When in Rome: A Journal of Life in Vatican City

I read this book on the bus to and from work each day and it really brought me back to the time I lived in Rome. I really enjoyed the sarcastic views and "insider" information about the Vatican. I recommend this book to any Italophile!

This book is one of the best I've read and is very informative about life inside Vatican City. Interspersed are excellent descriptions of various sites, including the Necropolis (City of the Dead). I am quite well-informed on Rome and I could not put this book down. It is No. 1 in my library of books on the subject of Rome!

Have you ever wondered just what goes on "behind the scenes" in Vatican City? Well, wonder no longer! When in Rome reveals many innermost and often-hidden secrets buried deep in the depths of the Vatican's cellars. It's an absolutely superb book. The few negative reviewers missed the humor... and concentrated on a few insignificant details. Most of them appear to be ultra-conservative Catholics who won't tolerate the least bit of criticism (even when meant in fun) by the author.In fact, the author tells his first-hand investigative tale with passion, insight and a great deal of wit -- so much so that he had me bursting into laughter chapter after chapter. Hutchinson pulls no punches and is one of the few honest writers about the Vatican to go directly into the bowels of this treasured city. He plainly loves and admires the Vatican, Italy and even the Italian language -- which he said time and again he wished he knew better. When in Rome is truly a great read to be enjoyed by people of all faiths. It's such a light-hearted, yet fascinating book. Highly recommended.

This is not meant to be a guide book but the story of the author as he finds out all he can about Vatican City. Mr. Hutchinson gives us an interesting look behind the scens of the Vatican, places where I never have been and probably never will be. I must disagree with him, however, when he says the Italians are grumpy, sour tempered people who don't like speaking anything but Italian. I have found things to the contrary. In fact, I wonder how the Romans put up with so many awful tourists and remain unaffected. As to the pizza sold by vendors on the streets, I found their wares to be not too bad, not cardboard anyway. However, I tend not to be less fussy about what is on my pizza, and after a big dinner the night before it was welcome to have something lite and quick. I am more than willing to let pass the error about Mary Stuart etc. How it got by a reader I don't know. So, I can give the book high marks because it is entertaining, informative and written with a sense of humor.

Mr. Hutchinson's book was reviewed in the travel section of the San Francisco Chronicle just before our trip. It is a delight. Written with wit and excellent journalistic inquiry, it opened for me the inner doors to this wonderful city and let me peek behind the scenes. While the author presents a somewhat irrevent picture he never compromises the faith...only the faithful! Even if you are not going to Rome, you will find this insightful little book great reading.