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Robert Rodi
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Jump down to see edition details for: Hardcover
Bibliographic Detail
Publisher
Ballantine Books
Publication date
June 21, 2011
Pages
260
Binding
Hardcover
Book category
Adult Non-Fiction
ISBN-13
9780345521057
ISBN-10
0345521056
Dimensions
1 by 5.75 by 8.50 in.
Weight
0.80 lbs.
Availability§
Publisher Out of Stock Indefinitely
Original list price
$25.00
Other format details
travel
Subjects
§As reported by publisher
Summaries and Reviews
Amazon.com description: Product Description: Siena seems at first glance a typical Italian city: within its venerable medieval walls the citizens sport designer clothes, wield digital phones, and prize their dazzling local cuisine. But unlike neighboring Florence, Siena is still deeply rooted in ancient traditionsâchiefly the spectacular Palio, in which seventeen independent societies known as contrade vie for bragging rights in an annual bareback horse race around the central piazza.
Into this strange, closed world steps Robert Rodi. A Chicago writer with few friends in town and a shaky command of conversational Italian, he couldnât be more out of place. Yet something about the sense of belonging radiating from the ritual-obsessed Sienese excites him, and draws him back to witness firsthand how their passionate brand of community extends beyond the Palio into the entire calendar year. Smitten, Rodi undertakes a plan to insinuate himself into this body politic, learn their ways, and win their acceptance.
Seven Seasons in Siena is the story of Rodiâs love affair with the people of Sienaâand of his awkward, heartfelt, intermittently successful, occasionally disastrous attempts to become a naturalized member of the Noble Contrada of the Caterpillar. It wonât be easy. As one of the locals points out, someone whoâs American, gay, and a writer is the equivalent of a triple unicorn in this corner of Tuscany. But like a jockey in the Palio outlasting the competition in the home stretch, Rodi is determined to wear down all resistance. By immersing himself in the life of the contrada over seven visits at different times of the yearâworking in their kitchens, competing in their athletic events, and mastering the tangled politics of their various feuds and alliancesâthe ultimate outsider slowly begins to find his way into the hearts of this proud and remarkable people.
By turns hilarious and heartwarming, and redolent with the flavor of the Tuscan countryside, Seven Seasons in Siena opens a window on daily life in one of the most magical regions in all of Italyârevealing the joys to be found when we stop being spectators and start taking an active part in lifeâs rich pageant.
Into this strange, closed world steps Robert Rodi. A Chicago writer with few friends in town and a shaky command of conversational Italian, he couldnât be more out of place. Yet something about the sense of belonging radiating from the ritual-obsessed Sienese excites him, and draws him back to witness firsthand how their passionate brand of community extends beyond the Palio into the entire calendar year. Smitten, Rodi undertakes a plan to insinuate himself into this body politic, learn their ways, and win their acceptance.
Seven Seasons in Siena is the story of Rodiâs love affair with the people of Sienaâand of his awkward, heartfelt, intermittently successful, occasionally disastrous attempts to become a naturalized member of the Noble Contrada of the Caterpillar. It wonât be easy. As one of the locals points out, someone whoâs American, gay, and a writer is the equivalent of a triple unicorn in this corner of Tuscany. But like a jockey in the Palio outlasting the competition in the home stretch, Rodi is determined to wear down all resistance. By immersing himself in the life of the contrada over seven visits at different times of the yearâworking in their kitchens, competing in their athletic events, and mastering the tangled politics of their various feuds and alliancesâthe ultimate outsider slowly begins to find his way into the hearts of this proud and remarkable people.
By turns hilarious and heartwarming, and redolent with the flavor of the Tuscan countryside, Seven Seasons in Siena opens a window on daily life in one of the most magical regions in all of Italyârevealing the joys to be found when we stop being spectators and start taking an active part in lifeâs rich pageant.
Editions
Hardcover
The price comparison is for this edition
from Ballantine Books (June 21, 2011)
9780345521057 | details & prices | 260 pages | 5.75 × 8.50 × 1.00 in. | 0.80 lbs | List price $25.00
About: Siena seems at first glance a typical Italian city: within its venerable medieval walls the citizens sport designer clothes, wield digital phones, and prize their dazzling local cuisine.
About: Siena seems at first glance a typical Italian city: within its venerable medieval walls the citizens sport designer clothes, wield digital phones, and prize their dazzling local cuisine.
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