“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)
" 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. "
— Sara, 2/12/2014" 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. "
— Nancy, 2/5/2014" Made me seriously consider relocating to Italy. "
— Lisa, 2/1/2014" I hope the movie was actually better than the book this time. "
— Laurie, 1/26/2014" Listened and loved it "
— Julia, 1/23/2014" 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. "
— Margaret, 1/23/2014" most painful read ever. ugh! "
— Lisa, 1/16/2014" I thought the movie was AMAZING. Didn't care for the book though. Would never have even read the book without seeing the movie. "
— Genna, 1/11/2014" The first book is good, the rest... were written for money... and are precious, pretentious, and tedious. "
— Lumindanu, 1/9/2014" 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. "
— Denise, 1/4/2014" 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. "
— Heather, 12/17/2013Frances 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.