Dances with Luigi

the long version

"In this memoir, veteran TV journalist Paul Paolicelli does what most of us can only dream of - he picks up and moves to a foreign country in an attempt to piece together the mysteries surrounding both his grandfathers. With the help of Luigi, his guide and companion, he travels throughout Italy - Rome, Gamberale, Matera, Miglionico, Alessandria, even Mussolini's hometown of Predappio - and discovers the tragic legacy of the Second World War that is still affecting the Old Country. He visits ancient castles and village churches, haggles at the open-air market at Rome's Porta Portese, enjoys an Alessandria siesta, and frequents "coffee bars" where beggars discuss politics with affluent Italians. He finds long-lost cousins during the day and performs with an amateur jazz group during the night. Along the way he discovers deeply moving stories about his family's past and learns answers to questions that have plagued him since childhood."--BOOK JACKET.