Accidentally buying a Sicilian villa for just one euro is not the great Eat, Pray, Love game changer that Brian Chapman hopes it would be. Instead, tumbledown buildings, a shortage of plumbers, and resentful locals make Brian’s drunken whim look like the biggest mistake of his chequered career so far. Who could believe that an outbreak of swearing would lead not only to cultural reconciliation but to this very Australian fish out of water finding true love in Italy?
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I absolutely loved reading this book- it was so much fun and so cleverly written that I almost believed that I was there with Brian living the dream/nightmare, as he threw himself whole heartedly into his new life in a very traditional Sicilian Village with the quirkiest list of mismatched characters that all seemed somehow very believable and all came together beautifully. I laughed out loud on nearly every page and some of the swearing and phrases used had me in fits and although highly unlikely in reality it worked perfectly in this story. I have often seen the One Euro houses advertised and had the dream like so many others to one day do this. However, the reality of actually doing this and living there, along with the daily and constant difficulties with language, food, culture mixed with total opposition from the locals takes a toll on Brian and gives us all a reality check. His perseverance and determination to make it work was the most entertaining read I’ve had in a while and I didn’t want it to end, and I can’t wait to read more from this author. Bridget Ruth, QLD, 5 stars
When in Rome….. Which is precisely what Brian does as he takes on his drunken purchase – a house….in a foreign country! Navigating the language barrier, armed with foggy school language class recollections and his 8th grade English Italian dictionary was cleverly written. I laughed out loud, chuckled and cringed (sharing Brian’s moments of ‘shouldn’t have said that!’) His ‘reno delight’ 2 storied home contains and almighty kitchen, 8 bedrooms, 6 toilet and a bidet (Google shows pretty fancy pictures of these). All needing a truckload of TLC. His Special English classes come about quite by accident. The teaching of English…not so much as he is a teacher by profession, but the English subject is an absolute scream….and brilliantly described as the locals learn Australian insults and swearing….spouting these new found words quite loudly and cheerfully! There is a lot that goes on within this story – and it is blended together so well. I loved Brian! He was down to earth and truly human – warts and all. He stumbled, he fell, but always got back up. Within the first few chapters, I too, wanted to buy a house in Italy for one Euro! A thorough enjoyable read – one that I will read again. Caroline, QLD, 5 stars
When the front cover review started with “This is Eat, Pray, Love, Swear” I knew I had found a book I would enjoy. And The Montegiallo School of Swearing did not disappoint. Andrew HC McDonald’s debut novel is a hoot! From the moment we meet Brian (and his hangover) you just know we’re going to be in for a rollercoaster ride of laughs and emotions. From Australia to Italy, we learn a little of Brian’s recent history and watch as he sets up his future. All the while laughing along at the sheer ridiculousness of some of the situations Brian gets himself into. Provided you don’t mind a few well-placed swear words, you’re going to love The Montegiallo School of Swearing! Amy, NSW, 5 stars
What a fantastic read. Could not put the book down as the characters are believable and Brian going to Montegiallo for a tree change and befriending the locals only to be snubbed by most as he is not Sicilian like them is believable. Andrew HC McDonald has a real talent for writing and am looking forward to the next one hopefully as funny as this one was Lorraine, VIC, 5 stars
What an enjoyable read The Montegiallo School of Swearing is! I really loved the descriptions of Italy and all the various characters. The cultural differences and language barriers, and the ensuing confusion due to them, were also very well described and, at times, very amusing. There were many laugh out loud moments, especially towards the end of the book, with some moments causing tears to obscure my ability to read. I can see this story translating really well into a movie or mini-series, and I hope it does as it will be a lot of fun to watch. Chrissie, WA, 5 stars
This book does what it says on the cover! It is brilliantly sweary; so, if you are offended by colourful language, be warned. As a potty mouth, I loved it and guffawed as Brian, the titular character, stumbled from one social faux pas to another, until discovering swearing as a universal language and social connector. Levity aside, this book captures the challenges of migration, especially if you don’t speak the language, let alone the local dialect. My sister married an Italian and migrated to Abruzzo, Italy in 2002. Twenty-three years later she is still considered ‘uno straneiro’, a foreigner. The term is used pejoratively, despite like Brian, making every effort to fit in. Like Brian, she teaches English as a second language, which brings joy, frustration – and many laughs. She’s keen for Brian’s Sicilian-tested system to take Italy by storm. McDonald captures the ‘intricacies’ of Italian bureaucracy and the creative workarounds Italians find to navigate these idiosyncrasies. He expertly captured other aspects of Italian life, like the centrality of the bar and coffee to community life; the concept of the ‘la bella figura’, embodies by Viviana, Brian’s love interest, and the innate ability of Italians to live comfortably with contradiction. Janet, SA, 5 stars
