Laura S. (cosmicday) reviewed Not what I was expecting on 7/8/2009

Helpful Score: 1

Under the Tuscan Sun is one of my all time favorite movies- I mean, who among us hasn't imagined making a huge change in their life that includes making the move to a beautiful place like Italy? I guess I was under the impression that this book was an expanded version of the movie. Well, its expanded, but it isn't that much like the movie. The book is a diary of the author's experiences in remodeling the house and becoming familiar with the Tuscan countryside around her. If you have seen the movie, you will recognize bits and pieces, but you find them totally not in the same context as the movie. For instance: the author is married so she isn't overseeing all the remodeling by herself. THAT made me sad as I had always seen the Frances of the movie, played by Diane Lane, as a bit of an inspiration- maybe I could also do it alone. Knowing she didn't really do it alone kind of takes the wind out of my sails leaving me feeling (once again) doubtful and incompetent.

Frances Mayes writes beautifully so the book is beautiful. But if you are a total romantic and a big fan of the movie, you may come away from the book feeling a little disappointed. Better to read it prior to seeing the movie.

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