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biggsggib 's review for:
Under the Tuscan Sun: 20th-Anniversary Edition
by Frances Mayes
Often felt more like a collection of somewhat disparate essays combined into a book - but the wandering nature of it all was still mostly enjoyable, illuminating and enlightening at times.
Delightful forays about the Etruscans, the various Saints, the South of the US and a whole lot of recipes and food talk. With lots of home remodeling.
Pretty wild to imagine buying a second home in Tuscany on a professors salary these days... Although the author casually mentions growing up with a cook in the house, so that might just be my working-class upbringing raising its hackles a bit.
Stand out quotes:
"...everything matters intensely even as it's disappearing."
"I can't decide whether to read metaphysics or cook. The ultimate nature of being or cold garlic soup. They are not so far apart after all."
On Siesta: "What a marvelous concept. For three hours in the middle of the day, you are invited to your own interests and desires. In the good part of the day, too, not just the evening after an eight- or nine-hour day slogging away."
I'd chalk this up as a great "vacation" type read, where as I might recommend A Year in Provence first - this will have you excitedly cooking something new, pulling for a perfect espresso or seeking out a new Italian wine at the grocery store. And hey - it's cheaper and more accessible than a plane ticket!
Delightful forays about the Etruscans, the various Saints, the South of the US and a whole lot of recipes and food talk. With lots of home remodeling.
Pretty wild to imagine buying a second home in Tuscany on a professors salary these days... Although the author casually mentions growing up with a cook in the house, so that might just be my working-class upbringing raising its hackles a bit.
Stand out quotes:
"...everything matters intensely even as it's disappearing."
"I can't decide whether to read metaphysics or cook. The ultimate nature of being or cold garlic soup. They are not so far apart after all."
On Siesta: "What a marvelous concept. For three hours in the middle of the day, you are invited to your own interests and desires. In the good part of the day, too, not just the evening after an eight- or nine-hour day slogging away."
I'd chalk this up as a great "vacation" type read, where as I might recommend A Year in Provence first - this will have you excitedly cooking something new, pulling for a perfect espresso or seeking out a new Italian wine at the grocery store. And hey - it's cheaper and more accessible than a plane ticket!