I inhaled this book like a plate of good carbonara. Debut author McDonald’s comedic timing is chef’s kiss—absolutely spot-on. The scenes where Brian instructs confused Italians on the crucial difference between arsehole and asshole had me laughing out loud. And don’t even get me started on the lessons in “Fucker!”, “Cocksucker!”, and “No wukkas!”—truly, the high point of global diplomacy. Brian is a bit of a disaster, and I adored him for it. He fumbles his way through Italian culture (and his attempts at romance with Viviana) with the grace of a man tripping over his own untied shoelaces. But at least he’s trying—unlike the entitled expats swanning about down the hill. The local side characters? Perfection. Montegiallo is packed with people like the boisterous plumber Gianni, the wisecracking barman Pola, and the eccentric priest Father Dom. This book also made me realize that if there were actual language classes dedicated just to swearing, I’d be first in line with a notebook and a pen. Highly recommend—especially if you enjoy laughing uncontrollably while secretly wishing you had a gold bidet. Andrew, NSW, 5 stars
Wow! Such a funny entertaining read! Loved the Australian element in Italy. Five out of five stars! Jacinda, NSW, 5 stars
The Montegiallo School of Swearing by Andrew HC McDonald is a witty and engaging exploration of the art of profanity. Set in the fictional Montegiallo, an idyllic yet peculiar town, the novel follows an eccentric cast of characters enrolled in a school dedicated to mastering the fine art of swearing. McDonald’s writing is sharp and humorous, blending absurdity with insightful social commentary. The novel offers a clever take on language, identity, and human expression, while maintaining a lighthearted tone. It’s an entertaining read for those who appreciate dark humour and unconventional storytelling. Highly recommended for fans of satire. Melissa, VIC, 5 stars
This book kept me coming back for more! The narrative is so funny, without being over the top. I could easily imagine it being adapted into a really cute rom com. It displays our unique Aussie beautifully alongside the Italian. Even if you don’t swear (like me) you are still going to get a kick out of this book! I love that the story is not just from Brian’s point of view, but as if you were inside his brain. You get read that inside monologue that you normally would keep to yourself, or in Brian’s case, occasionally blurt out accidentally to the woman you really like (gulp!) and then get to watch those mocking pools as she looks at you like a complete idiot. I don’t often read a book again, but this was such a light hearted and fun read, I could easily enjoy it again. Despite the comedic nature of the story, there is a lot to be gained from it. When Brian decides to throw it all in and become ‘New Brian’ he gives it his all and begins to immerse himself into the culture and actively endeavours to become a part of the community, even when it’s hard. In doing so, he is able to change the minds of the whole town. Sarah, TAS, 5 stars
This book is a laugh from start to finish, perfect for our Aussie sense of humour! Stuck in the doldrums of his post-divorce life Brian, a Melbourne English teacher, throws it all away and starts life anew in a foreign country. Thoroughly enjoyed how the author Andrew HC McDonal, illustrates rural Sicily through Brians eyes; the sleepy village of Montegiallo; the deserted Piazza Spirito Santo; run-down, intimidating Bar Limone; derelict, vacant houses and the captivating, ruined mansion. All displaying features of a more prosperous time, long since gone. Andrew HC McDonal is wonderful at creating intriguing, enigmatic characters to interact with Brian who is also rather a mysterious fellow to attack his new life with determination to become a new improved version of Brian. I rated this book 5 stars, I thoroughly enjoyed this light hearted read. Sallie, QLD, 5 stars
Brian is reluctantly single again and out of work (runner up Teacher of the Year) by choice. Waking one morning hungover and a vague recollection of buying a one Euro house in Italy. Finding he’s also paid the deposit on a large house with many toilets and one bidet, there’s no backing out now. What has he got to lose? Over in Italy Brian finds himself in one dilemma and haphazard situation after another bringing the reader of this story joy and laughter. You feel like a mix between his mother and cheer (and roast) squad thinking “Oh Brian” or “Oh God Brian!”, alongside Brian’s mate Toby. Whilst I really enjoyed this story, I found it surprising to get to the last third of the book before we learned about the school of swearing. I loved this concept and could see how it would make learning a new language easy and fun. Brian is a likable character, along with the hearts and minds of those in Montegiallo he meets. This is an easy and fun read which will bring a smile to all who read. Lyn, QLD, 5 stars
