Under the Tuscan Sun

By: Frances Mayes

Narrated by: Frances Mayes

Length: 6 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

Number-one New York Times best seller

The beloved memoir of self-discovery set against the spectacular Tuscan countryside that inspired the major motion picture starring Diane Lane - now in a 20th-anniversary edition featuring a new afterword

“This beautifully written memoir about taking chances, living in Italy, loving a house and, always, the pleasures of food, would make a perfect gift for a loved one. But it’s so delicious, read it first yourself.” (USA Today)

For more Frances Mayes, including a tour of her now iconic Cortona home, Bramasole, watch PBS’ Dream of Italy: Tuscan Sun Special!

More than 20 years ago, Frances Mayes - widely published poet, gourmet cook, and travel writer - introduced readers to a wondrous new world when she bought and restored an abandoned Tuscan villa called Bramasole. Under the Tuscan Sun inspired generations to embark on their own journeys - whether that be flying to a foreign country in search of themselves, savoring one of the book’s dozens of delicious seasonal recipes, or simply being transported by Mayes’ signature evocative, sensory language. Now with a new afterword from Frances Mayes, the 20th-anniversary edition of Under the Tuscan Sun revisits the book’s most popular characters.

©1998 Frances Mayes (P)1998 Bantam Doubleday Dell Audio Publishing, Bantam Doubleday Dell, A Division of Random House Inc.

Critic reviews

"An intense celebration of what [Mayes] calls 'the voluptuousness of Italian life'...appealing and very vivid." (The New York Times Book Review)
"Irresistible...a sensuous book for a sensuous countryside." (Minneapolis Star-Tribune)

Good story but needs different narrator

I understand she wrote the book, but the author should just stick to writing. Would’ve been a better experience.

Her Voice

Would you try another book from Frances Mayes and/or Frances Mayes?

I would as the story itself is lovely.

Any additional comments?

The narrators voice is like nails down a chalk board. I love this book but I simple cannot listen to her.

Pretty Good. Worth it

When I first started listening to this book I almost stopped and didn’t finish it. Honestly the author and narrator’s voice was too much for me. Almost a higher mono tone with no emotion. I thought there is no way I’m going to be able to enjoy the book. Also the beginning just starts. I felt like I missed a chapter or an introduction or something. I even restarted it because of the abruptness if it. But I didn’t
I figured I’d just tough it out and by a few chapters in I got “used to” her voice enough to enjoy the story and catch on for how it started.
Overall the story is really good. There are some parts that I noticed I “spaced out” during as I feel it’s rambling on but it’s definitely 4 star quality.
After finishing the book I watched the movie. There are some similarities but the differences are way more obvious. You could almost mistake them as being not the same. I Rarely ever say this but I liked the movie better than the book. Usually the book out weighs the movie. Not in this case for me.
Still it’s worth the listen.

Living in Italy, not the movie

I had read other reviews so knew this would be Frances Mayes personal experiences of buying a home with her husband in Tuscany. As a lover of Italy, foodie, real estate agent with a contractor husband and having lived outside US I found the book easily listenable and relatable. I loved it but may not be for everyone.

High hopes led to high disappointment

Although the first half of the story, the discovery of the house, the remodeling and the hurdles to the finish line was enjoyable, it was a struggle to finish. The narrator read like she was reading bullet points on a monitor rather than having a flow of reading a story. The second half of the story became like reading the highlights of a travel guide. I was looking forward to hearing the story that inspired one of my favorite movies, but I'm left with feelings of disappointment.

Under the Tuscan Sun

I think I would have enjoyed reading the book. The narrator's (authors) voice is just plain irritating and makes it difficult to want to continue listening.

Bad choice for narration

Loved the description and great writing about Tuscany. Not too much of a storyline to follow in the book, and realized it's nothing like the movie's premise. The narrator is performed by the author, and it was the most unfortunate part. I thought she was monotone and the inflictions were odd.

Under the Tuscan Sun

This book invites you to book passage immediately for Tuscany. With lush, lyrical prose, the author creates an image of a Tuscan village and her beloved ramshackle house, Bramasole, that is almost too compelling to resist. For those familiar with Peter Mayle's books on Provence, you will undoubtedly appreciate the more poetic and introspective text that Frances Mayes has created.

Alas, the narration is not a match for the text. The author/narrator appears almost unfamiliar with the text, reading it rather than living it as I had expected. Overall, though, this audiobook is a treat for the ears and also the mind's eye.

A great book

I loved reading this book , I loved watching this book as a movie , I however dislike the voice of Frances Mayes. The content is wonderful, the story is inspiring , the VOICE IS grating. A more vocal lyrical reader would have transported me to Italy and sent me into raptures. Some writers are not meant to be readers. Keep to what you know best and that is writing and get someone with a voice to read your words. This was a terrible attempt, hence the other Frances Mayes books will be left un-listened, as I could not put my ears through another onslaught of Frances reading

It may have ruined the movie for me

Would you like to listen to a bored Southern rich white lady read a grocery list from Italy? If not, then skip the audio book.
Not particularly descriptive, just felt like she was telling you what she had for dinner every night, what flowers were blooming, and maybe a little travel and history thrown in .
No storyline or dramatic tone, or even a quirky character you actually care about. Just her rattling on in a monotone voice as if she's reading you the menu at an Italian restaurant where everything sounds good, but you want to just get the food to go, so you don't have to suffer sitting across from her at dinner.