Natalya Osis graduated from a technical university and the Literature Institute, wrote articles and plays, worked in contemporary drama, and took part in theatre festivals. Her book is an ironic and frank account of how an utterly busy young Moscow woman, over five years with varying success, learned to be a Genoese signora—discovering the joys of everyday life right by the bluest sea. Full of funny and unexpected details, witty observations about Italians and Russians, and above all sincere admiration for magnificent Genoa, Genova Superba.