A Tuscan Memory
My Rating: 4
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: eARC*
Publication Date: September 7, 2020
Author: Angela Petch
Similar To
~Book Blurb~
In a tiny hamlet nestled in the Tuscan mountains, farmers gather after a hard day in the meadows, and children’s laughter rings across the square: but one little boy does not join in their play. Behind his deep brown eyes, hides a heartbreaking secret…
Ninety years later. When elderly Giselda Chiozzi discovers a lost little boy, curled up asleep in the beech forest outside her grand but empty home, she can’t help but take pity on him. It’s been a long time since she had a visitor. Waking up to her kind smile and the warming smell of Italian hot chocolate, Davide soon blurts out what drove him into the cold Tuscan night: he’s different from everyone else, he’s never belonged anywhere, and now his beloved mother is ill.
With her heart full of sadness for this lost child, Giselda promises to help Davide trace his family history – she knows better than anyone that connecting with your roots can ground you in the present, and hopes it will make Davide realise that home is where he truly belongs.
Together the unlikely pair discover the story of Davide’s great-grandfather, Giuseppe Starnucci, a young boy who spent his days milking cows, helping with the harvest, and hammering horseshoes in the forge. But after a terrible incident that changed his life forever, Giuseppe also ran away. Forced to become a man before his time, Giuseppe joined the treacherous pilgrimage all Tuscan farmers must make from the mountains to the plains, sacrificing everything to ensure the survival of their families.
Engrossed in the story, Davide is slowly starting to heal when he and Giselda discover a shocking secret which Giuseppe took to his grave – and which now threatens to tear apart Davide’s family for good. Will Davide let the pain of the past determine his future, or can he find the courage, love and loyalty within him to return home… and even if Davide himself finds peace, will it be too late for Giselda?
Inspired by true stories of rural Italian life, this absolutely stunning historical read is perfect for fans of Dinah Jeffries, Rhys Bowen, and anyone who’s ever longed to stroll beneath the cypress trees and taste the fresh mountain air of Tuscany.
Previously published as Now and Then in Tuscany.
~My Thoughts~
As a quick reminder, here is my rating structure:
- 1 star: Did not finish
- 2 Stars: Finished but do not recommend
- 3 Stars: Liked but could use some improvements
- 4 Stars: Loved this book!
- 5 Stars: Rare. The unput-down-able, binge read obsession.
I am a big fan of historical fiction and A Tuscan Memory is a perfect example of why I love this genre.
Not only is this partly a historical fiction, but it also reads like a contemporary fiction, with one of its timelines set in present day Italy.
With each timeline comes different characters and different points of view. There are so many characters to relate to, but be warned, if you don’t like multiple POVs, then don’t read this book. I enjoyed each character and his/her arc in the story and wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
The Italian setting was described so beautifully with a special emphsis on the italian way of life. My wanderlust was on overdrive reading about the landscapes, the food, the old way of cheesemaking, etc. At one point there is a road trip through the Italian countryside and I actually daydreamed about living in a place where I could explore medieval villages too. *sigh*
With a beautiful mix of past and present, A Tuscan Memory is like sitting down with an old friend over a glass of wine, with your past between you and your futures unknown. Each of you trying to figure out how you got here and where you want to go.
Beautiful writing, smooth story, an easy read with a lot depth. Make sure you have a nice glass of Chianti because this will put you in a red wine mood.
~About the Author~
I’m an award winning writer of fiction – and the occasional poem.
Every summer I move to Tuscany for six months where my husband and I own a renovated watermill which we let out. When not exploring our unspoilt corner of the Apennines, I disappear to my writing desk at the top of our converted stable.
In my Italian handbag or hiking rucksack I always make sure to store notebook and pen to jot down ideas.
The winter months are spent in Sussex where most of our family live. When I’m not helping out with grandchildren, I catch up with writer friends.
Twitter: @Angela_Petch
Buy Links:
Amazon: https://bit.ly/3lpSBZG Apple: https://apple.co/2CITQ4O Kobo: https://bit.ly/2EaEq9H Google: https://bit.ly/2OUuxzk
*Special thanks to Angela Petch and Bookouture, for providing a copy of A Tuscan Memory in exchange for an honest review.
[…] ABL REVIEW […]