Too Much Tuscan Sun

July 19, 2004
Unlike Under the Tuscan Sun
and the flood of cookbooks touting the delights of the Tuscan table, this endearing, lightweight memoir was written by a native of the area. The author recounts the history and character of Chianti—the famous wine region at Tuscany's geographic and cultural heart—and shares his most unforgettable experiences working as a Chianti tour guide for more than 12 years. Raised in Britain, Castagno began exploring Chianti's countryside as a teenager and fell in love with its dilapidated farmhouses, abandoned in Italy's post-WWII period of industrialization; for him, their stone walls, terracotta roofs and chestnut beams formed "well nigh irresistible" windows into Tuscany's romantic past. As a guide, he shared these journeys with his clients, most of them Americans, including T.T., an overly curious businessman for whom a winery visit "was like taking a child to a chocolate factory"; and an Alabama couple who, sweetly, tried to set Castagno up with their daughter. The farmhouses were also the site of Castagno's startling encounter with a couple of teenage artists and subsequent discovery about Tonio, a local, 94-year-old love machine. Castagno delivers his life story in simple, honest, heartfelt terms, though, unfortunately for readers, there are few true surprises or insights. It's brain candy to be enjoyed with a bottle of red.

October 15, 2004
This work generates much of its humor from the clash of cultures, told from the Italian perspective at the gentle expense of Americans. Castagno, born in England of Italian parents, has lived in the Chianti region of Tuscany long enough to consider himself a chiantigiano, and his love for the history, culture, and people of the area inspired him to start his own business as a personal tour guide for small groups. He has met clients who have exasperated him; others who amused, disgusted, or even impressed; and many who have become his personal friends. Readers who travel will certainly find some of his clients familiar. The book is organized according to the months of the year, and each chapter includes a description of Tuscany at that time, little bits of history, and an amusing story of one of his tour groups. Sometimes funny, sometimes sentimental, this book will be a welcome addition to large travel collections.-Linda M. Kaufmann, Massachusetts Coll. of Liberal Arts Lib., North Adams

Copyright 2004 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.