The Road Less Graveled is the account of a family that escapes a collapsing economy and the overscheduled American lifestyle, at least temporarily, by following their dreams to Italy.
Part Tuscan idyll and part cautionary tale, Wendy Laird’s latest Kindle Single tells the flip-side story of expat existence, what it takes to make it happen, and how a life on a well-mapped trajectory can veer off course in the process. Laird’s beautiful prose and acerbic wit keep the book, if not her own agenda, on the right track
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Review:
If a line that begins like this: "And in keeping with the exasperating lack of class distinctions" is meant to be funny, I must have misplaced my sense of humor. Laird is arrogant, narrow minded and silly... at best. The Road Less Graveled reeks of false class. A spoiled, plain-jane middle-classer masquerading as a sophisticated jet-setter. She pokes fun at anyone who seems to have more sophistication or a bigger wallet. The "exasperated" English translations for Italian phrases become repetitive and dull.
I spent two stints living in Italy. Some experiences were wonderful, others less so, but I was always able to embrace the experience. I could accept that in Italy, Italians did things differently, but it didn't make it wrong. Laird spent the better part of the book complaining about how everything was done. For wanting to spend a year abroad, she appears ill-prepared for the experience.
. The later chapters are more reflective. Laird finally seems to be settled in Italy; however it was too late to find the family endearing. As a result their ultimate financial downfall doesn't garner much sympathy.
I've read many books featuring Americans in Italy. Most were quite funny or inspiring. This was not one of them.
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