Letter from Milan
In October, I was finally able to return to Milan, where I lived for almost thirty years. I had not [...]
Study abroad… at home in Iowa
I’m spending the fall in Iowa as part of my doctoral degree program. It’s like study abroad — but in [...]
Italy’s two COVID faces
Italy continues to represent something of a paradox when it comes to the COVID-19 vaccination campaign, which it has handled [...]
Mortal man’s dilemma
To you, the readers of this oration of mine, my scrawl, I must immediately confess two truths. My name is [...]
Ash to ash
In the years before his death earlier this year at the age of 89, my erudite brother had turned away [...]
Tale of two daughters
I was born in Italy, where I spent 25 years in and near Rome before I met the American man [...]
That vanishing habit
These days I’m busy compiling ghost stories. Most of them are miles away from mansions and graveyards, but that doesn’t [...]
Tales from my cul-de-sheep
Let me start with the spoilers: No, this is not about Rebecca. Yes, the authorities were called. Yes, men in [...]
On a stalled planet
One friend, an influential member of European mass media, bemoans the disappearance of what he calls “fluidity.” Another, far younger [...]
Killing the assassin
Fall is here. For some, autumn is associated with pumpkin spice and sweaters. For me, it’s the start of Japanese [...]
Giovanni’s head (or, the vaccine game)
It’s official. Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi has announced his government will draft legislation making COVID-19 vaccines mandatory for every [...]