Anthony Doerr
Four Seasons in Rome: A Memoir by Anthony Doerr chronicles the year Doerr spent in Rome as a fellow at the American Academy. He takes along his wife, infant twin sons, and barely a rudimentary knowledge of Italian. The Academy provides him with living quarters, a studio to pursue his writing, and a small stipend. What follows is a delightful memoir/travelogue in which Doerr reflects on the wonders of Rome, its rich history, churches, bakeries, piazzas, coffee shops, museums, fountains, St. Peter’s Square, and the Pantheon; the joys, delights, surprises, and challenges of raising twin baby boys; the struggle to communicate in a foreign language and navigate through foreign streets; and the multitudes of people attending the funeral of Pope John Paul.
What makes this memoir so captivating is Doerr’s amazing eye for detail. He captures the sights, sounds, smells of Rome in immersive detail. One can almost taste the olive oil, feel the intense heat from the sun, hear the booming traffic, and gaze in wonderment at the skill that went into creating each fountain, each architectural structure, and each work of art. Doerr does not limit his discerning eye for detail to the sights and sounds of Rome. As a new father, he is fascinated by his children, as well he should be. He charts the smallest changes in his infants—their facial expressions, their first waddling steps, their first words, their sleep habits, their cries, and their chuckles.
Anthony Doerr’s gift for writing beautifully crafted prose is in full evidence in this highly memorable memoir and travelogue of one of the most unforgettable cities in Europe. The result is at times funny, insightful, touching, inspiring, poignant, breathtaking, and always, always delightful.