The author’s personal journey of fatherhood is really the driving force of the narrative. Marc and his wife Rohan arrive on Lipari just before a bitter island Winter and find themselves isolated and uncertain, these problems are convoluted by the fact that they are first-time parents.  As a twenty-something female, this is probably where the book ultimately lost me. Call me narrow minded, but I don’t want my travel fantasy about life in Italy to be ruined by a helpless baby and a failing marriage.

However, that said, I also think Marc Llewellyn should be commended for attempting to bring masculine issues of domesticity into the idyllic travel book world. As the genre generally goes, travel books that address issues of family life and parenting tend to be written by women (and is it just me or are they more often than not set in France?). Indeed, the last travel book I read by a male author was also set on a Mediterranean island and told the story of a guy who left his city life behind only to rediscover the joys of his youth and independence - definitely no mention of the learning curves of parenting. In contrast, Llewellyn tackles issues of loneliness, his lack of confidence as a father and breadwinner, and his own personal uncertainty about life’s purpose. This all makes him quite endearing, but I still maintain that the book holds most of its appeal for sympathetic blokes - as I read the endless scenes where Marc goes for long walks across the picturesque countryside because he feels guilty about not being a good enough father I just want to yell at him to go and help his wife change the baby’s nappy!

Despite all of this, Finding Nino is beautifully written - the language straddles a perfect blend of crystal-clear imagery without overdoing the wordiness. The story also has a good mix of fishing and farming adventures to provide some insight into local life. Some of the most fascinating observations made by are descriptions of the dying traditions of family wine making, olive growing, vegetable farming and sauce cooking.

Finding Nino could probably come wrapped with a government travel warning. It reminds us that travel is more often than not accompanied by failed relationships, loneliness and uncertainty. But the book’s suitably nostalgic conclusion also suggests that it is all worthwhile if you can learn something about yourself and those you love in the end.

Image courtesy of Harper Collins.