"A perfect read for the globally curious-the adventurer at heart!" -Jessica Buchanan, New York Times bestselling author of Impossible Odds ". . . a winning chronicle of the quest for a fully authentic life." -Dawn Raffel, author of Boundless as the Sky "A gem of a book that'll have you eagerly turning pages to find out what ultimately survives a world in chaos." -Charles Salzberg, award-winning writer, three-time Shamus Award nominee, and author of Man on the Run "[Artley's] story is philosophical and poignant and offers rare insight into the reality of leading an adventuresome lifestyle." -Donna Keel Armer, author of Solo in Salento: A Memoir (Italian Translation: Un'Americana in Salento ) In 2017 Jennifer and her husband Michael relocated to a small town in the north of Italy, immersing themselves in Italian culture and cuisine-passionate about food quality and regional recipes-while making close friendships with an eclectic group of Italians and expats. As the couple involves themselves in local projects and struggles to build their Italian dreamlife, they navigate through the country's notoriously corrupt bureaucracy, leaving them feeling frustrated and powerless. When Michael's venture in Italy collapses, the couple pursues a series of business deals involving everything from premier Italian football clubs and classic Ferraris to Stradivarius violins, leading them on crazy misadventures, encountering outlandish and colorful characters across the peninsula. Out of the blue, a strange new virus spreads like wildfire and Italy is at the epicenter. This prompts one of the strictest lockdowns in world history, and Jennifer and Michael are brought to the brink of personal and financial ruin, culminating in an unexpected twist of fate. Improvising in Italian , narrated with candor and humor, is an honest appraisal of the romance and pitfalls of being a global nomad in a fast-changing world. It follows the couple as they survive missteps and setbacks-while struggling to maintain their love and friendship-improvising their way through it all. "A Delicious and Honest Look into the Joys, Tastes, Experiences -and Risks - that an American Expat Faces When Living in Another Country." - Reedsy discovery "Jennifer Artley's Improvising in Italian is a wonderfully honest and detailed account of her pursuit of 'la dolce vita,' which, coincidentally, is often more 'la vita dura.' This is not the usual American expat account, and that's what makes it special. Her writing is fresh and candid, effectively capturing the sensory experiences of things like shopping at bustling markets, savoring traditional dishes, and forging friendships that reveal layers of Italy's past, including its complicated Jewish history. Yes, there are dreamy experiences, like dining at a renowned restaurant, but these are juxtaposed against the practical realities of settling in another country, corruption, massive financial strain, and the relationship problems that come with it. Artley paints a nuanced picture of Italy's regional diversity and social dynamics, which include observations about feeling like an outsider, coupled with warm portrayals of local hospitality. Overall, this is a great read on making a go of life across the pond, and the tough choices required when it doesn't go as planned. Very highly recommended." - Readers' Favorite Jennifer Artley began her travel adventures early on as the child of US diplomats posting in far-flung countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. In college, she interned at the American Embassy in Burma (Myanmar) during the pro-democracy demonstrations led by Aung San Suu Kyi. In her adult life, Jennifer continued to live abroad in China, Israel, and Italy while raising her two children. Her first book, Hard Sleeper, is a murder mystery that takes place in 1930s Peking. It was a finalist of the 2003 Readers Preference Editor's Choice Award for Historical Fiction. Jennifer divides her time between Alexandria, Virginia, and Milan, Italy.