A magazine writer travels alone to Italy to explore the differences between Italian and American attitudes towards food, hunger and appetite. Why do Italians say “Buon Appetito”? Why is there no similar expression in America? The book takes the reader throughout the
Piemonte region, meeting cooks, sharing meals and
recipes, and thinking about how what we eat becomes who we are.
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By Mike Wessely
May 5, 2012
Elena Bertozzi has written a delicious book for both the mind and the palate in Appetite: A Hunger for Italy. The book details the main character’s travel to Italy to explore food. Replete with a picturesque narration, as well as several tasty recipes, the novel is truly a journey for the senses. Read the rest of the review: http://greenwordchef.wordpress.com/2012/04/29/appetite-a-hunger-for-italy/
When I travel outside the US, whether for work or pleasure, I typically try to visit all of the “important” sites—the art museums, the historical sites, the interesting shopping areas. But what I remember most fondly from my travels are the experiences that I’ve had with the people who live in the culture. To be invited to one of their homes is priceless treasure. This book lets the reader visit three distinct homes and shows the food, the history, the landscape of the northern Italian landscape. About halfway through, I needed to walk to my local coffee shop to order a cappuccino. I couldn’t put it down. I want to meet Arturo and Eduardo, to see the swans, to ride in the back seat with the motorcycle parts. Making memories.
A truly charming novel! This story reads like a delicious hybrid between a diary and a cookbook, documenting every day and every meal in the main character's culinary journey through Piemonte. The descriptions and recipes for the food are mouthwatering, and I have already tried several recipes with success! Peppered throughout the novel are honest and interesting commentaries about Northern Italian culture, with funny anecdotes and some insights into Italian language. The writer clearly speaks from experience and love of the country she describes. Yet other commendable aspects of the novel are its supporting characters, a delightful and multi-faceted group of people that Sophia encounters and cooks with in her travels. There are hints at a sequel, and the characters alone are enough to sell me on it-- I want to meet more Italians!
