The Dark Heart of Italy (Tobias Jones)

A book I started in February 2006 before I had to leave Italy, but had to leave the copy in Eugenio’s apartment because well, I didn’t own it.

Anyway, a great book that I really enjoyed that explained a lot about the workings of Italy and made a lot of sense after having experienced it myself. It was a great mix of the beauty and trajedy of a country that the author (an Englishman) obviously loves deeply. As a result of personal experiences, I find myself interested in politics for the first time in my life, and it’s not even the politics of the country I live in! I pay more attention to the goings on in Italy than I do back here in Aus because I feel like my time there was the first time I was directly affected by policy (in a largely painful way) and I wish to see the situation change in a place that doesn’t deserve such a struggle! Berlusconi is the first politician that I’ve ever felt emotional anger towards. it’s a crazy feeling.

Anyway, great book. A definate ‘lessons learned’ on how not to form a government, and has given me a great deal more respect for people who enter fight to keep the wheels of the system turning in the right direction. much respect.