Brian was recently divorced, not happy with his settlement and not loving his job. After a few too many ‘commiserations drinks’ he makes a major life decision – purchasing a rundown home in Sicily. Once he arrives, he is confronted by multiple challenges but makes a decision to ‘stick with it’. He tries his best to fit in with the locals and avoid a group of expats who are in a similar situation to himself, even finding himself returning to the Church (where he strikes up a friendship with the local priest). Brian finds himself running low on funds and comes up with a ‘creative’ way to solve multiple problems. The ensuing adventures are full of humour, plenty of profanity, and the development of some wonderful relationships. You could read this book in one sitting – I’ll definitely be watching out for the author’s next offering! Lee, ACT, 5 stars
A feel good read with a cast of colourful characters that will have you laughing out loud the whole way through. Rachel, QLD, 5 stars
The Montegiallo School of Swearing is a laugh out loud novel. The main character, Brian, faces many challenges when he moves to Italy at a difficult time in his life. I really liked his character, and the way his exploits and decisions, some of which were questionable, and his attempts at finding himself, were described. The story is about personal challenges, combined with finding a place in a new community in a foreign country, and shows how assumptions and prejudices can impact on a person. A really good, light hearted read Julie, VIC, 5 stars
I f&@$ing loved this book! I’ve read quite a few books about ex pats moving to 1euro houses in Sicily, but non have made me laugh out loud like this one! Aside from having a wonderful storyline & characters I could see in my mind, it was also incredibly well written. I am about to embark on my own Eat, Pray, Love adventure this year, & now feel it would be un-Australian not to incorporate some swearing! Emma, QLD, 5 stars
Andrew HC McDonald has a gift for words. His background as a comedian shows through, I chuckled frequently throughout this tale of our protagonist, Brian, working as a teacher and renovating in Montegiallo. The writing style is captivating, skillful; I enjoyed the pace of the short paragraphs. I read this in a day. The character development is fabulous and the cross cultural interactions are great fun. I now want to travel to Sicily, wonderful descriptive writing. Highly recommend. I will any future work by Andrew. Tim, QLD, 5 stars
A very funny and lighthearted book. I really enjoyed reading this, it was well written and I will definitely recommend to anyone Kathleen, NSW, 5 stars
We have probably all seen the advertisements for rundown properties in rural areas in Europe whereby for one Euro you can commit yourself to owning said property and engaging in a long, drawn out period of challenging renovation to make it habitable. Many of us have probably daydreamed about going ahead with such a purchase for a very short period before moving on to daydream about something else. Following his divorce, Aussie Brian gets drunk and randomly hits “buy” on a website advertising rundown villas in Sicily and so begins his comic tale of plumbing problems, disillusioned and angry expats, hostile locals, armed only with an old book of Italian grammar and very rudimentary schoolboy Italian. From this start, he falls in love with a fiery local woman and, as a self-confessed atheist, starts attending Mass at the local church where he forms a friendship with the local priest, plus, as an ex-teacher, starts teaching the locals to swear in Australian English. If one suspends one’s disbelief, this novel is an amusing piece of escapist entertaining ridiculousness written in a light manner which makes for easy reading. Pamela, VIC, 4 stars
What an endearingly funny debut novel. There is something quintessentially Australian about a divorced middle aged man making a bad decision while drunk that leads to a redo in Italy. Brian and Toby are fun characters, and Viviana is the ideal female protagonist. I loved the tension between the characters and the journey Brian went on. This is a great novel, and perfect gift for women and men. I hope there is a sequel! Kat, ACT, 4 stars
