Tuscany for Beginners

Truly one of the funniest books I've read in a long, long time. If you're a "Keeping Up Appearances" and an "Absolutely Fabulous" fan of British comedies, then you'll love this book. Edgy, uproarious, hypocritical, snobbery-at-its-sneering-finest and hilarity are but a few of the words to describe this story. Imogen Edward-Jones really knows how to tackle obnoxious characters and make them "almost" likeable and even noteworthy. So if you're down in the dumps, pick up this book.

This delightful novel is a wonderful hommage to the Mapp and Lucia novels written in the thirties by E.F.Bensen. This story of two social rivals has been set in modern times here, and moved from a small town in Britain to a small town in Tuscany. Belinda is a forty something British expat who has moved from Britain to open a B & B after discovering her husband in flagrante delecto with her neighbor. After five years in Tuscany and by sheer force of personality she is know as the 'Contessa' of the valley - the ruler of the roost. Suddenly her social world is turned upside down when an upstart American arrives in town to set up a rival B & B. Belinda is self-centered, controlling, exuding a false charm. Lauren, the upstart, is a Wall Street wiz, used to succeeding at everything she does and 'the master' of the hostile takeover. When Belinda declares war on Lauren a Tuscan World War 3 erupts in the small expat community in their valley. Belinda's escapades to disrupt the new B & B are hilarious, the ancillary characters are a hoot, and a touch of romance is infused into the situation when the rivals' son and daughter meet. Sparks fly between the rival mothers and the besotted offspring in this riotous book.

I found my self smirking and actually laughing out loud several times during the reading of this one. The author is quite insightful and certainly has great ability in being able to express herself in a very humerous way. The author uses a very easy reading sytle, perfect and appropriate syntax and is obviously a born story teller. Being somewhat into food, and having a wife who is beyond expert in the art of cooking, I enjoyed the inserted recipes throughout the book. If you are looking for a good, funny, relaxing read, then this one is for you. Recommend it highly.

I really enjoyed this very humorous book about a snobbish and overbearing B & B owner in Tuscany. The book alternates between Belinda's diary entries - her version of what her life is like - and what her life is really like. The difference is really funny. The other characters in the book are great as well - from Belinda's timid daughter Mary, to the resident writer who does more drinking than writing, to the brash American who opens up a rival B & B. While they may sound stereotypical, the characters are not one-dimentional and they work really well in this story. To add to the enjoyment of the book, Belinda includes some really delicious Italian recipes in her journal as well. If you want a bit of well written fun, you will like this book.

I have lately been drawn to books about Tuscany, heck it's the closest I'll ever get to going there and this book did not let me down. Yes, it has the occasional rustic recipe but the characters are what brings this book to life. I am sure everyone has a "Belinda" in their family and what she does left me laughing out loud at times and at other times feeling very sorry for her. I so thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.