“This beautifully written memoir about taking chances, living in Italy, loving a house and, always, the pleasures of food, would make a perfect gift for a loved one. But it’s so delicious, read it first yourself.”—USA Today The 20th anniversary edition of the classic, updated with a new afterword. Don’t miss Frances Mayes in PBS’s Dream of Italy: Tuscan Sun Special! Twenty years ago, Frances Mayes—widely published poet, gourmet cook, and travel writer—introduced readers to a wondrous new world when she bought and restored an abandoned villa called Bramasole in the spectacular Tuscan countryside. Under the Tuscan inspired generations to embark on their own journeys—whether that be flying to a foreign country in search of themselves, savoring one of the book's dozens of delicious seasonal recipes, or simply being transported by Mayes's signature evocative, sensory language. Now, with a new afterword from the Bard of Tuscany herself, the 20th anniversary edition of Under the Tuscan Sun brings us up-to-date with the book's most beloved characters.
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"Mayes is a widely published poet, gourmet cook, and travel writer so that should tell you all you need to know about her memoir, Under the Tuscan Sun. She and her husband buy and restore an abandoned villa in the Tuscan country side. She sensually describes a simply, beautiful life (if you happen to have the funding for said simply life) in a casual, beautifully written novel. Its a good escape book with not much of a plot." — Jolene (5 out of 5 stars)
"Mayes is a widely published poet, gourmet cook, and travel writer so that should tell you all you need to know about her memoir, Under the Tuscan Sun. She and her husband buy and restore an abandoned villa in the Tuscan country side. She sensually describes a simply, beautiful life (if you happen to have the funding for said simply life) in a casual, beautifully written novel. Its a good escape book with not much of a plot."
" I don't tend to bail on books before I finish them, but I did on this one. Just not my cup of tea, I suppose. "
" I've read this book twice. First time I found it a slow read, hard to get through. But very good recipes. Better read the second time. Actually reread it to compare it to the movie. The movie added alot that was not in the book. "
" Made me seriously consider relocating to Italy. "
" I hope the movie was actually better than the book this time. "
" Listened and loved it "
" I had read this book and enjoyed it a lot. Also saw the movie which isn't much like the book. I don't know much about wine, art and italian cooking but the idea of restoring an old Villa might be fun. she is a wonderful descriptive writer and makes you feel like you are there. Reading it again I still liked it. "
" most painful read ever. ugh! "
" I thought the movie was AMAZING. Didn't care for the book though. Would never have even read the book without seeing the movie. "
" The first book is good, the rest... were written for money... and are precious, pretentious, and tedious. "
" I read "Under the Tuscan Sun" prior to seeing the movie. I loved the concept of a women taking solice in the Italian country-side as she takes time to reflect on the important things in life. "
" A beautiful, atmospheric, nostalgic, memoir about renovating a home in Tuscany and learning about the culture and life there. I really enjoyed it and would read it again. "
" I really enjoyed this book mainly because I read it while I was in Italy :) "
" Slow going. Sometimes poignant. Written by a woman with a poets soul about finding a physical and metaphoric home in Italy. As the wife of a builder, the tales of the restoration of the house intrigued me. "
" This book has been on my "to read" shelf for a few years. I was fascinated by the process of renovating a villa in Tuscany, by her wonderful descriptions and insights. "
" It was just as much fun to read as the first time I read it. "
" I love the recipes at the end of the chaper. "
" I think perhaps travel/home remodeling memoirs are just not for me. Click here for my full review. "
" I just loved this book. The writer made you feel that you were actually there. "
" Sometimes life's biggest knocks position us for the happiness we've always sought. "
" Did you see the movie? The book is different, except that the couple in the book bought the same house as the single divorced woman in the movie. My husband had to tie me down to keep me from moving there while I read this. "
" Having read this while in Tuscany was really nice. And completely agree with her account of Cortona. Absolutely fell in love with th place. "
" I enjoyed the descriptions of the house and the people. I could picture myself living the tuscan life. "
" Enjoyed her description of food and life in Italy. Wished she had cut short the several chapters on looking for Etruscan tombs - that was boring. "
" Great book to read on holiday. Light and fresh. "
" I was not able to finish this book. Sorry. Just not right for me. "
" Loved all the vicid detail. Started reading it while in tuscany but for some reason could not get into it. Will try again sometime. "
" It took me awhile to get through this one but I thoroughly enjoyed it. "
" This book is good if you love details about everything. It had it's funny parts too though. Good read "
" Really good book which has made me want to buy a farmhouse in Italy, grow veg and cook delicious meals!! Which I guess, was kind of the point! :-) "
" I decided to read the book after I saw the movie and it was disappointing that the book and the movie is not the same. The movie is more inspiring but the book just makes you craves for Italian food all the time! "
" Enjoyed reading about Italy and the descriptions of remodeling the house, however I thought it was too long and quit reading it about 3/4 of the way through. "
" I read this when Ollie and I were visiting Europe (and Tuscany in particular for a week) which made it very enjoyable. "
" While this was entertaining in places, I must say I'm a bit put off my self-involved tales written by folks with seemingly endless resources - it's all a bit smug. "
" Absolutely loved this book and the movie is wonderful, too! "
" Beautiful and clear description so that I could picture the setting. A good read about change and observation of life in a different culture - and great recipes at the end of each chapter. "
" loved this book! I have always wanted to go Italy - reading this book, I felt as if I were there... "
Frances Mayes is the author of several fiction and nonfiction books, including the classic Under the Tuscan Sun, which was on the New York Times bestseller for more than two and a half years and was the basis for a major motion picture starring Diane Lane. Her writing has been translated into more than fifty languages.
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