Though Frances Mayes is known for her travels, she has always sought a sense of home wherever she goes. In this poetic testament to the power of place in our lives, Mayes reflects on the idea of home, from the earliest imprint of four walls to the startling discoveries of feeling the strange ease of homes abroad, friends' homes, and even momentary visits that spark desires for other lives. From her travels across Italy—Tuscany, of course, but also Venice and Capri—to the American South, France, and Mexico, Mayes finds here the connections between the homes she's inhabited.

"Mayes delivers a soulful meditation…. This rich testament to the pleasures of wanderlust and permanence is a gift."—Publishers Weekly (starred review)