favouritism and nepotism carefully depicted. The narrative is described as both entertaining and truthful, providing an engaging look at Italy's unique character and traditions.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781529112580
Publisher: Vintage Publishing
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 29 July 2021
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Vintage
Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 23.0mm
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 258g
Pages: 368
About the Author
Born in Manchester, Tim Parks grew up in London and studied at Cambridge and Harvard. He lives in Milan. Parks is the acclaimed author of novels, non-fiction and essays, including Europa, A Season with Verona, Teach Us to Sit Still, Italian Ways and Italian Life. He has been shortlisted for the Booker Prize and has won many awards for both his work in English and his translations from the Italian, which include works by Alberto Moravia, Italo Calvino, Roberto Calasso, Antonio Tabucchi and Niccol Machiavelli.
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