What parts of the book caused you to laugh out loud?

What parts of the book caused you to laugh out loud?

There were a number of scenes in the first part of the book I thought were hysterical. I was particularly fond of the widowed aunts, and the waiter who claimed to be a member of the Romanov family even though everyone knew he was from New York.

This book didn’t connect with me and I’m not certain why. I found it rarely humorous and I didn’t care for Maria. This is very odd for me! I may/may not finish it. The other reviews may spur me on to continue since it is a good story and so well written. This is my first attempt to review here and I’m disappointed that I didn’t engage.

The scene with Bela Lugosi who everyone thought was an impersonator, but it was really him, made me chuckle. I also enjoyed the aunt's and their characterizations... I could visualize them well.

I found myself laughing at Artie, and especially his toupees with all of their ridiculous names. (Shades of Carl Reiner as Alan Brady on the Dick Van Dyke Show!!) Also, his self-aggrandizement was tragically funny. I liked Artie in spite of his foibles and flaws.

Maria's Italian family was also a source of comic relief! I would have loved to join them for Sunday dinner to see their interactions in person. They were vibrant, believable characters I couldn't help but love.

I did not find it humorous or did I laugh at any portion of this book. I found it a difficult read, too long, too many characters, both minor and major. Unfortunately I was not taken by any of the characters.