My taste for travel narratives is starting to wane a little now. With the words ”A Seachange in Italy” on the front cover of this book, I felt compelled to read it in light of our trip. It was okay. Perhaps I’ve been reading too many of this style of book, or perhaps I just didn’t connect with a lot of the themes that Llewellyn identifies. Perhaps I shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.
Nino, the older Italian neighbour who, in a way adopts Llewellyn and his family, is a classic. By far the most enjoyable chapters are those which detail bread making-village style, and those which describe working the land at different times of the year for various foods. The way European provincial living relies on reading weather patterns and observing superstitions is rather insightful, and at times quite funny.
A pleasant piece of escapism if that’s what you’re in search of.
Posted by yappingdog 