Home to Italy by Peter Pezzelli

Of course I have a soft spot for all things Italian -- so when I saw this on the library shelf I immediately picked it up. Peter Pezzelli's Home to Italy is like a male centered Under the Tuscan Sun. In the great tradition of "starting over," our protagonist, Peppi, is returning to his hometown of Villa San Giuseppe, after the death of his wife, Anna. Peppi has been in America for over thirty years, but he owns a mill in his hometown and his plan is to fix it up and retire there. He is also counting on his best friend Luca to still be there, and Peppi immediately finds him on the town square Sunday morning, when all of the cyclists gather for a weekly ride. The cycling aspect of the novel is interesting to both readers who know very little, and readers who are avid cyclists themselves. Pezzelli also demonstrates his great knowledge of the Italian way of life, and transports readers to this wonderful country.
Peppi quickly acclimates to the slow and quaint life he knew as a boy. Although he still has some serious grieving to do, he learns to find joy in simple things, like growing tomatoes and fixing windows. The best part of the novel is the evidence that your life doesn't always end when you think it does . . . and that no matter how old you are, it's never too late to start the circle over again.

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