An enchanting read!
- Book: To Tuscany With Love
- Location: Tuscany, United States (USA)
- Author: Gail Mencini
While reading this book, I couldn’t stop myself from thinking about Bob Marley’s spectacular words about “friends”:
“The truth is, everyone is going to hurt you. You just got to find the ones worth suffering for.”
Gail Mencini, an American author, penned down her debut novel called, To Tuscany with Love , which is all about regrets, past demons, loss and love and mostly about priceless friendships.
Synopsis:
Bella Rossini, a vivacious college junior, lands in jail overnight with acquaintances whom she mistakes for friends. Shipped off to Tuscany by her mother, Bella is suddenly thrust into living with seven strangers during one life-altering summer.
Meet Hope, the sturdy and practical girl, steadfast in her loyalty to her boyfriend; Meghan and Karen, identical twins with an eye for fashion and beauty to match; Stillman, haunted by his hard past, and Phillip, an athlete, both fuelled by competition; Lee, by family mandate in pre-med; and Rune, the Hollywood-bound wild child. All add sizzling chemistry and rebellious humour to the mix.
In one whirlwind summer, while uncovering the charms of Italy, they discover both friendship and
love. After their summer together, life – and loss – happens.
Returning to Tuscany 30 years later, their dreams, anger, secrets and disappointments create an
emotional kaleidoscope. Their reunion sends them on a startling collision course that none of them
could have predicted.
A group of disparate students visit Tuscany in Italy for a semester. And that was the most beautiful period of their lives. Young and naïve, together they all explore the ends of a relationship and physical intimacy among each other, thereby trying to find themselves from the inside. Moreover, they all blend themselves into the rich culture of Italy. Soon their dream trip comes to an end when they returns back to the States, where we see them evolving out of their innocence into more mature and sensible human beings. 30 years down the line, they all receive another golden reunion opportunity in Italy from an anonymous person. But will things be same between them, especially where they left it off?
You rarely come across those books which inspire you so much that you feel like hopping on to the next flight to the book’s destination. By the name itself, To Tuscany with Love sounds like an enchanting book, and honestly this book can be your best guide book, if you are planning to visit Italy. The author portrayed the landscapes, culture, religion and people of Italy strikingly and captured the beauty of Tuscany with her exquisite words. Moreover, her descriptions about Italy are filled with passion and love for the beautiful country, thus will completely transport you right into the streets of Italy. While reading the book, you will need to look up at times to make yourself realize that you’re actually sitting inside your room and not inside some Italian café.
All the eight characters are well-developed and moreover, their demeanour will strike you as someone in their youth trying to explore the beauty and the mysteries of the world. Drastically lost and carefree- that’s what I call them as. I loved how the author poured down emotional tantrums and insecurity in their carefree lives, thus challenging them with their unfinished past. All these flawed characters simply left an impressionable mark upon my mind. The romance that the author tried to explore through these characters is quite delicately written with deep passion, intimacy and with emotions running wild and high. For a first time author, Mencini simply entranced both my mind and heat with her beautiful novel.
I absolutely flowed with the author’s simple and smooth narrative style. This the perfect book to carry on your travel handbag. There is love, friendships, regrets and a bit of mystery and a lot of Italy. Thanks to the author for letting me see Italy with her own eyes so vividly and brightly.
Verdict: A compassionate as well as an engaging novel that you can’t miss.
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