Isabella Dusi, a native Australian, settled in Montalcino, a beautiful mountain eyrie famous for its wine and the proud nature of its inhabitants. Her acceptance into this close-knit community was a hard-won thing and has inspired Isabella to capture the true spirit of Montalcino. Vanilla Beans & Brodo tells of the violent history of this medieval village, which has lefts its mark on the character traits of the Montalcinese, and also offers a rare insight into the anxiety, joy, fun, and pressure of daily life as it unfolds with the seasons. An evocative story of the rivalry between village neighborhoods, of football fever and festival pageantry, Isabella Dusi destroys the myth that Tuscan villages are tranquil places, and instead reveals a life infinitely rich and full of dramas.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
If you go to Montalcino, this is THE book to read.:
I found this book enchanting and fascinating, although the author stereotypes the Montalcinesi and the Italians throughout the book. I read this book since I'm going to Montalcino in May.
This book is full of interesting stories about Montalcino and its people. Much better than most guide books. If someone is going to visit Montalcino or any other hilltop towns of Tuscany, this is a must read.
Vanilla Beans & Brodo goes great with Bel Vino!:
Hating for this one to end, I bought Bel Vino also. If you enjoyed Vanilla Beans & Brodo, you will love Bel Vino!!! Both are so "tastefully" done!!!
I loved this book!:
My husband is Italian. I purchased this while actually traveling thru Tuscany and staying in Montalcino. I'm looking forward to reading her newest novel. While I agree with another reviewer that her style of writing is a bit of a slow read, it was so helpful and informative in understanding the Italian culture and way of life. I loved the little "snapshot" picture stories of their hill top way of life,the tradition involved around the actual preparation of the food, and the human interaction involved in the... more info
BORING!:
I've read at least 30 books on Italy and many on life in Tuscany, and this one was CLEARLY the worst!! The writer takes forever to tell a story, and goes into so much detail I'm asleep before she ever gets to the point. I've been to Montalcino, and I still found myself laboring to get through this book. There are MANY better books to read: "Too Much Tuscan Sun", "The Reluctant Tuscan", "A Thousand Days in Tuscany", "A Day in Tuscany", "I, Mona Lisa", "Extra Virgin", "Italian Neighbors"....
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