UNDER VESUVIUS - TESTIMONIALS from satisfied readers

Excavated and refurbished street in Pompeii

Chiesa del Soccorso

in Forio, Ischia

Stained glass Last Supper

 Sorrento Cathedral. 

(Photo Credit: Elliott Brown on flickr)

"Sometimes an author shows you a place, sometimes one can tell you what a place looks and feels like; this author lets you BE in a place - and that place is one of the loveliest in the world: the area in and around Sorrento, Italy. In the first part of the book, written in verse format, the author invites the reader to travel with him to such places as Pompeii, Capri, and Naples. We walk with him down the streets of Pompeii, enjoy a cooking class in Sorrento, shudder with him at the burial crypt in the Aragon Castle, and reflect on the lives of all those who lived here. 

"Of course, one cannot visit Italy without visiting a number of churches, and the author does not disappoint, giving vivid descriptions. However, as travelers, many of us go to a church, hear a bit about the history of the church, admire its beautiful windows, and perhaps attend a service. Few of us, though, reflect on the people who created these magnificent buildings. In the last part of the book, the author, in prose form, does just this. 

"In riveting detail, he writes a story about an Abbey and the group of Brothers who are tasked with creating windows for a new chapel. The story has all the elements of human behavior: greed, conflict, fear, kindness, determination and suffering. The story comes to a climax when the author reveals not only the beauty accomplished but the price that was paid for it. If you have even been to Italy or dreamed about going, you will find this book a good companion."                                                                            

                                  Mary B                                                  

Stonington, CT 

"I jumped right to the 'Cooking School' chapter. You wrote beautifully about Chef Aiello's happiness at sharing his personality & knowledge with you. Your heartfelt prose brought me into your book. Maps are a plus for me, too. I like to know where things are when I am reading about them." 

Karen C

Niantic CT 

"I just opened the book in the middle and read about David, Italy's land, and Roman memories and was transported. Although I am not such a great reader of poetry, I find your verse clear and accessible and the images savory. I can almost feel the humid air of southern Campania. Thank you." 

Jon G

New London CT 

"I just finished reading Under Vesuvius last night and was very impressed with the literary allusions, poetic verse, and just a simple love of the Amalfi area of Italy. Evident throughout this book was a passion for religion and travel. Thank you for sharing this theological, culinary, and poetic journey." 

Lou and Fran

Norwich CT

"I imagine if Phil were here he'd be jotting a note to you, expressing his awe, his gratitude, and his undying affection for you for conceiving, writing and sharing Under Vesuvius. Although he may be out of our reach, I know he is with us, smiling over your shoulder, amazed, as am I."

Judy F

Matamoras PA

"And when I read Windows on the World, it was much like reading one of Ken Follett's books (especially the Kingsbridge series of novels).  I can't imagine how much research went into developing the description of the processes and steps required to make the abbey windows (from ore mining through installation) not to mention traveling to the ore mine and aspects of life during that period of time. 

Windows on the World certainly communicates your deep understanding of, and passion for, the interconnected topics of environmental quality and industrial hygiene."  

Andy P.

East Lyme, CT

"I just finished the book.  The intermingling of poetry and prose is different and entertaining. I enjoyed the short story and was impressed with your dedication to the ecology and the deleterious effects of lead. This effort represents a great deal of work. Congratulations and thanks for this book."

Bob S.

Niantic, CT

"Your vivid descriptions, extensive research, heart and soul made this a most enjoyable read. I feel as if I journeyed with you and shared your experiences."

Judy K.

Melville, NY

"One of the best reads I've had in a long time. It's not only great poetry; the history and theology are seamlessly woven into a super travel guide. The tale of the windows is like a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow."

Don C.

East Lyme, CT 

"Thank you again for this vicarious trip to Italy." 

Donna V.  

Niantic, CT 

Central Park NYC located nearby the apartment of Jay and Abby Alfred of Love Song, where she is confined by a mysterious illness. 

Believing his wife still has the power of hearing, he constructs a playlist of music to pace their days alone, from waking up to going to sleep a night. 

Jay's playlist of the music of Abby's favorite composer, Irishman John Field (1782-1837), measures out the days for Abby throughout Love Song. 

Historical events from 1969 counterpoint  TS Eliot's poem "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock," with poignant empowerment.  

"The story was sad and sweet. It broke my heart a few times. What a lovely story."

Karen P.

Bakersfield CA 

"I never knew someone could love (and successfully impart in words) that deeply. The Alfreds live in my heart."

Joan G.

Copiague, NY

"Quite an education on the year 1969 -- music & medicine & the expression of the scope of human nature in this richly picturesque tale."

Fred D.

Westerly, RI

"I began to read it immediately and found that I could not put it down. It's just that compelling. The characterization was rich and the story moving. What a great read! 

I marveled at the descriptive passages, to say nothing of the research into the music of John Field and the events of 1969 which are integrated into the lives of Jay and Abby Alfred."

Judy K.

Melville, NY   

"It's seldom that a novel is so well written that it becomes a biography to the reader and then his/her autobiography. I really identified with Jay and his bitter sweet relationship with Abby."

Neil K.

Ledyard, CT 

"If Tolstoy defined the genre in The Death of Ivan Ilyich, you likewise did an admirable job exploring the subject. Your characterizations of the doctors and family were also superb. By the end of the book I was wishing I had known Abby and Jay in their prime. I also remember the events of 1969 very well, especially the manned landing on the moon 40 years ago next Monday."

Andy O.

Austin, TX

"I also enjoyed the references to the Mets-Baltimore World Series games.  Good memories."  

Alice T.

Brooklyn, NY

"Clearly a labor of love. I was somewhere between tears in my eyes and awe at the characters, the storyline, and the writing itself. When I finished the book I wanted to go and find more from the same author."

Katie C.

Marlborough, CT 

"I really enjoyed Love Song." 

Judy B.

Meriden, CT