“I feel they have achieved the right balance with this one, between a vicarious travel book and a spot of history for casual readers.

Giuseppe Garibaldi was a complex man with a complex life. I’ve always thought that the many history books dedicated to his story appear to struggle to present a coherent narrative. So I approve of the Petralias’ choice to not write a history book, but instead a travel memoir in which they describe some of their experiences while crisscrossing the Atlantic, just as Garibaldi did, while visiting points of interest from Garibaldi’s story.

For those of us who can’t, for whatever reason, hop on a plane to Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, France, Italy, or the east coast of the U.S., this travel memoir could help fill the void for excitement, risk, human contact and sensory stimulation. Their writing brings people and places alive. I wish them success and good health.”

“If the Petralias were looking for Garibaldi they not only found him, they channelled him. I loved spending time with him and through the authors personalities. They obviously love people and culture and family and fit right in wherever they go. John’s charming “lechery” as he shadow boxes with aging and Nancy’s touching sensitivity, regrets and culinary appreciations make them fun people you want to keep as friends. I suspect Garibaldi would laugh out loud at being memorialized in the US Deep South and how he is hidden in obvious places all over the world. I see him blowing us a kiss and giving us a good natured Italian salute. Nancy wistfully mentions that she and John have no children. After reading “Not in a Tuscan Villa” and “Looking for Garibaldi” I think they’re eligible to leave deep, dear footprints. I learned a lot and loved their book.”

“Looking for Garibaldi is not a history book, it is not a love story, it is not a travel log, it is not an adventure story, it is not a biography. It is all of the above. Nancy and John Petralia capture your imagination as they describe their journey researching the life of an incurable human being, Giuseppe Garibaldi. The reader is presented with historical facts for sure but also is entertained as Nancy and John share their own insights and experiences of life and how their shared quest for history enhanced their love and affection for each other. A wonderful read. Kudos to the Petralias.”

“A travelogue, a history lesson, and a testimony about the usefulness of an intimate partnership as protection against the uncertainty of being human, this charming book provides both entertainment and food for thought. John and Nancy write in a conversational style, and each bring wit and wisdom to the reader as they travel in search of Garibaldi and find each other. A lovely read!”

“Having thoroughly enjoyed their first book especially as it mirrored some of my experiences living in Italy, I looked forward to their next travel adventure. Being somewhat familiar with Garibaldi I did not know the extent of his adventures in South America nor his ties to the United States. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about their quest as they tango’d their way through Argentina and delved into his life in South America and his amazing wife. And as they arrived back in Italy I gained insights into some places I had visited and did not know the full extent of Garibaldi’s influence. I enjoy having the different voices of the authors and their perspectives as they travel. This is more than a book on Garibaldi, it’s about exploring and learning new cultures and finding yourself. I find myself looking for Garibaldi now as I wander new places in Italy and fondly recall the book. Isn’t that what reading a book is all about, having an impact and relevance in your life? Grazie.”

The Petralias invite their readers to fall in love, as they have, with a dashing and passionate freedom fighter and the countries and the people he sought to liberate and/or unify. 

Seeking to trace Garibaldi’s footsteps, the Petralias have their own adventures in Italy and both of the Americas. Alternating chapters, they share with their readers the many friends they made, the beauty of foreign lands, enjoyment of exotic cuisine and erotic dance, as well as their own delightful relationship and their thoughtful reflections on life, love, heroism, fame and aging. In the process, the reader learns some history, geography and in-depth travelogue information. The famous Italian mover and shaker, Giuseppe Garibaldi, was always living on the edge, narrowly escaping death several times, leading the charge in many battles. Garibaldi traveled between Europe and the Americas fighting for justice on a global level, growing internationally famous and, finally — amazingly — growing old and dying a natural death.”

“Candidly, if, previous to reading this book, someone had asked me who Garibaldi was, I would have guessed an artist or something. So… I learned a lot and in a very enjoyable way. I love to travel so was entranced with the descriptions of the various places John and Nancy visited in their quest. Now I have to put these places on my bucket list. I was also gratified to learn all about Garibaldi as the “Unifier of Italy” in such an enjoyable way. I recommend this book to anyone who loves to travel, loves to learn while traveling or who wants to travel vicariously through reading and to anyone who wants to learn more about Italy’s history in an easy, informative way.”

“The journey between the continents of an American couple, to know even conflicting opinions on the exploits of Garibaldi. The stories of life lived by a couple on the traces left by Garibaldi, in his wanderings around the world. Travel impressions and thoughts, full of anecdotes, about the cities visited where “the Hero of the Two Worlds” lived and spent the most stormy years of his history, up to his voluntary exile on the island of Caprera, in Sardinia. It is a book that puts the reader in contact with the feelings experienced by the couple during the long journey between the continents: a journey to learn about the conflicting opinions of the populations, on the history linked to Garibaldi.”

“This wonderful book, filled with historical facts about Giuseppe Garibaldi, is even more appealing as it is also about John and Nancy’s journey to find the truth about him. The balance between history and their personal relationship is perfect. This captivating story on how they traveled through various cities in three continents conducting their research and interacting with the locals is exciting. John’s natural way of making friends with locals is a trait I wish I could acquire. Their method of writing makes me feel as if I was on this adventure with them. I felt like I was watching them take Tango lessons in Buenos Aires, Argentina at the Estudio de Tango. John’s sweet words and how tango lessons were a “gift of love” was heartwarming. I love how this couple shares personal memories and stories in both their books about them as a couple and of their childhoods. I wish I could say I had a favorite part of this book but truthfully, I enjoyed it entirely!”