Disclosure: I won a copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads programme.
Excerpt from back cover: Explore Italy with the Delusional Divas on their humorous yet bittersweet journey. Become privy to their deliciously naughty Traveling Tidbits. Learn the essential Dos and Don'ts of a Diva and the real meaning of Diva. And see how the true story of two ordinary women's travels becomes a voyage of self-discovery, changing their lives forever, and how you can change yours too.
Although, I had won a copy of the book and intended to eventually review it, I was contacted by one of the authors who asked if I had read it and if I would be willing to provide a review. Having now read the work, I might be able to provide some insight as to why. I agnonised a long time on my approach to this review and even considered not writing one at all, but felt that to be unfair.
I think the reason there are so few reviews is that the book suffers from several identity crisis events.
The authors have chosen to define their project as a travel memoir. While I have no issue with calling it a memoir (though I suspect one element of fiction - I will address this later), it has little to do with travelling. Adding 'travel' on the cover is a complete misnomer. No one would suggest this book as an informed guide to Florence or anywhere else in Italy. Yes, the ladies recount their adventures regarding two trips to Italy, primarily in Florence; however, there is little detail about the city, the attractions, accommodations or food. Of the few travel "tips" that are provided, some challenge general travel etiquette and might even be considered appalling, such as stealing away breakfast foods from the hotel restaurant to ensure a free lunch. The few translations, while humorous are not what I'd define as all that helpful. There are definitely more tips on how to become a Diva than there are about travelling. The tests (which have one obvious answer and are accompanied by derisive explanations I suspect are meant to be funny, but are quite insulting) do nothing to help the undecided traveller.
If one views this a solely a memoir then I think it can be described more positively. Divesting the book of it's job as having anything to do with travel allows for a more enjoyable read. In this way, the delusions are funny rather than frustrating. It would also prevent the reader from throwing the book across the room for the umpteenth time when another missed opportunity to provide 'travel' information presents itself.
I give the authors a lot of credit for having shared such a calamitous tale. I found the notion of viewing their vulnerabilities as moments to build up their Diva-ness informative as well as entertaining. The book is well written and quite nicely paced with one exception. I still question whether India is a fictional addition or whether the scenes at the aeroport where added to assist in elucidating a particular point. I will admit though, that as someone who shared many of India's reservations, I was put out by the authors' attitude toward her.
My opinion is that if the authors had chosen to just write a story about their trip without attempting to incorporate the (delusional) idea of the travel memoir, it would be considerably more well received. The Italian adventures, and their preparations could have stood quite well on their own. The Diva Dos and Don'ts I understood to be added humour and found they worked well with the narrative; considerably better than the Tests and Travel Tidbits, which I found did nothing but slow the story.
I would certainly read about these two women's adventures again, provided they drop the pretence that they write about travels.
Publisher: Delusional Divas Inc.Publication Date: April 2012Format: Paperback
Review previously appeared on the now defunct Bookworm's Buffet Blog
No comments:
Post a Comment