I think it is a nice pleasant read. I would recommend it to someone who likes to read something lite and not 'mind-boggling'. I read Eet pray love and wanted to Eat part of it which was set in Italy, I had hoped this book will be like a whole book just like the Eat segment in EAT pray love. At first I was disappointed that it did not read like that book, but on hindsight I realized that it is unfair to compare the two books written with different intentions.This book is not all about romance, it also touches on family. And about finding oneself. It does make for a good read. As an expat, I have recently developed a love for stories involving travel. Stories that combine romance and travel are all the better. That is why Italian for Beginners seemed exactly what I wanted. Unfortunately, I was left feeling a little flat.At the beginning of the book, I didn’t get a real feel for the character. Instead of being swept into the story, I couldn’t help but feel like Harmel was exerting too much control over the characters, making them say what they ‘need’ to say to get the scene where she wanted it to go instead of letting the characters truly express themselves. Even Cat’s first introduction to Michael felt forced rather than like anything containing natural chemistry.Even so, I read on, enjoying Cat’s love of photography as well as her observations of Rome. I felt a bit put out at the Roman Holiday references because I’ve never seen the movie, but Cat never had either, so it helped me to connect a little with her.Despite my so-so feeling about the writing, I began to settle into Cat’s self-examination. A lot of her feelings lined up with things I’m going through now and thoughts I’ve had, so I finally truly connected with her as a character. It was unfortunate that it happened so late in the book, but the fact that it happened is still just as important.My review is long enough as it is, but I have to mention the Michael situation, which annoyed me to no end. I guessed the situation at the beginning and felt that Cat’s stubbornness was not only forced but that there had still been plenty of chances to tell her the real story anyway.Again, I feel the story should have been left to flow.If you like stories that end all neatly wrapped with a big pretty bow, this is the book for you. There are about ten pages in the last chapter that could have been taken out for the sake of leaving some ‘strings dangling’, which I prefer in a book rather than having everything cleanly ended.
What do You think about Italian For Beginners (2000)?
Needed some fluff and that is what I got..predictable, but enjoyable.
—parysrocks
This is what I wish I could do....move to Italy!!!!
—tania
