Francesca's Kitchen

Francesca is feeling out of sorts. Her husband passed away some number of years ago, and her two married daughters with their children have moved away leaving only her unmarried son in Providence, RI. Unfortunately, Joey decided to enter a Rugby tournamnet in Australia and is out of the hosue for a while also. Coming back from a visit with one of her daughters and their family, Francesca realizes that what she misses is being engaged in something, so she starts looking for something more meaningful to do. As it happens, at this same time, Loretta is looking for a quasi-nanny and babysitter. Loretta is a single mother with two kids who is working in a demanding job and is always so harried that she really has no time to take proper care of herself or her kids. When the two meet, it does not take long before the noodles start flying! Francesca is appalled to note that Loretta's house is very "lived in" as she says and that no one ever produces a proper meal - instead Loretta relies on take out and frozen dinners. So, Francesca goes to work. In no time flat, Francesca is whipping up Italian favorites like spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, pastina soups and many other scrumptious meals that have the kids enthralled and Loretta intrigued. Loretta asks Francesca to teach her how to cook and the two women - a generation apart - get along famously. Then, the son returns. Now, Francesca has not told her family what she is doing as she was afraid that they would view this negatively and she keeps it a secret from her son as well. Fortunately, her car breaks down right in front to Loretta's home and Francesca calls Joey to help. Joey meets Loretta ... and .... well ... you can guess where the rest of the story is going. Francesca is a great character. Here is a woman who dedicated her life to her family and friends and finds herself not being needed - so she jumps in to help another family in need. In the process, she discovers a lot more about herself and impacts the world around her in a very positive manner. The cooking scenes are described lovingly and make you almost smell and taste the dishes. The way Francesca gets herself accepted by the kids shows a profound understanding of life and people. This was a great read with no major implications - simply a story about family life told with humor and understanding. There is no mystery as the two major romantic entanglements can be seen to be coming from the get go. It is well written and well described and makes you want to personally get to know Francesca - although we all probably know someone like her.

I bought this book because the cover caught my eye, I read the synopsis and decided to give it (and the author) a try. The cover is only the beginning of the joy that is contained in this book. The characters are so alive, I felt as if I were among them. The descriptions of food and smells had my mouth watering and made me want to go to the kitchen. This is a story that left a smile on my face long after the last page was turned.

I am about the same age as Francesca, so I felt a real connection to her feelings.

A WONDERFUL BOOK, with real characters. Read it in two days commuting. I am Italian, and felt at home for a family Sunday Dinner. The descriptive cooking made me hungry. Francesca and Joey reminded me of so many relationships growing up. Thank you Peter

I have never had the chance to read any of Peter Pezzelli's other books but an article about Francesca's Kitchen intrigued me. I rarely read this type of book..I am more into mysteries and suspense. However, I was pleasantly surprised. It was a warm, enjoyable read. I could relate as my children have recently moved out and I, too, am an empty nester. Most of the story centered around the kitchen with Francesca's love and caring being expressed in her food and caring nature. I could just smell the garlic and tomatoes simmering. I highly recommend.