How to Be Italian

What does it mean to be Italian?

Is it pausing to enjoy an aperitivo or gelato? A passeggiata down a laneway steeped in history? An August spent tanning at the beach?

This book is a celebration of the Italian lifestyle – an education in drinking to savour the moment, travelling indulgently, and cherishing food and culture. A lesson in the dolce far niente: the sweetness of doing nothing. We may not all live in the bel paese, but anyone can learn from the rich tapestry of life on the boot.

From the innovation of Italian fashion and design, the Golden Age of its cinema to the Roman Empire’s cultural echoes (and some very good espresso), take a dip into the Italian psyche and learn to eat, love, dress, think and have fun as only the Italians can.

About the Author

Born in Melbourne, Australia, to Italian parents, Maria Pasquale always knew Rome was her destiny and on a whim, moved to the city in 2011. An unabashed romantic (Rome being her one true love!), she is the creator of popular food, travel and lifestyle blog Heart-Rome which has readers in over 100 countries. Her blog was runner up as the Best Italy Travel Blog in 2015 and has been featured in the BBC and Vogue. She contributes regularly to Fodor’s and USA TODAY and was voted in the top 100 travel bloggers to follow on social media in 2014.