100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go - book review

100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go
By Susan Van Allen

The author says that her book 100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go shines the "spotlight on goddesses, the Madonna, female saints, beauties who've inspired masterpieces, women who've taken power. After all, isn't the fact that women have been worshipped here for thousands of years one of the reasons we love Italy so much?"

Her passion for the subject is obvious, but I believe that the limiting title of the book does it a disservice.  "100 Places in Italy" is so much more than just a woman's book.

"100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go" is an art history book. The stories behind the famous and not-so-famous masterpieces throughout Italy are explained -- their social significance, where they fit in history and in the career of the artist are all covered.

"100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go" is a lifestyle guide to Italy. Beyond the history and art, the important destinations get covered too. Finding the best wine bar, gelato stand, chocolate, pasta, shopping, cooking classes - in fact all the benefits of having a "local" tell you how to find the best of everything over an espresso are in these pages.

"100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go" is an Italian history book. In the course of telling women where to go it explains the sometimes complex stories behind Greek and Roman mythology. It also examines the religious history; the inner working of the Catholic church as it relates to the art and culture of Italy. 

Ultimately, "100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go" is a general guide book to Italy. The various religious sites - convents, churches, friaries - are all intrinsically connected to the art of Italy. So are all the historic sites. The author explains why you should see them, why they are significant, the best time to see them - either for the light or to avoid crowds - where to eat (and what) nearby, how to get there, and where to stay.  In doing so she brings to light some lesser-known destinations and imbues them with the importance they deserve.

This isn't about the Top 100 Places you MUST see, it's not a "bucket list", rather, it's an examination of the significant and sometimes undeservedly overlooked places you should see to truly understand Italy and what it is to be Italian. You don't have to be a woman to "get" that, but, if you aren't, it probably wouldn't hurt to be traveling with one.

The author's stories of her Italian family, and her love of Italy that grew around family holiday tables, establishes her Italian roots. But, when it comes to Italy, we're all Italians. Italy is a sensibility, a state of mind. Its attraction is not limited to family or blood. That's why when so many people travel to Italy they feel as if they've come home.

So, whether you are Italian by blood, or Italian by sensibility, this book will lead you through the sensuous highlights of what everyone should experience in Italy, regardless of gender.

If you're a woman, you'll love that this book is written for you. If you are a guy, buy a copy of "100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go" for the woman you love and hope she takes you with her when she goes to Italy.

100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go
By Susan Van Allen
ISBN 978-193236165-0
http://www.placesforwomen.com

RICHARD FRISBIE is published twice a month to Gather Essentials: Food. It is a food junkie's take on growing, raising, preparing and - above all else - eating food. Together we?ll explore the trends, addictions, equipment and regional specialties that make up the sometimes mundane and sometimes sublime cooking and dining experience. You can keep up with my other postings and Gather activity by joining my Gather network -- I look forward to hearing from you.

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