A tale of Italian life, and especially Italian academic life. I’ve seen this as an outsider, and recognise some of the terms and issues described: it’d be fascinating to hear an Italian academic’s view too.

The story goes well beyond academia, though, to the things that make Italy both a wonderful and damaging culture: the impact of tight families and high expectations, especially for people moving from the south (Puglia and Basilicata) to the north (Milan, Bologna). Many of the themes have equivalents in other places, especially Ireland, but the differences in perception are often hard to decode as an outsider, and this book was often like listening-in on episodes that I’ve seen but not understood.

4/5. Finished Thursday 2 December, 2021.

(Originally published on Goodreads.)