See You in the Piazza

New Places to Discover in Italy

By: Frances Mayes

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell, Frances Mayes

Bestselling and beloved author Frances Mayes discovers the hidden pleasures of Italy in a sumptuous travel narrative that crisscrosses the country, with inventive new recipes celebrating Italian cuisine

The Roman Forum, the Leaning Tower, the Piazza San Marco: these are the sights synonymous with Italy. But such landmarks only scratch the surface of this magical country's offerings. In See You in the Piazza, Frances Mayes introduces us to the Italy only the locals know, as she and her husband, Ed, eat and drink their way through thirteen regions--from Friuli to Sicily. Along the way, she seeks out the cultural and historic gems not found in traditional guidebooks.

Frances conjures the enchantment of the backstreets, the hubbub of the markets, the dreamlike wonder of that space between lunch and dinner when a city cracks open to those who would wander or when a mind is drawn into the pages of a delicious book--and discloses to us the secrets that only someone who is on intimate terms with a place could find.

Includes a bonus PDF of recipes.

Critic reviews

"A sparkling and irresistible view of Italy... Mayes has a wonderful eye for detail as she lyrically describes her surroundings... Readers will want to take their time, savoring this poetic travelogue like a smooth wine." —Publishers Weekly (starred)

"Here, we are off the beaten track, soaking in the distinctive sunlight, traditional cuisines, architecture, and geographical features of each area...providing delightful trattoria recipes, poetry and anecdotes. Readers will definitely eat well by staying by her whimsical and conversational side." —Library Journal (starred)

"Mayes has arranged her memoir geographically from north to south, rather than chronologically, to allow readers to peruse the sections randomly, perhaps using the book as a companion guide to their own trip. Her descriptions are painterly and alluring, and she includes recipes for memorable dishes—grilled prawns with fennel and olives, sea bream poached in special seasoned broth, lemon ricotta tart, gnocchi with wild hare, and crispy octopus—that are likely to whet the prospective traveler's appetite. A charming homage to upscale travel through Italy." —Kirkus Reviews

Longing for the voice of Frances Mayes

After loving Frances Mayes’ audio books in her own voice, I found this narrators voice distracting. Her inflections were awkward, and unnatural. I will order this book, because there is a lot of information here, but I’ve had to stop listening to it.

Bravo Cassandra Campbell

Unbelievably good narration. Believe me; I know. As an American-born Italian living in Northern Italy, I have a practiced ear. Cassandra Campbell’s pronunciation of Italian names and places, foods and wines is unparalleled. It's far better, for instance, than narrations Frances Mayes has done for her own books. Bravo.

Too much food descriptions

I’m a big fan of learning about Italian food, but there was too much detailed descriptions of endless meals. How could they eat so much and drink so much wine?

A good virtual trip to Italy

In the time of COVID-19, when all travel has ground to a halt, See You In The Piazza was a lovely escape from quarantine to one of my favorite countries. I had to cancel my trip, and this book allowed me to “visit” parts of Italy I have not yet been to. It was beautifully written - though a bit too flowery at times - but was perfectly narrated by Cassandra Campbell. The prologue, narrated by Frances Mayes herself, had me cringing because it was just not enjoyable to listen to Italian with a southern accent. Ms. Campbell had flawless pronunciation and a much more pleasant voice and style of reading. I enjoyed hearing about places I now want to visit.

Fine, not what I was looking for. Though still good

I read this immediately following “Pasta Pane Vino”. While this book is a wonderful account of the sights sounds and tastes of Italy it never goes deeper.

In the above mentioned book the author digs into the soul of Italy, spends time, understand, and covers very little of the entirety of Italy.

This book blitzes through Italy, you feel like a tourist the whole time, and everything feels so fleeting and superficial. It could serve as good inspiration but not for me.

Finally, what costs this book points for me, is the author provides rather superficial reviews of things that I feel don’t do them justice. There is very little depth to the “because” for any likes/dislikes.

Definitely get it though :) it’ll still make you want to get there. Just try the other book in addition