Dances with Luigi: A Grandson's Search for His Italian Roots [Paperback]

Paul E. Paolicelli (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 6, 2001

In this spirited memoir, veteran TV journalist Paul Paolicelli does what many of us can only dream of--he picks up and moves to a foreign country in an attempt to trace his ancestral roots. With the help of Luigi, his guide and companion, he travels through Italy--Rome, Gamberale, Matera, Miglionico, Alessandria, even Mussolini's hometown of Predappio--and discovers the tragic legacy of the Second World War that is still affecting the Old Country. He visits ancient castles and village churches, samples superb Italian cuisine, haggles at the open air market at Porta Portese, enjoys and Alessandria siesta, and frequents "coffee bars", where beggars discuss politics with affluent Italian locals. He finds lost-lost cousins during the day and performs with an amateur jazz group during the night. Along the way, he discovers deeply moving stories about his family's past and learns answers to question that have plagued him since childhood.
More that just a spiritual account of one man's ancestral search, Dances With Luigi is also a stunning portrait of la bella Italia--both old and new--that is painted beautifully in all of its glamour, history, and contradiction.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"[A] touching memoir...The reader becomes a passenger on a sensual trip through the Italian countryside as Paolicelli vividly describes each person he meets and each food he tastes."
--Chicago Tribune

"[Paolicelli's] writing has a headlong, heartfelt quality, the energy of someone who has searched to find words for what he feels so deeply. His narrative is made more compelling by his skillfull interpolation of local history and story. The coda, where he finds the words--in Italian--to share his feelings with his father and where he names his new daughter, Cara, is almost unbearably moving." --Booklist

"Paolicelli has written a beautiful story....A natural-born storyteller, Paolicelli immediately grabs the reader's attention...Vivid descriptions of the Italian countryside and its people carry the reader along on this three-year journey of self-discovery... A compelling and moving memoir, this tale is remembered long after it has been read." --Library Journal

About the Author

Paul Paolicelli is an award-winning television journalist and documentary producer. In his more than twenty-five years as a news reporter, producer, and executive, he has worked throughout the United States and Europe at local and national TV outlets. He is currently at work on his second book.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (November 6, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312283806
• ISBN-13: 978-0312283803
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #574,509 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dances with Luigi, January 7, 2002

By 

Maddalena "la_maddalena" (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dances with Luigi: A Grandson's Search for His Italian Roots (Paperback)

This book touched major chords with me. The author
lucidly tells the tail of searching for family and family history in Italy,with both stark self examination and great observations of the people around him.
His portrayal of the good and the bad, and the uncertainity
involved in being in a foreign country and trying to speak
their language; Italy, specifically,
are excellent.

I recommend this book to people planning a trip to Italy, specifically southern Italy, but I think it would be great
reading for anyone who loves things Italian or is a genealogist.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Story, March 21, 2004

By 

Jim (Marshall Islands) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dances with Luigi: A Grandson's Search for His Italian Roots (Paperback)

I "lived" the experience with Paul Paolicelli as I read this book. Always wanting to not just visit, but to live in the land of my ancestors, to experience the culture, the people, just to experience the life.

Mr. Paolicelli has to be richer for this experience.

I recommend it to all of Italian descent and to anyone wanting to experience the culture of your family, no matter what heritage.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BRAVA BRAVA BRAVA, November 19, 2002

By 

Cecilia G. Valentino (INDIAN HEAD PARK, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dances with Luigi: A Grandson's Search for His Italian Roots (Paperback)

It amazes me that some of the reviews were critical. I wonder if any of the critics have attempted to write a book and have been published.

First, I envy Paul that he had the guts to set out on the adventure that would change his life. Don't we all wish we could do that.

I started to read this book and couldn't put it down; I read it in one day. It is a travel book, a mystery book, a history book and an Italian philosophy book all rolled into one.

Join the author on his quest to understand his Italian heritage and discover fascinating characters who help him find the true meaning of life. His relatives who came to America are wonderful too, especially Uncle Al.
It's true what they say "There's something about Italians!"

My relatives and friends are getting copies for Christmas presents.

To Paul Paolicelli "Grazie, ti voglio bene."

Gloria Valentino