What is Bramasole? How did Frances and Ed find it? Why do they choose to buy it? What condition is Bramasole in when they first receive possession of it? How do Frances and Ed undertake the renovations? How different are the customs in Italy that affect these renovations as compared to customs in America? How do these customs make renovations of Bramasole difficult?

Why do Frances and Ed chose to buy a house in Italy? Where do they live and work? Why do they not buy a house there? What purpose do Ed and Frances have in buying Bramasole? How does buying Bramasole affect their relationship? Does their relationship change through the course of the book? If so, how?

Who are the Etruscans? Why does Frances often mention them in the book? What impact did they have on Tuscany history? What is significant about...