My Books about Retiring in Sicily

Why I wrote a book: Originally, I kept a journal of all the crazy adventures we were experiencing during our pursuit of dual citizenship and planning for how to retire in Sicily. Later, it occurred to me that I should turn my journal into a book for the sake of posterity. I imagined how incredible it would have been if my ancestors had the technology to document their lives and tell their story of moving from Sicily to the United States in the early 1900s. So I decided to document my story for future generations. While writing my first book, I realized how useful it might be for other Italian-Americans' s interested in learning about and traveling to the homeland of their ancestors, especially those looking to retire in Sicily. I decided to self-publish on Amazon to inspire and encourage others.

Some reader reviews:

“It is easy to daydream about running away to an exotic island and refurbishing a beautiful villa, but very few actually pull it off! Like a classic novelist giving you glimpses into an autonomous imaginary world, Barbie drops the reader into Sicily every year for a few weeks to tease you with great expectations and great disappointments! You get to laugh and cry along with Ken and Barbie as they persevere on a wonderful journey into the surreal disfunction of an ancient land and culture… " - Cat

“Very well written, I couldn't put it down! An incredible story in historic times (COVID-19), I was fascinated to read how it ends. The perspective and lessons were priceless. If you're thinking of a move to Italy, read this immediately. " - Scott

"This is a great story about patience and persistence in the face of huge odds. Barbie has a dream and gives you the story of how she made it work! Very inspirational!" - Anonymous

“This is a wonderful book! All the hoops to jump through and waiting involved in getting Italian citizenship and buying a small farm in Sicily, combined with meeting relatives and making new Italian friends… A well written story with a happy ending. " - Anonymous

" A very fun and entertaining book to read. Barbara's writing style engages the reader with a combination of mystery novel suspense and advice from a seasoned teacher. It is a story of a dream and the work needed to make the dream happen. Barbara and Ken's success is the result of classic goal setting, planning, resourcefulness and persistence. Indeed, a tried-and-true formula for accomplishing any goal. Through all of the trials, waiting, language challenges, culture differences, dealings with international and local policies, and an unforeseen global pandemic, Barbara and Ken demonstrate resourcefulness and ingenuity in finding solutions. Key friendships and sometimes just "knowing a guy" play into their story. Barbara's book is a must read for someone considering relocating to Italy, "- Amazon reader at OW

“ I just finished reading" Over the Sicilian Moon "which I enjoyed reading very much. But I also learned a lot. We have been to Italy several times and to Sicily once and I learned many things reading the book that I had never known before. We are to soon go to Italy for an extended stay and having read her book will be very useful. It is an easy and entertaining read, and I am very glad I found it before we go to Sicily again. I look forward to her next book… "- Opera fan

“ . . . Her fifteen year adventure from gestation of the idea to achieving her dream is filled with anecdotes that will alternately leave you laughing or having trouble picking your jaw up off the floor. This book is not a great literary work but rather a straightforward year to year journal describing of the challenges of gaining Italian citizenship and residency; purchasing and renovating a home; and, gaining approval to become a permanent resident of Italy. Her adventure is plagued with bureaucratic incompetence, broken promises and a culture seemingly based on laziness rather than productivity. Along the way, Palermo and her husband made some wonderful friends; learned to speak the language; and, integrated themselves with Sicilian culture. This book left me in wonderment. I cannot imagine myself taking the same journey without giving up. Yet, I am left in awe of her determination to achieve her dream. This is not a self-help book; but it is certainly a tale that demonstrates the perseverance and focus it often takes to achieve one’s goals in life.” - John C.