Product Description

How does an Italian become Italian? Or an Englishman English, for that matter? Are foreigners born, or made? In "An Italian Education", Tim Parks focuses on his own young children in the small village near Verona where he lives, building a fascinating picture of the contemporary Italian family at school, at home, at work, and at play. The result is a delight: at once a family book and a travel book, not quite enamoured with either children or Italy, but always affectionate, always amused and always amusing.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #52554 in Books
• Published on: 2001-05-03
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 464 pages

About the Author
Born in Manchester in 1954, Tim Parks moved permanently to Italy in 1980. Author of novels, non-fiction and essays, he has won the Somerset Maugham, Betty Trask and Llewellyn Rhys awards, and been shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize.His works include Destiny, Europa, Dreams of Rivers and Seas and the 'Italian series': Italian Neighbours, An Italian Education and A Season with Verona.

Customer Reviews

Excellent sequel to Italian Neighbours
An Italian Education is an excellent sequel to Italian Neighbours. The subject matter this time is Parks's young family. Parks's 2 children, who he writes about with great fondness, are his primary source of anecdotes and observations. The writer's daughter, Stefi, is the star character in this book. She is depicted as cute and full of pluck.

Like the first book, this book is funny and perceptive; and the writing is a treat. Parks is an accomplished story-teller and very skilful at writing about characters and situations. He has a rare ability to get to the essence of things with minimal fuss. As I am also a foreigner living in Italy, I could relate very strongly to the stories in this book and my understanding of Italy and the Italians has certainly been enhanced by Parks's sharp observations.

A most satisfying and enjoyable book indeed.

A delightful read
In a very readable and delightful book, Tim Parks manages to capture to quintessential family life surrounding children growing up in Italy - trust me I was one of them !! Life at home, at school and at the summer seaside, are all affectionately captured by the author, as are the personal relationships with family, friends and neighbours. This is a book that everybody will enjoy, particularly touching and bringing back memories to those of us that grew up in Italy.

Superb insight into the Italian psyche
I have been married to an italian living in the UK for 14 years, and this book has explained an awfull lot! It gives a superb insight into the Italian psyche, and how it is created. Tim park's observations and conclusions are often hilarious as well. A great read.