We may already know debonaire actor Rossano Brazzi as Professor Bhaer, Georgio Bianchi, Count Vincenzo Torlato-Favrini, Renato de Rossi, Paul Bonnard, Emile De Becque, Signor Naccarelli, Roberto Orlandi, Beckerman, or even DeCarlo. But Lynn Florkiewicz’s Brazzi emerges beyond his “Italian Lover” persona and into a man of resilience and of many facets. Through the unique way of telling Brazzi’s story, Florkiewicz captures the essence of who he actually was, at a time where post-war Italian cinema and the glitz of Hollywood met, and it makes for a riveting read. Those searching for well-researched entertainment biographies will be transported back to the streets of La Dolce Vita to happily (re)discover the ever charming and deeply intriguing Rossano Brazzi

magine strolling around Rome and Florence whilst talking with handsome, charismatic Rossano Brazzi, the famous actor and singer. This is exactly what the author of this book does. Usually, I don’t like fictionalised biographies but as a longtime admirer of Brazzi, she does it very well. She also talks with his relatives and friends so we receive a well-rounded view of him. He was an old-fasioned Italian man, bigger than life, a lover of women so he wasn’t always faithful to the warmhearted jolly Lydia but she didn’t seem to mind and he had other faults as well. However, an intellectual and lawyer as well as an actor, Rossano was extremely charismatic and likeable with great resilience which got him through hard times.

This is also a history of the era, including Rome’s La Dolce Vita, when all the movie-stars descended on the beautiful city and they all lived the wonderfully glamorous high life. It was certainly the place to be if you were famous and wealthy!

I really enjoyed this. It made me want to look for his films again.

I received this from Net Galley in return for an honest review.

I have always loved Rossano Brazzi and was happy to find this well researched, detailed yet imagined biography. A very unique take on this genre. The writing is very well done with great voice given to Rossano, his wife Lydia and others. Ms. Florkiewicz’s portrayal of Rossano Brazzi is unbiased and gives a multi- dimensional view of the man.