North of Naples, South of Rome

Summary

Since childhood, Paolo Tullio has returned each year to his hometown of Gallinaro, to the labyrinthine nest of his relations and the passionate, warmhearted people of his valley. In North of Naples, South of Rome, he describes a hilariously chaotic wine competition, samples the Italian cantina, instructs on market-day haggling and surreptitious truffle-hunting, and investigates the charms and scams of Naples. He looks with disbelief at a tortuous bureaucracy, shows how to win a local election, observes the Catholic Church’s role in daily life, and reflects upon a recent earthquake that saved the valley. With fascinating detours on local buildings, history, folklore, and fashion, the listener tours a carousel of picnics, feasts, and fireworks. This affectionate tour of a charming, intimate world is as enticing and as original as A Year in Provence.