The Almond Picker

I loved this book - the characters were well-drawn and multi-dimensional, and I got a real feeling for the setting: a small town in Sicily. The author tells the tale beautifully, in an unfamilar style: sure, I had to pay attention, but as I did, I was rewarded as the story was revealed. The ending wrapped up in a totally satisfactory way, and I finished the book feeling that I had read something truly marvelous and well-crafted. Don't miss this one! It's a true, hidden gem, and I would definately look for more work from this author.

Maria Rosalia Inzerillo, also known a La Mennulara (the woman who gathers almonds) lived in a small Sicilian town called Roccacolomba; her death came very suddenly although many knew she had been ill for some time. Rumours and gossip begin to spread like wild fly through the streets of Roccacolomba and everybody it seemed had there own story to tell. Who really was this woman? Her humble beginning of nothing more than a peasant farmer's daughter and as a young girl forced to become a maid for the wealthy Alfallipe family, only to end up manager of the Alfallipe estate. How is this possible? How did this happen? How rich was Mennulara and where has all the money disappeared too? Could it simply be Mennulara squander the Alfallipes fortune? Everybody knew she was hard working and everyone had a reason to hate her. These Unanswered questions send the remaining Alfallipe family scurrying after the rumours; quite whispers in corners become uncontrollable. Who were Mennulara enemies? Who would pay their respects at her funeral and what was the local mafia chief doing there? Only time will tell. This is a beautiful woven tale full of gossip, intrigue and corruption. Each chapter gives you the hint that not all is what it seems only wanting you to read on. Rumours unfold and you begin to get the feeling that even in death Mennulara had a plan. This book holds you in it's grip and slowly it begins to answer all your questions. I thought this was wonderfully put together, you really get the feel of a small Sicilian town where you can imagine how talk and gossip flows through it. The Author Simonetta Agnello Hornby Pondered on an idea of writing this novel while delayed on a British Airways flight from Palermo-London. Inspiration brought on in the strangest of places. I can only hope Simonetta is currently writing her second novel without the delay. Congratulations on such an intriguing first novel.

I picked this book up from the library shelf, attracted by the cover picture of a fruit tree in blossom and the relatively small size (5"X7"). I noted that it was over three hundred pages. My usual method for deciding on a book is to read the first paragraph and if it grabs my attention, I take it home. This book was a wonderful surprise. I started reading the first page and could not stop. It is the story of the life of a servant in the household of the town's most prominent family. The town is a small one in Sicily. This in itself was fascinating as I knew little about Sicily. The author develops a captivating tale through the eyes of most of the townspeople. This, in turn involves you in the lives of all of them. You become a member of this charming community. I heartily recommend this book. In fact, I am going to purchase a copy for a gift for my Sicilian descended daughter-in-law.

This is the sort of book you read with a smile on your face throughout, the same way you would watch a Fellini movie. A small town in Sicily reacts to the death of one of its most interesting characters, and what is revealed is a magnificent panorama of life, carefully unfolding before you. A totally satisfying read. Thank you, Simonetta Agnello Hornby.