Scan barcode
kellyw711's review against another edition
3.0
Was a good summery read, very poetic prose and really transports you into the book. Some parts were kinda boring and i found myself getting disinterested at times, which is why it took me so long to continue picking it up and finishing it. The story itself was also a little privileged in nature. It was a great mindless read honestly, in a way where I could read and zone out at the same time. I do love the authors writing styles and it’s incredibly descriptive. This book felt like someone telling you a really long story about a project (which is essentially what is it)
saz's review against another edition
Thought it was going to be more like the movie. Beautiful language, just wasn't in the mood for a book focused so much on setting.
beckca03's review against another edition
2.0
Eh - not very impressed nor inspired. I thought it would be better than it was. really rambling and not much substance. I much prefer other works on italy than this trite one...
twreading's review against another edition
4.0
Though I liked the movie better, this was a very nice, vivid, dream enducing read. I love travel fiction
nikread84's review against another edition
4.0
Beautifully written book. Some dry parts, but overall very beautiful and it even has recipes! Don’t expect it to be anything like the movie.
bigcitydreamer's review against another edition
3.5
This book lingers like a long lunch on a hot summer day in Tuscany. At times brilliant but a tad too long in the end for my restless spirit. Perfect to read on a trip to Cortona as was able to see the sites she mentions in real time, but not sure how it would have felt if I'd read it in my day to day life.
newlillith's review against another edition
5.0
This book is nothing like the movie. The plot in the movie is almost totally made up (although the movie is still life-changing and also you can't mad about Sandra Oh in anything). The book doesn't really have a plot. It follows Frances and Ed (her boyfriend) as they restore Bramasole in Tuscany. She writes about the restoration, her neighbors, the markets, how she basically creates her own garden of eden on the property, and what she cooks. Her voice is so unique and rich. It's like the reading version of a flourless chocolate cake. It took me awhile to get through it because of how much there is to take in (I really love the chapters on ancient Etruscan history and culture). But I would highly recommend this for a summer book. It's easy to pick up for a little while by the pool, and because there's no plot you don't lose your place. It feels like you're with the author while you're reading, so it's a lovely getaway. Also it makes me want to buy a house in Tuscany and make my living as a writer.