Here's a book that answers a question on many people’s minds: What’s up with those kooky Italians? It’s called La Bella Figura by Beppe Severgnini. The title comes from “fare la bella figura” which means “to make a good figure”--in other words, kind of like “looking good.” And the author maintains that it’s the raison d’etre of most Italians.
In it the author explains how for the average Italian a stop light is more a conundrum than a command. Should the motorist run the red light and chance getting hit by those speeding along with the green, or should he stop for the red light and when it’s green chance getting hit by those running their own red light. And that’s not to mention the motorists behind who are honking their horns, impatiently awaiting the chance to make their own choice.
Severgnini dissects the great, the bad, and the bizarre in the Italian psyche on a ten-day tour through the peninsula. It’s oftentimes humorous and usually interesting, particularly when the author contrasts Italians with Americans and other nationalities.
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