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Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Improvising in Italian by Jennifer Artley is a memoir that documents Artley's move from New Jersey to Modena, Italy, motivated by her husband Michael’s business opportunities. Artley's daughter struggles to adjust and eventually leaves Italy after a few months. Michael, whose family history includes multiple migrations, works in finance and attempts to broker deals involving Italian assets, including a soccer team and luxury items, and plans to restore the abandoned Fini Hotel as a cultural center. Artley later becomes involved in authenticating a disputed Raphael painting, facing resistance from the art world. The couple encounters persistent bureaucratic challenges related to residency, visas, and legal processes, as well as their Jewish-Italian wedding. Throughout their time in Italy, they deal with health issues, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and business betrayals that deepen Michael’s depression and affect their personal lives.
Jennifer Artley’s Improvising in Italian is a wonderfully honest and detailed account of her pursuit of 'la dolce vita,' which, coincidentally, is often more 'la vita dura.' This is not the usual American expat account, and that's what makes it special. Her writing is fresh and candid, effectively capturing the sensory experiences of things like shopping at bustling markets, savoring traditional dishes, and forging friendships that reveal layers of Italy’s past, including its complicated Jewish history. Yes, there are dreamy experiences, like dining at a renowned restaurant, but these are juxtaposed against the practical realities of settling in another country, corruption, massive financial strain, and the relationship problems that come with it. Artley paints a nuanced picture of Italy’s regional diversity and social dynamics, which include observations about feeling like an outsider, coupled with warm portrayals of local hospitality. Overall, this is a great read on making a go of life across the pond, and the tough choices required when it doesn't go as planned. Very highly recommended.
