Tag: Italian food

Don’t Look Now by Daphne DuMaurier

~ foodinbooks ~ 26 Comments

Having had a long-time love affair with the books of Daphne DuMaurier, I was especially pleased to find a compilation of stories that included Don't Look Now. The story, set in Venice, which is my favorite city on earth, combines creepy supernatural elements with the gorgeous backdrop of La Serennissima. The basic story is a … Continue reading Don’t Look Now by Daphne DuMaurier

A Roman Tale by Carroll Baker

~ foodinbooks ~ 31 Comments

I don't screw up in the kitchen much, so when I do, it's usually in a spectacular fashion. Today was no different, and I think it must be the universe's way of getting back at me for daring to read some total fluffy, smutty trash. But it's set in Italy, I told myself as I … Continue reading A Roman Tale by Carroll Baker

The Secret Supper by Javier Sierra

~ foodinbooks ~ 34 Comments

The Last Supper, that immortal painting by the equally immortal Leonardo da Vinci, always fascinated me, even as a child. Just looking at it takes you into that world, sitting beside Jesus, watching the disciples react to the news he would soon die, and noticing the amazing details of the work itself. Reading The Secret Supper … Continue reading The Secret Supper by Javier Sierra

The Chef’s Secret by Crystal King

~ foodinbooks ~ 15 Comments

Historical fiction is probably my favorite genre in the world, and anything set in my spirit country of Italy even more so. This marvelous book, The Chef's Secret, not only meets both of those criteria, but it's also about FOOD! And FORBIDDEN LOVE! and MYSTERY! And MORE FOOD! OK, I'll calm down now, but you … Continue reading The Chef’s Secret by Crystal King

The Dinner List by Rebecca Serle

~ foodinbooks ~ 7 Comments

I have to say I'm a bit peeved by this book. The Dinner List has a totally fascinating premise that takes that old idea of picking five people you'd want to have dinner with, whether living or dead, and runs with it...........and then, sadly, totally drops the ball. The main character, Sabrina, is having her … Continue reading The Dinner List by Rebecca Serle

Vaporetto 13 by Robert Girardi

~ foodinbooks ~ 14 Comments

Robert Girardi is one of my favorite "unknown" writers. He wrote Madeleine's Ghost, which I blogged about previously, and Vaporetto 13 is another novel that combines cynicism, hope, the supernatural, and a gorgeous city as the backdrop. In this case, Venice. You can read about what makes Venice so uniquely gorgeous and special by checking … Continue reading Vaporetto 13 by Robert Girardi

The Tuscan Child by Rhys Bowen

~ foodinbooks ~ 22 Comments

I didn't actually intend to blog this book, not that it wasn't enjoyable but because I had actually forgotten I had it on my bookshelves. As fortune would have it, I found some late-summer squash blossoms at my nearby grower's market yesterday morning, along with many other garden goodies. Anyway, back to the book. Set in … Continue reading The Tuscan Child by Rhys Bowen

The Book of Unholy Mischief by Elle Newmark

~ foodinbooks ~ 17 Comments

Any book set in Venice is always moved to the top of my reading list. And of course, any book set in Venice about cooking and food is going to have the most special place in my heart. The Book of Unholy Mischief definitely takes the cake here! Luciano is the narrator, a young boy who … Continue reading The Book of Unholy Mischief by Elle Newmark

The Dead House by Billy O’Callaghan

~ foodinbooks ~ 8 Comments

What I found fascinating about The Dead House is the fact that it's narrated in first person by a character who is not the focus of the story, but whose own story is as much a part of the overall arc as the main character. Mike is an art dealer and his best friend is … Continue reading The Dead House by Billy O’Callaghan

Delicious! by Ruth Reichl

~ foodinbooks ~ 12 Comments

Have you ever read a book that you nearly instantaneously fell in love with? My friend Angela recommended Delicious! by Ruth Reichl, which I'd seen on various lists of foodie books, but dismissed as "chick lit." Those of you who follow my blog know of my disdain for "chick lit." Yes, I'm a literary snob … Continue reading Delicious! by Ruth Reichl