While visiting my mom in the hospital, I wandered down to the gift shop.From every day essentials like slippers to gifts of all types like elaborate floral creations, the gift shop had everything covered for adults and children.
The gift shop also had books, including John Hooper's The Italians.
Having lived and worked in Italy, Hooper mixes personal observations and experiences with deep research into the country's political and social history.
Hooper describes Italy's violent past to its present day political landscape, dominating by decades under the colorful and corrupt Silvio Berloscuni.
Observations about Italy include its lack of following rules (only idiots or fessos do this) and generally acceptable culture of lying or misleading for personal gain. Only fessos would pay full price for a ticket or report actual income for taxes.
Furbo means crafty or sly. Jumping the queue is furbo and looked upon with positive connotations in Italy although it would be frowned upon in other cultures. This attitude explains the rampant corruption in Italy.
Dense with facts and astute observations, The Italians provides fascinating insight into the country, and a book I would recommend to anyone traveling to Italy or has an interest in Italy.
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