I was hoping for a Under the Tuscan Sun or Driving Over Lemons, but no. Living in Rome didn't seem to be as much fun as I had hoped Ms. Works would write about. Rome always sounded super amazing to me, but it doesn't read as such. I skimmed after a bit looking for better parts to read, but didn't seem to have anything entertaining to report. Sorry. Not nor me.

I have to admit that I did not finish this book. While I made it to almost the halfway point, I found my thoughts constantly drifting away, so it was time to give up trying. Unlike most memoirs I have read, it just doesn't have those interesting anecdotes that make books like this so entertaining. Instead it is worded like this: this person did this and this person did that. I also have no sense at all when the author was in Italy, I did not find a single year mentioned other the 1950's when she was young and the years that some of the buildings were built. If I had to guess, I think her experiences may have been in the 1980's or 1990's which could explain why the book comes across so methodically.

On the other hand, the author has added a good bit of history and she really does a rather thorough job of describing the scenery, foods and stores. That information may be interesting to some people. Looking at the other reviews, it seems that many people enjoyed the book more than me. I invite you to judge for yourself.

I loved reading this book about the authors adventures and missteps in Rome. This is a beautiful book for those who love travel and memoirs. I highly recommend it.

This is a beautiful memoir of one couples move to the Eternal City that is Rome. It is evocative in its description of the city of Rome, its people and its glorious food. I have read quite a few books on Brits moving to Italy as it is a dream of mine. Like the others Judith is able to add humour with her writing of the quirks of the Italian people and their culture and traditions. An enjoyable read, and a great insight to the joys and perils of moving to Italia.

Coins in the Fountain is a captivating memoir written by Judith Works who has clearly led quite a hectic, exciting life. Moving from the US to Italy to occupy an incredible job at the United Nations in Rome, she and her husband have to adjust to a new language, a new culture, a new way of life, a new “everything” basically. On top of that, you should know that at the time they started this adventure, it was near the end of the eighties, so forget all the practical technology, online banking and high speed Internet we now rely on and could not live without!

When she shares her many awkward or funny anecdotes that took place at the beginning of her journey, you won’t resist laughing a little. Experiencing the cultural shock helps you grow and learn about yourself. I know what I am talking about (let’s not even mention the impact of the reverse cultural shock). Coins in the Fountain made me reflect of my own experiences, so I liked this book a lot.

It is filled with interesting, informative and entertaining stories on a vast array of topics, from local traditions and cuisine to politics and history, religion and culture. It is meticulously researched and detailed. It makes for a vivid tale. The author really managed to encapsulate what expatriate life can be like (trips, friends, job, discoveries, bad moments and happy moments). I particularly enjoyed reading the bittersweet ending. You can really tell how hard it can be to leave behind your new heart home.

If you are unsure you’ll enjoy this kind of once-in-a-lifetime adventure, do read this book, it’ll help change your mind to give it a go.