Angela Petch
On opening this beautiful book, I arrived in the âearly morning sunshine at Perugiaâ, with Anna. I sat back as she drove the Italian car and observed the way that the road ââ¦cut its way through tobacco fields sprouting green shoots and [took] a mountain road joining Sansepolcro to Rimini.â I admired the olive trees and waited as the âroad climbedâ.  It was impossible not to see the âlake glisteningâ and to imagine the people sheltering in this setting during World War Two.
On arrival at Rofelle, I found my way through the tangle of ivy, listened to the river rushing past the stones and opened the large wooden door to the mill.   The paint was peeling, but the knocker of the lionâs head stood proud; as if to announce the courage of Davide, Ines and their parents. I opened the door to enter the past, with Anna, through the letters and diaries. It was wonderful to meet Annaâs mother, in the diaries, but painful to discover that her âheart began to shrivel a little each day…â during her traumatic life.
I stopped at the mill âhidden in the folds of the Alps of the Moon, where the sun sets from the jewel red skies behind misted blue peaks.â Annaâs mother once lived in a mill, and she explains ââ¦the old building in ruins, crumbling into nothing seems to mirror what I am leaning of Mammaâs past.â The Mill is âfragileâ and is a symbol of lost history and lost dreams that could be rekindled by the new generation. Sitting on the steps to read the letters and diaries, I sensed the âbreeze that dances on the riverâ. Listening to the âsound of the river and distant sheep bellsâ, I could feel the loneliness of Ines. I am sure I heard the voices of the German soldiers who would have bathed there, and the whispers of the POWs and partisans hidden in the mountains.
I was completely spellbound by the characters and the clever structure of this novel. âTuscan Rootsâ is a beautifully written novel examining cultural differences, the impact of war and the risks that ordinary people will take. I was intrigued by the details of post war Britain, but wanted to stay in Italy. The contrast between the two settings and cultures reinforces Inesâ emotional landscape. The patchwork of history and the present are sewn together effortlessly with Angelaâs distinctive prose. How much do we really understand about our grandparents and parentsâ experiences? Such a poignant message is presented:
âWe should not bury our memories, even if they are painful, even if mistakes were made in those times, which causes us anguishâ¦we must learn from them.â
I discovered Annaâs history, trusted her observations and understood her pain. I was very fond of the vulnerable, innocent Ines who demonstrated incredible bravery. The descriptions of the setting rooted me to the novel, and made me understand how it bound Ines to her homeland. I pondered the way that a landscape can remain untouched throughout the generations but people leave clues about the placeâs history.  The author examines how war changes circumstances and the simple things that we take for granted. I was in awe of the people who made sacrifices for others during the war, in Italy. The romance of the setting presents the reader with the hope of love. The romance in the novel is wonderful, natural and tender. Angelaâs writing style is captivating.
The food prepared by the locals, in the Italian Apennines, transcends time and bridges the gap between the generations.  I enjoyed âthe stuffed zucchini flowers, little squares of crostini topped with spicy tomatoes, liver pate and a creamy relish made from dandelion flowers, roasted bay leaves topped with ovals of melted cheese.â Food is prepared to celebrate feasts, to welcome people into the home, to celebrate family occasions and to woo.
This novel evokes the senses and leaves the reader firmly fixed in Tuscany. Not the touristâs Italy, but rural, down to earth Italy â âthis landscape feels lived inâ, and the author breathes life into âthe ghosts from the pastâ. The story of the POW and partisans provide another dimension to this story, and I was impressed with how this was skilfully woven into the story.
Read Tuscan Roots, and you will not want to leave the romantic beauty of âindigo blue mountainsâ, or the ruins of Il Mulino (The Mill). You will be impressed with the bravery of the Italian community during the war, and you will not want to leave the blossoming romance. I highly recommend this book!
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Please see all my reviews at Books in Handbag and my blog at jessiecahalin.com.