An Australian Artist in Umbria.
History, tradition and art, festivals, friendships and a not-always-comfortable acceptance of local customs are themes that Virginia Ryan effortlessly interweaves throughout this intriguing and lyrical personal memoir of life in central Italy.
Australian-born artist Virginia Ryan and her family came to regret the impulsive decision to purchase an abandoned olive mill in the hill-town of Trevi, Umbria, as they lived through the massive reconstruction of the building. In this intriguing personal memoir, she shares with great candour their experiences adapting to the customs and local traditions, making friendships with the townsfolk, and exploring the region - and herself.
When huge earthquakes strike northern Italy, not only the roof of the basilica of St Francis in Assisi is fractured and collapses, but so do the lives and homes of the people Virginia has come to care for.
