Falling Palace

Like a camera captures snapshots of a moment, Hofstadter captures Naples with words by creating stories. On the surface these stories depict the everyday experiences of various individuals he encounters, yet like a snapshot once you look closer, there are layers of depth to the characters and landscape he writes about. Eccentricities, humor and mystery abound in this well-written memoir. While there are the requisite tales about hand gestures, architecture, evening light and food, they all have all have twists that are unique. Hofstadter has a wonderful way of creating intimate moments in the always crowded and constant motion of life in Naples.