'Gill and I had dreamt of living in Italy for as long as we'd been together.'
This is the story of an Aussie couple who sought a Mediterranean sea change only to find themselves in the sprawling Sicilian city of Catania - the 'anti-Tuscany' of Italy. There, any romantic visions they'd had of restoring a villa or stamping their entwined feet in vats of Chianti grapes disappeared faster than the chief witness in a Cosa Nostra trial.
Shamus and Gill's tiny apartment in Catania was located in a grim neighbourhood opposite a triple-X cinema and a shop selling coffins, nearby Mount Etna erupted soon after their arrival, a mystery ailment left Shamus in a neck brace, they crashed a Vespa and had regular dealings with at least one Mafioso.
This, then, is an Italian sea change with grit. But it's also a story of optimism, endurance and acceptance, an exploration of the minutiae of Sicilian culture, history, food and religion, and an example of how to find beauty - and humour - in the most unexpected of places.
By:
Shamus Sillar Imprint: Arena (A&U) Country of Publication: Australia Dimensions:
Height: 198mm,
Width: 128mm,
Spine: 33mm
Weight: 470g ISBN:9781742376790 ISBN 10: 1742376797 Pages: 420 Publication Date:01 March 2012 Recommended Age: From Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format:Paperback Publisher's Status: Active