In, "A Return to Italy ", Thoma Perro goes to Italy to find peace and rediscover his Italian roots. After a trip to Italy with his wife and her subsequent death to cancer, the author decides to return to Italy as a volunteer olive picker in Tuscany. Along the way he rediscovers his roots and what it is to be Italian. He discovers the hard but enjoyable country life - picking olives, tasting wine and traveling the countryside. He bonds with his host, finding common ground and making friends as his goes.