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Vanilla Beans & Brodo: Real Life in the Hills of Tuscany
I have recently read Vanilla Beans and Brodo and as a regular visitor to Italy over the past 55years and being a lover of all things Italian I find that the author has captured so completely the character of, and the atmosphere of a typical village that each time I picked up the book I have immediately been transported into Montalcino to become involved with their lives and to identify with their problems and to be almost able to taste Il Brunello.I have yet to read a book which has given me a more accurate insight of the character of the cittadini and contadini of the Tuscan countryside
Vanilla Beans & Brodo: Real Life in the Hills of Tuscany
Ms. Dusi may have been a talented businesswoman in Australia and she may have been in a dire need of an income while living her dream in Tuscany, but she is not a writer and I did not need another half-read bore on my bookshelf. A senseless rambling. In fact, the only intriguing thing about this book is its title and this is what lead me to click the 'buy' tab. This book cannot compare to the expat classics, such as A Year in Provence and/or Under the Tuscan Sun. Have no idea what all the gushing reviews are about.
Vanilla Beans & Brodo: Real Life in the Hills of Tuscany
I bought VB&B soon after it was released in Australia just before Xmas '01 and only just finished reading it now in Nov. '02.What a big mistake!!In that time I was lucky enough to spend nearly 3 months in Italy.Oh,how I wish I would have read Isabella's book by the time I got to Montalcino in June.We did spend several hours there.Nowhere near long enough.....and it was during siesta as well!What we saw of Montalcino barely scratched the surface. How do you think I felt reading VB&B?It has felt like I've been transported into Isabella & Luigi's life in this hilltop town.I feel like part of the family.She has written such a strong account of their Tuscan experience that I feel as if I've been there to share it all with them.Not only is it beautifully written but also wonderfully illustrated.Can't wait to return to Italy and to meet the "family " in Montalcino!
Vanilla Beans & Brodo: Real Life in the Hills of Tuscany
Wow ! What a terrific perception into the real life of the charming wine village of Montalcino. This book really spoke to me. Isabella Dusi has a style that makes you feel as if you are actually there meeting and interacting with the local villagers.Although I have traveled in Italy many times, including two visits to Montalcino, I never really understood the mindset of the typical Tuscan hill town native until I was enlightened thru the eyes of this transplanted Aussie who has lived among them for the past six years. If you love Italia, and especially Tuscany, you have to read this book. Mille grazie Isabella ...
Vanilla Beans & Brodo: Real Life in the Hills of Tuscany
I bought VB & B to read whilst on holiday in another part of Tuscany. Having been gripped by what I was reading I made my party of 7 travel to Montalcino for the day to experience it for themselves. Isabella made me want to be a part of the village & to meet the characters who are the mainstays of the book. It is a combination of the day to day adventures of the many friends that Isabella & her husband have made since moving to Montalcino, a history of the village itself and a handbook for anyone who wants to explore Montalcino. The book takes you through the different seasons in a year of village life, and includes wonderfully evocative descriptions of some of the annual events that take place. These are so well written that you actually feel as if you are experiencing them for yourself along with the author, and in fact that is exactly what my family hope to do as we intend to travel to Montalcino again. I highly recommend this book as not only is it one of the best books I have read in a long time, but it made me feel such a part of Montalcino that I have now taken up honorary membership of one of the quarters of the village.
Vanilla Beans & Brodo: Real Life in the Hills of Tuscany
Having bought this book on a whim because it seemed to have something to do with Italy, I became utterly absorbed in it by the end of the first chapter.The book tells of a year in the life of an Italian hilltop village.By the end of the year the reader knows of many of the colourful characters who live in the town today, as well as the cultural traditions and festivals which are celebrated much as they were several centuries ago.The competitiveness between the four quarters of the town in the archery and the football competitions is riveting, but the most delightful part of the book for me was the descriptions of the food, and the pleasure with which the Montalcinese people prepare their food which really gave me the most pleasure.An unexpectedly wonderful read, and one which I would recommend to anyone who loves Italy, travelling, food, or all three.