La Bella Figura: A Field Guide to the Italian Mind

As an Italian I enjoyed the book greatly. It is witty, inteñigent and very true.

I read this book after I heard Beppe Severgnini speak about it in Chicago; while reading, I realized that he'd already mentioned the best things in the book during his talk. The book was interesting, and funny, and I wish that I had read it prior to a trip to Italy, but I was slightly disappointed that there wasn't more to it. He's a very funny man, however, and if you're at all familiar with (or interested in) the ways of the Italians, you'll get a kick out of it.

I think that this book is really well written, witty and serious at the same time. It is a balanced description of the Italian "real life", leaving apart emphasis or stereotypes. As a matter of fact the Author did not run after what most of the foreigners want to ear or read about "il Bel Paese" (the Beautiful Country). Mind the title. Severgnini goes beyond the behaviours of the people, he tries to analyze when, how and why the "Italian mind" acts in a specific situation. This is a complex matter (i.e. Italians are so different despite they share the same flag), but he succeeded to write a clever, deep and also funny book. I'm convinced that North Americans overall like the Italians. If you belong to this category, then go for this book, you may learn more, if not buy it anyway. You may change your mind ! A Must.

The Author, Bepper Severgnini, offers a funny look at the lifestyle and manners of his modern Italian countrymen, how they thing and how they interact with each other. The book offers an interesting and pleasant read for anyone who knows or have close contact with people with an Italian background. Many of my friends' parents in College where Italian Immigrants and currently I'm working overseas in an Italian Owned Company, so many of my co-workers and friends are from Italy. Additionally back at home my Sister's Husband is Italian so In my case I really found the book to be both revealing and hilarious, helping my understand many of my friends habits and the way they act under certain circumstances. Of course the book is not a sociology study but an enjoyable look at the "Modern Italian Mind"

I read the Italian language version (La Testa Degli Italiani)before my family's trip to Italy last summer (my family is Italo-American). Severgnini was European Journalist of the Year last year, writes a wonderful daily letters column in Corriere della Sera entitled "Italians" which is available on- line at www.corriere.it, and has written other delightful books about his travels in America, England and Germany. There is no better person to explain, with sharp insight and great good humor, the marvelous complexities and contradictions of this amazing country. With its shining successes, its glaring faults, and its self critical population, few countries are so delightful and so maddening at the same time. Read and enjoy. Then go to Italy and see for yourself! You'll never regret the journey.