We're less than a month away from our Italian adventure. Dad and I are polishing up the extended itinerary this week, so expect that in the next week.
In addition, here is a spattering of reading/viewing suggestions if you'd like more Tuscan-themed brain appetizers 1) prior to take-off or 2) to enjoy while there.
Irving Stone
If I had to choose a novel that inspired my love of Florence and all things Michelangelo, it would be The Agony and the Ecstasy. This biographical novel (i.e. some stuff is true, other stuff not so much) really captures the essence of Florence and Rome in the magical cinquecento period. It's definitely worth a read if you'd like to know more about Florence, Rome, Michelangelo, the David, the Sistine Chapel, and his other major projects in the format of a novel.
Giorgio Vasari
If you're looking for a more authentic biography of the great cinquecento artists then The Lives of the Artists, written by Giogio Vasari (apprenticed to Michelangelo at an early age), might be for you. Vasari was the originator of the artistic biography genre. In this work, he examines thirty-six of the most important Italian artists of that time with an amusing bias towards all things Florentine. I have not read this yet, but it has been recommended on a number of sites that I have reviewed. I would anticipate it being a more academic read.
Frances Mayes
I'm not going to pretend I've read this, but it did come recommended by Marisa. Here's the description from Amazon: "In this memoir of her buying, renovating, and living in an abandoned villa in Tuscany, Frances Mayes reveals the sensual pleasure she found living in rural Italy, and the generous spirit she brought with her. She revels in the sunlight and the color, the long view of her valley, the warm homey architecture, the languor of the slow paced days, the vigor of working her garden, and the intimacy of her dealings with the locals." NOTE: You can also watch this film (on DVD) for some great Tuscan footage.
Marlena de Blasi
"From its opening scene of an impromptu alfresco village feast of fried zucchini blossoms, fennel-roasted pork, and pudding made from the cream of a local blue-eyed cow, this memoir of the seasons in a small Tuscan village is rich with food, weather, romance and, above all, life. De Blasi continues the adventures begun in her A Thousand Days in Venice, as she and her husband, Fernando, leave Venice for Tuscany in search of a place that still remembers real life... sweet and salty... each side of life dignifying the other."
Now Playing in Theaters
If you're looking to see Italy on the big screen before going, then you'll probably enjoy the "Eat" portion of Eat, Pray, Love. This film is based on the creative nonfiction adventures of Elizabeth Gilbert, who begins her life-altering journey learning to love the art of eating in Rome. The other two-thirds of the film take place in India and Bali, but it makes a good date night movie nonetheless.
Marisa went and saw this movie and gave it a thumb up for story and two two thumbs up for scenery. It would be most likely categorized as a chick flick, but another great date night movie if you'd like to see Italy on the big screen. It's currently at the dollar theaters and comes out on DVD the day we leave.
On DVD
Okay, okay, so maybe this won't give you the idyllic sense of Italian bliss you're hoping for, but I had to include this one for the rough and tumble types. Those who have seen the movie will be interested to know that the scene where Maximus rides back home from the war too late to save his family is shot in the Sienise countryside. Also, Maximus' dreams of paradise are in the Val d'Orcia - confirming that paradise can indeed be found both in Tuscany and by watching manly dramas.
Well, I hope that list helps inspire one or two of you. Feel free to chime in with other books or movies.
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