Summary: A review of Living Abroad in Italy, a fantastic guide book for would-be expatriates thinking about going to retire or live and work in Italy
Of
all the Moon Living Abroad books, Living Abroad in Italy has to be my
personal favorite – perhaps that’s because I have a passion for Italy,
perhaps it’s because it’s such an incredibly well written book, penned
by a first grade author who shares my passion for Italy!
John Moretti is an American by birth, but now, having lived in Italy since 1999 he is practically a local! He has embraced everything about Italian life – the good, the bad, the history, the traditions and the language, which is why he is best placed to write this thoroughly well researched, yet vibrant book about starting a brand new life in Italy.
Yes there are other ‘living abroad’ titles that cover Italy, but
Living Abroad in Italy by John Moretti as published by Moon, is
probably the best of the bunch by about a mile! If you’re interested
in taking an extended vacation in Italy or indeed, moving to live there
for the long-term, we recommend you pick up this title.
The author begins with a tiny insight into his Italy with ‘what I love about Italy’ – it inspires you to trust him and read the rest of the book – because the things he loves, whilst not necessarily the most obvious things one loves about Italy, are in fact exactly the things one loves about Italy but perhaps take for granted! The fact that you never leave home without sunglasses, the fact that good wine and good coffee are both inexpensive and ‘necessary’ as opposed to being the over-priced luxuries they so often are in the States and the UK too, and the fact that Italy is real, orange juice is made from oranges, history and culture are a part of every day life…
Whilst we could spend this entire article discussing just how much
we agree with the author of this title, that would not constitute a
review of his book! So, moving on, the author John Moretti spends a
fair amount of time introducing the reader to Italy, it’s fascinating
history – both ancient and modern – it’s social climate, people and
culture. This gives a would-be traveller a great insight into this
fascinating and diverse nation for example, before the author moves on
to discuss the intricacies of every day life for the would-be expat
planning on moving to live in Italy.
As one would expect from such a well-written book, the author’s content is thoroughly researched, with the factual researched interwoven with personal experience. This makes Living Abroad in Italy an authority text, whilst at the same time being very readable, which in turn allows the reader to relate to the content. The author suggests that even those who are certain that they want to retire to Italy or move there to live and work perhaps, take a fact finding and preparation trip. Sample itineraries for such a trip are proposed, this is combined with all the practical information one needs about travelling to and from Italy and getting the most out of such a visit.
The second section of the book is then given over to examining every day life – how the expatriate can sort their visas, get their children into school and their pets into Italy! How to rent or buy a property, find a job or start a business. There is in depth information about health insurance and household expenses, the cost of living and even taxation in Italy – a brave topic to tackle because my advice would just be to employ an accountant!
Finally, the author moves on to examine Italy in depth – he moves the reader from location to location looking at the different regions, main towns and cities, where to live, what to live in and what to expect from the different parts that make up the whole of Italy. At the back of the book there is a comprehensive and invaluable resources section that provides contact information for agencies, companies, government offices and embassies that may be of use to the reader.
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