Customer Reviews

Culture Shock! Italy: A Guide to Customs and Etiquette (Culture Shock! A Survival Guide to Customs & Etiquette)

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1 star:		(2)

 

 

I spent last summer studying in Italy and thought it would be a good idea to purchase this book, and I would also read other books in this series if I was going to go to another country. I found it interesting, although much of the information can also be found in the beginning sections of guidebooks. Basic history and cultural information is included. The book does a nice job explaining the art of dining and drinking in Italy, which most tourists don't realize is quite different than in the United States. It also talks about how Italians act and view life. All of the information is interesting, I wouldn't say that it is a must for anyone traveling to Italy, a good guidebook should tell you the same information. If you are a little nervous about going to Italy and would like to try to be "in the know" about the Italian way of life, check the book out of the library and save your money for a gelato.

After reading the "Culture Shock" books for Germany, Sweden, and France for trips, I was extremely disappointed with this book. It is basically a history book and gave me no real idea how to relate to Italians. Therefore, my experience in Italy was less than good. I highly recommend the France book---it is right on target and I had a great time navigating the culture.

I have read and used the other Culture Shock books and found them very useful.

This one though was almost a complete waste of time. It was full of cliches e.g. Italians love nothing more than spending time with their family and friends. It lacked detail and useful hints about how to interact with Italians.

Perhaps it suffered in comparison with "The Dark Heart of Italy" a far superior effort.

I purchased this book to learn more about doing business in Italy, and I found there was not enough detail. I did learn how vastly different each region is in Italy - - and the author tries to show the differences in each region. Perhaps this is why I felt that it didn't do a deep dive into the regions I was most interested in.

This isn't a rating of the book, as much as a rating of the company that I ordered the book from. I ordered this book but never got it. Called the company and they refunded my money.