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

~ Paul E. Paolicelli (Author) "Luigi and I were neighbors..." (more)
Key Phrases: New York, United States, Don Emmanuele (more...)

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
-- Review

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

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (November 6, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312283806
• ISBN-13: 978-0312283803
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #241,732 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 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 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.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	Jim "jammermann" (Marshall Islands) - See all my reviews

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.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must-Read, December 19, 2003

By A Customer

This is a marvelous tale of personal discovery that includes the reader and helps illuminate the many mysteries for all of us bearing the Italian American heritage. Mr. Paolicelli's research and care for his subjects is evident from the first page. Those wanting more specific information are given a strong push to go find it out for themselves, rather than complain that the author didn't do it for them. Paul's "dance" with Luigi is an elaborate and remarkable waltz through Italian history and family mystery. Read this book. The music will linger...