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Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes (1997, Paperback, Reprint)
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Author: Frances Mayes
Publisher: Broadway Books
Publication Date: 1997-10-01
Language: English
Format: Paperback
ISBN-10: 0767900383
ISBN-13: 9780767900386
Product ID: EPID255736
Description: Frances Mayes, a gourmet cook, travel writer, and poet, bought herself a crumbling 17-room villa in the Italian countryside. It changed her life and renewed her spirit. Her immensely appealing chronicle of the experience, and of her roma...
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A great guide into every day Tuscan lifeReview created: 06/24/06
by:
) 
10 of 11 people found this review helpful.
Far better than the movie, a must read if you travel to Italy. Better than a travel guide, this book will actually give a flavor of life in Italy, albeit a privileged one.
Frances Mayes writes lyrically and her intricate descriptions transport you to a beautiful village in Tuscany, from the ruins of her home and the transformation she and her husband wrought, to recipes, travel narratives and more.
No movie can possibly do this book justice, this is one of those gems you will reach for again and again.
Frances Mayes writes lyrically and her intricate descriptions transport you to a beautiful village in Tuscany, from the ruins of her home and the transformation she and her husband wrought, to recipes, travel narratives and more.
No movie can possibly do this book justice, this is one of those gems you will reach for again and again.
Review ID: 10000000001234514
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Wonderful, Inspiring Travel MemoirReview created: 09/27/06
by:
) 4 of 4 people found this review helpful.
Because I had seen the movie, I thought I had read the book. To my surprise upon removing it from my bookshelf and thumbing through, I obviously hadn't. The movie, while enjoyable, was quite a departure from this wonderful book.
For starters, the book is not about a recently divorced woman moving to Tuscany. Mayes moves with her partner Ed.
I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the Tuscan countryside, and really felt like I got a taste of what everyday life in Tuscany is like. I enjoyed that she included recipes throughout the book, of the foods she's cooking. She's generous with her descriptions of the friends she met and gatherings she attended - what it looked like, what they talked about, the delicious food that was served. I was surprised how much I learned about cooking just from reading this memoir.
I enjoyed vicariously experiencing moving to such a new environment, how she settled into her daily patterns, and the troubles she experienced adjusting upon first arriving.
By the end, I was wishing the book was longer! A nice fall read, tucked into your blanket in front of a fireplace perhaps?
For starters, the book is not about a recently divorced woman moving to Tuscany. Mayes moves with her partner Ed.
I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the Tuscan countryside, and really felt like I got a taste of what everyday life in Tuscany is like. I enjoyed that she included recipes throughout the book, of the foods she's cooking. She's generous with her descriptions of the friends she met and gatherings she attended - what it looked like, what they talked about, the delicious food that was served. I was surprised how much I learned about cooking just from reading this memoir.
I enjoyed vicariously experiencing moving to such a new environment, how she settled into her daily patterns, and the troubles she experienced adjusting upon first arriving.
By the end, I was wishing the book was longer! A nice fall read, tucked into your blanket in front of a fireplace perhaps?
Review ID: 10000000001915941
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no problemsReview created: 05/05/07
by:
buchman2hbc ( 4 )
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.
i got the book in a timely fashion. it was well sealed and exactly as they described the condition would be.
Review ID: 10000000003507088
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Under the Tuscan Sun
) 1 of 2 people found this review helpful.
I have the movie and the book on tape. Both are fabulous. My daughter wanted this for reading project at school. She has the two others to compare to. The movie and the book are quite differant, yet I could not choose which one is more enchanting.
Review ID: 10000000002649200
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Under the Tuscan Sun
) I knew I would like the book as I so enjoyed the movie. It did not disappoint. I tend to check on ebay for books before buying elsewhere. When finished I usually pass the books on to our local library.
Review ID: 10000000011921486
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Good!!!
) It's very good!! Book is nice looks new and very good price better than other seller, thanks a lot, very good deal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1111
Review ID: 10000000009070725
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Under the Tuscan SunReview created: 09/04/08
by:
If you saw the movie and compare the book, it is VERY different. Same character, different circumstances. A little long winded too,
Review ID: 10000000008558594
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Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances MayesReview created: 08/06/08
by:
I love this book and I will treasure it, I fell head over heels for the story a few years ago and I am so pleased that I can have this signed copy, which included two original snap shots of the villa, Bramesole. So far it is the jewel in my small collection. Buying a signed copy made me feel as if I had been there...I am greatful that the seller was able to part with it.
Review ID: 10000000008235773
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Under the Tuscan SunReview created: 06/02/08
by:
ISBN 0767900383 - As a fan of lists, I'm always curious about books that make bestseller lists. I rarely read them, but I'm always curious. This was the case with Under the Tuscan Sun until a rather beat-up, unsellable copy fell into my hands. My curiosity, but little else, has been satisfied.
A recap of the plotline is usually the second paragraph for me. The trouble here is that this book doesn't actually have a plotline. The author and her boyfriend bought a house in Tuscany, living there during the summer and restore it and the land around it. Seriously, that's it: no actual point, no build up, not a character to root for (although there were moments I admit to rooting for the house to fall down on them, just to liven things up). So much for the recap!
Beautifully written, Under the Tuscan Sun isn't without redeeming qualities. Tuscany sounds like a bit of Heaven on Earth and Mayes, reputed to be a good cook, turns out to be a decent writer, at least so far as descriptive writing goes. A few short sections are even well-done humor. For that, the richness of language, the way you can nearly smell the food and hear the quiet of the countryside, for that, Mayes gets 5 stars. For boring me nearly to death, ZERO stars! An average of 3 stars seems a reasonable compromise. There are definitely readers for this type of book, I just happen to not be one of them. If you're looking for a relaxing read, this one certainly fits your needs; if you want a storyline, something more exciting than recipes, this book is a snore - if your blood flowed to the rhythm of this book, you'd be dead.
A recap of the plotline is usually the second paragraph for me. The trouble here is that this book doesn't actually have a plotline. The author and her boyfriend bought a house in Tuscany, living there during the summer and restore it and the land around it. Seriously, that's it: no actual point, no build up, not a character to root for (although there were moments I admit to rooting for the house to fall down on them, just to liven things up). So much for the recap!
Beautifully written, Under the Tuscan Sun isn't without redeeming qualities. Tuscany sounds like a bit of Heaven on Earth and Mayes, reputed to be a good cook, turns out to be a decent writer, at least so far as descriptive writing goes. A few short sections are even well-done humor. For that, the richness of language, the way you can nearly smell the food and hear the quiet of the countryside, for that, Mayes gets 5 stars. For boring me nearly to death, ZERO stars! An average of 3 stars seems a reasonable compromise. There are definitely readers for this type of book, I just happen to not be one of them. If you're looking for a relaxing read, this one certainly fits your needs; if you want a storyline, something more exciting than recipes, this book is a snore - if your blood flowed to the rhythm of this book, you'd be dead.
Review ID: 10000000007374716
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