For Italian-Australian author Jenna Lo Bianco, attempting to distil her love for Italy into just five essential elements proved to be a Herculean task. In a heartfelt reflection, the writer, whose latest novel Love, Al Dente was published by Pan Macmillan for $34.99, reveals the subtle, everyday rituals that form the true heart of the country, far beyond the well-trodden clichés of pasta and passion.
Presented without a strict ranking, Lo Bianco's selection offers a window into the quieter, more profound aspects of Italian life that consistently inspire her writing and nourish her spirit.
The Quiet Beauty of Simplicity and Tradition
While the Italian spirit is often characterised by its vivacity, Lo Bianco highlights a contrasting quality: a deep-seated humility and reverence for simplicity. She observes the quiet dedication of a farmer pruning vines by hand after harvest or the focused patience of a truffle hunter working with a canine companion at the base of ancient trees.
These acts are performed not for an audience, but within the peaceful shadow of ancestral traditions, embodying a respect for time-honoured ways of life.
This philosophy extends to the Italian approach to quality, encapsulated by the principle of 'less is more'. Lo Bianco notes that in Italy, it is preferable to do three things exceptionally well rather than twenty to an acceptable standard. This is evident when perusing a menu, where the focus is on sourcing local, quality produce and eating with the seasons. The cultural lore dictates that doing one thing right is the surest path to winning approval.
The Social Rituals That Define La Dolce Vita
Two cherished daily rituals form the backbone of Italian social life. The first is Fare l'aperitivo—that glorious moment when the day slows, and an icy-cold Aperol Spritz appears, accompanied by a small bowl of snacks. This ritual, enjoyed in a bar with delightful company, offers a moment of pure relaxation at a fraction of the cost one might find in Australia, all set against the unparalleled backdrop of Italy.
The second is Fare la passeggiata, the quintessential evening stroll. This is not a brisk walk for exercise, but a slow, purposeful meander about being present, unwinding, and connecting with loved ones. In smaller towns, this serves as a vital community event, where people gather in the piazza to exchange gossip and updates. It’s a social service that reinforces community bonds, with bonus points awarded for dressing well.
A Unique Coexistence and Lasting Inspiration
Lo Bianco also points to the seamless integration of animals into daily Italian life. It's common to see fluffy, furry, and feathered companions accompanying their humans everywhere, from high-end luxury stores to the local bar. This codependent relationship is supported by animal-friendly infrastructure like public water bowls.
However, the author offers a humorous, cautionary tale from personal experience, recalling the time she ruined a new pair of Emporio Armani flats by stepping in a mess left on a Roman street—a stark reminder to always watch one's step.
For Jenna Lo Bianco, these nuanced moments of Italian life are what persistently call to her as a writer. They need not be loud or stereotypical; often, it is the smaller, quieter traditions that beg to be immortalised on the page. As she concludes with a resigned sigh, "Va bene..."—when in Rome, you simply let the inspiration flow.
