Book Review: Italian For Beginners

Italian for Beginners
By Kristin Harmel
5 Spot
Publication Date: August 13, 2009
ISBN: 978-0446538305

Before writing this review, I must admit something. I've never seen the film Roman Holiday. There, I said it. As it turns out, that's what I have in common with the main character of Italian for Beginners

Cat Connelly has a safe life. She has a comfortable job as an attorney in NYC, a nice apartment, an okay relationship history and that's it. Everything she's ever done has been by the book. She never leaves town because she fears her father or younger erratic sister may need her, since she's been taking care of them since her mother left them (and later passed away after returning). As the book starts, Cats watching her younger sister get married - something that wasn't entirely uncomfortable for her until her slightly senile grandmother decides to make a scene. Embarrassment ensues.

The one time Cat remembers being truly happy was when she was in Rome for a summer during college. She had a foreign lover named Francesco and a life of her own. She truly smiled without worrying about everyone else. And so, with some pursuasion from her persistent co-worker, Cat takes her first vacation - 4 weeks in Rome. Away from everything. She plans to return to her former fling and fall in love with him and the city once again. Of course, nothing goes as planned. Francesco turns out to be horrid and the city wasn't entirely welcoming at first. But with the help of a crazy waitress, Karina, and a restauranteur who calls her Princess Ann (a reference I later understood), Cat learns how to take some risks and let go.

Italian for Beginners is a lovely little book that takes you from the crowded streets of New York to the small alleys of Rome. Harmel does a fantastic job at describing both locations beautifully. She captures the liveliness of New York and the essence of Rome. From going to Rome I, personally, learned that it's not all about the main attractions - it's about the moments. And this book has plenty of memorable moments.

I loved the scene with Francesco, as awkward as it is, when she realizes that he's not what she built him up to be. I loved crazy Karina, who rents Cat an apartment, who's moods change quicker than the time. I liked how nothing was stereotypical in the book. Writing about Italians, of course it could be easy to say they're all crazy and macho, but Harmel created Marco who had a sensitive side as a restauranteur. He shined through the book and although I didn't totally trust him at first, I did end up liking him in the end. And I loved Cat. I enjoyed following her on her emotional journey. What I specifically liked is that Harmel didn't rush anything. As if she went through something similar, she knew how to delicately push Cat forward, but never to fast or too hard. The timing was perfect. But most importantly of all, it made me incredibly proud of my strong Italian roots.

The book was a fantastic and fun read that made me want to travel - to taste the foods Cat enjoyed and see the sights she shared. It made me feel like I was part of Cat's crazy adventure; like I was on the back of the vespa, not her, speeding through the market. I really enjoyed Harmel's writing style; it was incredibly smooth and flowing. The book reminded me very much of If You Could See Me Now by Cecelia Ahern, which is a compliment. I quite enjoyed that book as well.

Italian for Beginners a book that should be shared with girlfriends. Because, of all things, with this book you learn how important relationships are, and not just romantic ones. Sometimes the relationship you have with yourself is the most important of all.

Read more about Kristin Harmel here

Read an article she wrote for Hachette

Check out her website