BLOG: Readers' Response to Head Over Heel

July 8, 2008

The critics have been kind to HEAD OVER HEEL but what do readers think? The following is a selection of comments received in recent weeks and reprinted here with the kind permission of each sender.

 

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Dianne Bortoletto from Perth wrote:

 

Hi Crris! I loved your book - it made me burst out laughing often! Very entertaining. I tend to read every novel I can on Italy and yours truly is one of the most enjoyable I've ever had the pleasure to read. Having spent some time in Puglia myself (am there right now in fact, in Lecce, on holidays), your descriptions are spot on. Congratulations on writing such a lovely tale. I'd love to know what happens next. Do you and Daniela have little Italian bambini?

 

Barbara from Milan wrote:

 

Ciao Crrrrrris! I'm Austrian but married to a Puglian and living in Milan. I've just finished reading, actually - devouring - your book 'Siesta Italiana' in German and now that I've turned the last page of this fantastic story I feel like I miss you and Daniela. Your portrait of the Italians is fantastic. I understand and share your love/hate relationship with Italy. I really liked the way you wrote about Daniela's father's disease. You were very delicate, sensitive, but also funny. I really felt like I got to know Franco. Best wishes to you and Daniela (I like it when you say you have to smile to say her name).

 

Vita McRae from Queensland wrote:

 

Chris, I finished reading your book last night with tears streaming down my face. Congratulations on writing such a winner. I told my husband this morning that your book is one of the best I have ever read. My parents are Sicilian and my husband an Aussie and I am suggesting he read the book. Oh how I could relate to everything you mentioned and described with such accuracy. Those southern Italians are a unique bunch. I also can relate to your love/hate relationship with the country. Having visited/stayed there for months at a time and having close relatives that still live there, I know where you are coming from. Thanks Chris for making reading so enjoyable. I anxiously await your next book. Hope there are many more to come. Tanti Auguri. (PS - Love to Daniela/Daniella!!!)

 

Julia Jamieson from Australia wrote:

 

Hi Chris, I just wanted to drop you a line to tell you how much I adored 'Head Over Heel'. While I really enjoyed the trials of your love story and life in Italy (a fantasy of mine which I think you have helped put in perspective!), what I wanted to tell you was how touched I was by your chapter on Freccia. As an animal lover it moved me to tears (on the train - awkward). What a lucky dog to have found the only Australian in town. Thanks for a great read, I look forward to the next! Regards, Julia. PS I wish you had some more photos of Daniela on your site!

 

Fran(cesca) from Australia wrote:

 

Hi Chris, I moved to Australia from Ischia 10 years ago because I fell in love with Trevor, my husband. I just wanted to let you know that, after reading your book, I felt as though a big weight had been lifted off my chest. Everything you described in the book touched a spot very close to my heart, especially the fact that sometimes there are two of me: the Italian Francesca and the Australian Fran, who somehow need to learn to live together.

 

Cathryn Villari from Newcastle wrote:

 

I just finished reading 'Head Over Heel' and had to try to contact you to tell you that I simply couldn't put it down! Your book was the most honest and objective account of a life trying to cope with Italy and Italians that I've ever read. Can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em. Thanks for a great read and keep them coming.

 

Ross Clennett from Melbourne wrote:

 

Hi Chris, My parents gave me your book for my birthday last month and I enjoyed it so much I have recommended it to my email newsletter subscribers in this week's issue. I normally recommend business related books but this week I made an exception. The link to the newsletter is http://rossclennett.com/docs/Web_InSight/InSight46837410684.html  Thanks for a great read. I look forward to the next instalment.

 

Rosie Pupo from Australia wrote:

 

Loved the book! I am a 33-year-old Australian/Calabrian girl who has never, ever completed a book. We were going away without the kids and I wanted to challenge myself. My husband was not impressed that I was more into the book than him. I have been to Calabria and experienced almost every chapter. I got fined for having my feet on the seat of the train while the guy next to me was smoking next to a 'No Smoking' sign. Thank you for my first book experience. Rosie Pupo.

 

Diana from Zurich wrote:

 

Ciao Chris. I was in the bookshop today and stumbled across your book 'Siesta Italiana'. Flicking through it I discovered that it's about a southern Italian village called Andrano. It's a small world: I've spent hours in Piazza Castello, in the streets and at the beaches. I even went to Andrano's primary school and I have the scent of the sea in my blood. Thank you for this book. See you at La Festa Della Madonna! PS: I'm curious ... What's the name of the petrol station attendent? He could be my uncle ...

 

Carolyn Long from Queensland wrote:

 

Chris, have just finished reading your book and enjoyed it immensely. Very timely as my eldest son's girlfriend Antonella has been here for a month from Milan. She speaks English fluently (though the movie 'The Castle' was a bit much for her!) and we are having fun learning a few Italian words along the way. She and my son are going back to Milan in August for him to meet all the rellies!! Should be interesting. As for me, I'm looking forward to visiting her home next year after having fallen in love with Italy (yes the tourist view - don't know that I could cope with that exasperating bureaucracy) two years ago. Best wishes for future writings. Carolyn.

 

Katia Zito from Switzerland wrote:

 

Dear Chris, I have read the German version of your book. It's really fantastic and I enjoy it very much! I laugh so much but it also make me think of all the things that don't go right in Italy. One question: I hope it exist also an Italian version!? PS: Sorry for my English. Many greetings from Switzerland and all good things to you, Daniela and the families! Sincerely! Katia

 

Anita Kohler from Germany wrote:

 

Salve, dear Chris. I have just started reading your lovely southern Italian book. So far it's just wonderful! It brings me back to my four years in Italy - Napoli and Milan before heading for Germany, where I live now. Although I have never been to Andrano, I fully understand and see those situations as they are described in your book. It is wonderful! Looking forward to more books from you. Un caro salute from a Swiss who travels the world by living there.

 

Nasser Aoune from Germany wrote:

 

Hi Chris, a few days ago I started  to read your book in German - 'Siesta Italiana'. I have some Italian friends in Milano, Catania and I love Italy. C'est un livre magnifique. Thank you very much for this marvellous book and story. Next I will read 'The Italians' by Luigi Barzini.

 

Maria from Sydney wrote:

 

Hi Chris, having been born in Sydney to Italian parents I am always interested to read about Italy. I could really relate to many of the incidents and characters you wrote about in your book. Just one question: are you going to post any pictures of Daniela on your site? It would be nice to see the person who so obviously inspired you to write your book. 

 

Sue Downes from Melbourne wrote:

 

Just loved the book, Crris!! Two years ago I went to Perugia and did a one-month Italian language course. Not quite in the same street as your wonderful adventure but I'd have to say that there seems to be less red tape further north. However, I inadvertently bypassed some of it. After enrolment at the uni, I was supposed to go to the Polizia and get a permit to carry at all times. The guy at the uni forgot to remind me of that, only telling me where the classroom was. It was two weeks before I realised I hadn't got the visa, so by then I thought what the hell?!

 

Mia from Germany wrote:

 

Ciao Chris. I just finished your marvellous book and would like to thank you for some really enjoyable hours reading it. I really hope you're writing the follow-up as I'd like to read more of your lovable anecdotes. Best regards to Daniela and your Australian and Italian families. 

 

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Sincere thanks to you all for taking the time to provide feedback, say hello, swap stories and extend warm wishes to me, Daniela and our families. In previous blogs I have touched on the unexpected pleasures of publishing a book. Your comments in my inbox each morning are a privilege and a joy. They encourage me and keep me company as I tap away at my next book in my north London flat. Grazie mille, Chris.