The Montegiallo School of Swearing is a quirky story starting in Melbourne, an unemployed teacher and recently divorced Brian is on a downward slide of over drinking. After a big night he wakes up to find he has purchased a Sicilian villa for one Euro. With the money from the settlement of his divorce he goes to Sicily not really knowing what he has signed up for. Brian has a Personal Italian Grammar book, some Italian he learned at secondary school as a form of communication when he arrives. His villa is very rundown and set apart from the other expats who have also purchased villas for one Euro. He doesn’t really fit in with the expats and he needs to work hard to be accepted by the Sicilians. Attempting to speak Italian starts to help. Brian is challenged by the system of a waiting list for trades people and keeping onside with right people to get things done. He is attracted to the Real Estate Agent Viviana but finds this doesn’t help to get him moved up the list. As he befriends the local publican his Italian improves, as does his acceptance to the community. One night over a few drinks and shared English swear words the Montegiallo School of Swearing is born. This gives Brian a small and needed income as well as accidentally moving him up the trades list. What does this do to his relationship with the expats and especially Viviana? If you are looking for a few laughs and don’t mind profanity this book is for you. Karen, VIC, 4 stars
Accidentally purchasing a rundown villa for 1 euro in Sicily and starting a new life in another country! What’s not to love and what could possibly go wrong? A delightful read and a true 1euro concept. Would of loved the story to continue a bit longer. My only criticism would be the story was wrapped up too quickly. Overall a good read. Marion, VIC, 4 stars
The Montegiallo School of Swearing felt like a book of two halves for me. Despite the title, the first half felt like scene setting towards a second half describing Brian’s journey of soul searching and awakening as to what he wants to achieve with his life – on reflection, I think it felt this way because of the limited character development of Brian (and his ex-wife and mate Toby) – very limited glimpses are provided into Brian’s life (eg no physical description, a passing reference to grandparents but not siblings or parents, particularly noticeable when he mentions not having a reason to stay in Melbourne). But I could not have enjoyed more the unexpected change of pace and absolute hilarity of the second half about Brian’s somewhat hairbrained swerve into teaching ‘special English’. I had so many laugh at loud moments and the book brought me a feeling of joy – I’ve already recommended it to multiple people! Leanne, QLD, 4 stars
What do an Australian man who drunkenly bought a large house in Sicily; a group of expat English and Americans who do not want to fit in with the locals; a group of local Sicilians who do not like strangers in their midst, a priest trying to get everyone together and the devil woman who is the local real estate agent all have in common? “The Montegiallo School of Swearing”. A very funny story of a man trying to fit into a new country while only having a slight grip on the language. What could go wrong? Rhonda, VIC, 4 stars
The Montegiallo School of Swearing is a slow-paced book about a man on a journey of self-rediscovery, where he finds himself purchasing a 1 Euro home in Italy and moving there a short time later. Faced with cultural, relationship and renovation challenges, we follow Brian through the latest chapter of his new life. Due to the slow pacing in the first chunk of the book I did struggle to get into this one, but was pleasantly surprised the more I got through it. It isn’t overly common to read from the perspective of a fellow Aussie, and I really enjoyed the familiarity that came with it! Georgia, TAS, 3 stars
After reading the first couple of chapters I was very close to not continuing with it. It did not draw me in at all. But… I decided to persist and it was better than I thought it would be. For me the story didn’t really take off until Brian landed in Italy and it did amuse me in some parts so overall in the end, I thought it was good. Gina, SA, 3 stars
I was not that keen on The Montegiallo School of Swearing but I did find it funny in places & Brian’s swearing groups & everyone not even knowing what it meant, but Brian ended up happy with Viviana & Toby buying a one euro apartment & moving there as well Michael, TAS, 3 stars
I enjoyed the first half of this book, especially the descriptions of Sicily and the town of Montegiallo. I was really hoping for a good outcome for Brian too! However I did not enjoy the swearing part… too much and I felt not necessary. Overall an enjoyable ‘light ‘ read. Jenny, VIC, 3 stars
This books is pretty easy to read, the story is very easy to follow but for me I found that it missed depth of story. The character development didn’t really do it for me and the book didn’t really appeal to me. El, QLD, 2 stars
Loved this sweet book for its authenticity, attention to detail and humor. Liked the characters, especially the narrator, Brian, with the intentional daggy name and Father Dom. Thanks Andrew HC McDonald for writing this entertaining, modern and funny story.
Loved this sweet book for its authenticity, attention to detail and humor. Liked the characters, especially the narrator, Brian, with the intentionally daggy name and Father Dom. Thanks Andrew HC McDonald for writing this entertaining, modern and funny story.
Loved this sweet book for its authenticity, attention to detail and humor. Liked the characters, especially the narrator, Brian, with the intentionally daggy name and Father Dom. Thanks Andrew HC McDonald for writing this entertaining, modern and funny story.