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Tuesday, March 26, 2013

A THOUSAND DAYS IN TUSCANY BY MARLENA DE BLASI



I seem to be on an Italian theme now. And loving it!

I did not read the first book by this author so I had to read about it and find that their first base was Venice and then they just upped and came over to this small village in Tuscany redolent with olive groves, chestnut groves, a rural life style which was surreal in parts (idyllic to read about but I dont know about the practical side of actually living it).

She is a chef/writer of some acclaim, he is a banker and how they make this change and make it work is the story. Interspersed of course with glorious food and wine (receipes included), mouth watering receipes.

The story rambles on keeping in time with the seasons like agricultural communities all around the world. Life being dictated by nature and what has to be done now and what has to be done next month. The spirit of a rural community, everyone knowing everyone else and a lost tradition of helping out their neighbour and no question of "personal space"!


Altogether a very relaxing, beautiful book to read. Sadly I am coming to the end of my stay in Melbourne and today will be my last visit to the library to pick up four books which I have reserved. It will be lovely to get back home but for the moment it is a bit sad to leave not just the children but my first grandchild as well. 




7 comments:

  1. There is no place like home Mystica but I understand your mixed feelings!
    The book sounds absolutely relaxing and I will give it a try too!
    Have a safe trip Dear!

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  2. It sounds like a book I'd enjoy.

    Safe travels, Mystica. I hope it won't be too long before you can see your children and grandchild again.

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  3. I agree with you that it is hard to imagine the practical reality living up to the idyll. My mind always turns to dubious plumbing! ;-) But it sounds like a nice relaxing read. I haven't read her Venice book either.

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  4. I can't remember is it's the book from Venice or this one that I picked up a couple of months ago. Sounds like I'm really going to enjoy the writing, either way!

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  5. I loved this book, Mystica. I also loved the other two books by this author that I've read. They're almost as good as visiting Italy in person. Almost. :)

    I would recommend you read the first book to learn how she and her Italian hubby first got together - it's a wonderful love story.

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  6. Another book that I'd love to read. I also just realized you are not on my list of blogs I follow yet I love visiting your blog and reading your book reviews. We seem to like similar books. I'm adding you right now so I can follow your posts!

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