- Beppe Severgnini is an acclaimed columnist and an editor of Italy's largest-circulation daily newspaper, Corriere della Sera. He's a longtime Italian correspondent for The Economist and a frequent contributor to The New York Times.
- In clear and engaging prose, he outlines in this new book fifty reasons for rejoicing in being Italian. With wit, sense and intelligence he offers an enlightened perspective on his beloved country, its character and traditions, and particularly how it performed during the the Covid crisis.
- Here are a few of the chapter titles, the fifty reasons:
Because we're unpredictable, but not unreliable.
Because in time we let our resentments go.
Because our North and South fight like an old married couple.
Because in every lab on Earth, there's a computer, a green plant, and an Italian.
Because wine is a sentimental education, and espresso is a truce.
Because we instinctively know what's good and genuine.
Because small churches are better than grand defenders of the faith.
Because our policemen don't glare at us, though sometimes they should.
Because in our parks we love strolling, relaxing and quarreling.
Because we've elevated complaining to an art form.
Because we smile, in spite of everything.
- I was a student for four years in Italy in my early twenties, so this book brought back fond memories of the joy I had experiencing life in this wonderful and stimulating country, and its kind and beautiful people.
- Beppe has done a superb job here. Well worth reading if you're an Italian fan.
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