In Jo’s edition this time, Chasing the Italian Dream, we are transported to Italy, where our main character Lucia is returning to see her Nonno and Nonna. The story is about Lucia, a hardworking lawyer in Wales, who is aiming for a promotion that she hopes to get.
Soon, she took a well-earned break at her grandparents’ place in Southern Italy where there’s sunshine, lemon trees, and her nonna’s mouth-watering cooking that instantly makes her feel at home.
All was going well for Lucia until she learned that her grandfather was retiring from the beloved family pizzeria and will be selling it off. As if the thought of someone else taking over the business wasn’t enough, Lucia was in for another surprise–that person is her ex-husband, Giacomo! This was terrible news for Lucia which made her rethink her decision of what she wants from life. Will it be the chance to carry on the family tradition and live her dream life?
Lucia is a character that is determined and instantly likable. I admired how she gathered women together to challenge the male pizzaiolo tradition and the usage of only locally sourced materials. A lot of characters were given new chances and fresh starts, which was inspiring to witness; it just goes to show that we are never too old to make a significant difference in our lives; sometimes all we need is something to open our eyes to possibilities.
I also like how the romance in this book did not overpower the story. The flow was there but it kept me anxious in guessing what’s about to happen next. Also, this book is really suitable for those who need a little help to get on their feet. Overall, the book has a very good write-up and a great storyline.
On a side note, If you’re on a diet, stay away from this book since it’s filled with tantalizing treats that left us with a frantic longing for pizza and desperate want to taste tiramisu! I enjoyed the competition to see whether the old traditional cuisine could defeat the new sophisticated pizza; I only wish I could have gotten a sneak look at the conclusion!
Sources: Waterstones