A Tuscan Memory by Angela Petch – Books On Tour (Review)

As lush and beautiful as the countryside setting itself, this book was unlike most that I have read this year.

It is obvious that the author has either traveled extensively through the region or has done some serious homework, because it seemed that almost every passage contained a feeling or thought that conveyed every aspect of Tuscany. The detailed descriptions evoke the sights and smells and the character interactions capture the attitude of the people.

The author moves seamlessly from present day to the years surrounding WWI, building the story from both ends. It’s effective and the plot moves along fluidly. While the action does move back and forth between the two stories being told, the plot itself is not confusing.

However, in spite of the character list at the beginning, I was still often confused as to family relationships and how everything connected. I thought that it was just because I wasn’t paying close enough attention.

And then I realized that this is part of a series and a republishing as well. I totally didn’t make the connection, and that is completely on me (no fault of the author). I really enjoyed The Tuscan Girl, so I have no idea why it didn’t trigger that this was the same family. However, I have not read The Tuscan Secret, so maybe I just didn’t have the continuity in mind?

Unfortunately for me, I realized it too late to help me figure out the earlier parts of the book. Again, totally on me, not the author or the story that she tells.

Regardless of all of that, the two stories (present and past) are compelling and it was interesting to see how the author wove them together in the end. I would definitely recommend this book for the pictures it paints of Tuscany.

I would also recommend reading the first books to get the background and to be clear on who the characters are, as well as their relationships to others. This story is enjoyable, but you will get so much more out of it if you are clear on the family history first.

Author Bio:

I’m an award winning writer of fiction – and the occasional poem.

Every summer I move to Tuscany for six months where my husband and I own a renovated watermill which we let out. When not exploring our unspoilt corner of the Apennines, I disappear to my writing desk at the top of our converted stable.

In my Italian handbag or hiking rucksack I always make sure to store notebook and pen to jot down ideas. The winter months are spent in Sussex where most of our family live. When I’m not helping out with grandchildren, I catch up with writer friends.