Italy is a unique country. This book combines, in an empathetic and amusing manner, the author's 40 years of personal experience and observation of life in Italy, with an incisive social commentary.

It examines the impact of recent historical events and the country's fascist legacy, which remains of great pertinence today, for both Italy and beyond.

Italians project the impression of being comfortable in their own skin. Life is to be enjoyed, simply and fully – as has been said: 'They just seem to do life better than we do'. This remark conveys perfectly Italians' wonderful ability to cope with anything that is thrown at them: tomorrow is another day. The book also explores the time-wasting and, often, positively absurd ways in which Italians must deal with the administrative aspects of everyday life. As a result, they have become past masters in creativity for social and economic survival.

Finally, many personal observations document the innate generosity – in terms of attitudes, values, judgement and kindness – of Italians. Such a capacity accounts, to a large extent, for their spontaneous ability to simplify life and to facilitate interactions at all levels.