[.ca] Dances With Luigi: A Grandson searches for his Italian Roots (ISBN 0312283806)

Great Idea But Incomplete and Inaccurate:
I was very much looking forward to reading a book about my fathers DePasquale side of the family in Abruzzo, Italy. However, much to my dismay, Mr. Poalicelli seemed to skim over or dismiss the rich history of the DePasquale's and the town of Gamberale where our ancestors came from. For example, although politically connected to the South in the past, the town Gamberale, in the provence of Chieti in Abruzzo is in the Central region of Italy, not the South. This town was not just inhabited by the Lombards or Longobards (a Germanic tribe) as they where also refered to, but also it is believed the town was inhabited by the Franks and French normans after the tenth century. Also, many of the surnames Mr. Paolcelli's mentions on the DePasquale side of his family are incorrectly spelled. Although I give Mr. Paolocelli credit for taking the time to want to write about his family, I wished he had contacted and interviewed many more family members on the DePasqaule side of the family to get a more accuate and historical perspectiveas to who and where the DePasquales came from both historically and geographically. If, so he would had a more insightful and meaningful book for both family members an general readers.

Dances with Luigi:
This book touched major chords with me. The author lucidly tells the tail of searching for family and family history in Italy,with both stark self examination and great observations of the people around him. His portrayal of the good and the bad, and the uncertainity involved in being in a foreign country and trying to speak their language; Italy, specifically, are excellent. I recommend this book to people planning a trip to Italy, specifically southern Italy, but I think it would be great reading for anyone who loves things Italian or is a genealogist.

BRAVA BRAVA BRAVA:
It amazes me that some of the reviews were critical. I wonder if any of the critics have attempted to write a book and have been published. First, I envy Paul that he had the guts to set out on the adventure that would change his life. Don't we all wish we could do that. I started to read this book and couldn't put it down; I read it in one day. It is a travel book, a mystery book, a history book and an Italian philosophy book all rolled into one. Join the author on his quest to understand his Italian heritage and discover fascinating characters who help him find the true meaning of life. His relatives who came to America are wonderful too, especially Uncle Al. It's true what they say "There's something about Italians!" My relatives and friends are getting copies for Christmas presents. To Paul Paolicelli "Grazie, ti voglio bene." Gloria Valentino

A Wonderful Story:
I "lived" the experience with Paul Paolicelli as I read this book. Always wanting to not just visit, but to live in the land of my ancestors, to experience the culture, the people, just to experience the life. Mr. Paolicelli has to be richer for this experience. I recommend it to all of Italian descent and to anyone wanting to experience the culture of your family, no matter what heritage.

A Must-Read:
This is a marvelous tale of personal discovery that includes the reader and helps illuminate the many mysteries for all of us bearing the Italian American heritage. Mr. Paolicelli's research and care for his subjects is evident from the first page. Those wanting more specific information are given a strong push to go find it out for themselves, rather than complain that the author didn't do it for them. Paul's "dance" with Luigi is an elaborate and remarkable waltz through Italian history and family mystery. Read this book. The music will linger...