Dispatches from the Piazza

A book of essays, tips, lists, quizzes, and illustrated, step-by-step how-tos on living like the idolized Mediterranean woman. Welcome to the Mediterranean – a world where stilettos are the footwear of choice, athleisure doesn’t exist, aperitivo hour is every hour, and carbohydrates have never been off limits. Why do we page through the Travel Section to learn about wine tasting in Umbria or scroll through influencer posts to see what sunsets look like when you’re on a yacht in the Cote d’Azur? What is it about photos of spaghetti pomodoro or young women in Breton shirts? It is to leave the earthly bounds of our lives and be somewhere else. Somewhere truly fabulous where everyone looks fantastic and seems to be on vacation all the time and just gets sexier the older they get and smokes and smokes and smokes and smokes (and drinks) but also seemingly never dies. This place is called the Mediterranean. Author Danielle Pergament transports readers to the sun-drenched streets of this stunning region, where life moves at a slower pace and pleasure is a priority. Comedic essays and cheeky observations about the Mediterranean lifestyle are paired with tutorials for applying your eyeliner like Penelope Cruz and styling a scarf like Grace Kelly, as well as tips for navigating cobblestone streets in stilettos. Playful illustrations from New Yorker illustrator Mokshini bring Danielle’s witty observations to life.