I'm reading the book right now. I always like to read the book before seeing the movie, as I have yet to see a movie that rivals my imagination, (maybe LOTR). Having said that, I just returned from Tuscany, so the movie would be a bit redundant. And, it is beautiful, and I am going back. OH! Wait a minute! Really, it was awful! Don't waste your time or $$. It is horrifically expensive, the people are rude, the food is terrible, the whole thing is over rated and over run by tourists. And besides, I don't think there are any villas left in Tuscany. 
Anyway, I am glad to know that there is some story line to the book. It is a bit slow going. I was beginning to think it was just some sort of "We restored a house in Cortona" memoire. I didn't read all the posts in this thread when I reallized you all were discussing the plot. Hopefully, I haven't spoiled the ending. I figure, after I have re-lived my journey through the book, I'll go through it again through the movie. By then, maybe I'll be planning my next trip "home."
Keep the Faith!
Tracy
Anyway, I am glad to know that there is some story line to the book. It is a bit slow going. I was beginning to think it was just some sort of "We restored a house in Cortona" memoire. I didn't read all the posts in this thread when I reallized you all were discussing the plot. Hopefully, I haven't spoiled the ending. I figure, after I have re-lived my journey through the book, I'll go through it again through the movie. By then, maybe I'll be planning my next trip "home."
Keep the Faith!
Tracy
