The Tuscan Secret in RAC: Promoting the Reader/Author Connection

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Aug 21, 2018 Jena Henry rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Author Angela Petch is not the first English writer to fall in love with Tuscany. Shakespeare set a third of his plays in Italy, some in the Tuscan area. The English Romantic Poets, Keats, Lord Byron, the Shelleys and the Brownings were among many of the 19th century bohemians to be entranced with the region’s sun and culture.

Today, most of us think of the Tuscan countryside, villages, piazzas, and not the cities of the area when we envision a dreamy sojourn. And it is the mountainous areas of Author Angela Petch is not the first English writer to fall in love with Tuscany. Shakespeare set a third of his plays in Italy, some in the Tuscan area. The English Romantic Poets, Keats, Lord Byron, the Shelleys and the Brownings were among many of the 19th century bohemians to be entranced with the region’s sun and culture.

Today, most of us think of the Tuscan countryside, villages, piazzas, and not the cities of the area when we envision a dreamy sojourn. And it is the mountainous areas of Tuscany that Author Petch shows us. Through her words, and photographs, you will fall in love with Tuscany.

A blend of romance and historical fiction, Tuscan Roots tells the story of Italian-born Ines Santini and her English-born daughter, Anna Swilland. While Ines and Anna were not that close in life, the two “connect” when Anna receives her mother’s diaries and stories.

Anna begins to read her mother’s writings, that start in 1943, during World War II. What can Anna do with this pile of paper, notebooks, even a story on a pillowcase? Anna seeks to make her mother’s words come to life so that Ines can finally “tell” her story, secrets and all. In 1999, Anna’s heart leads her to her mother’s birthplace in Tuscany to complete the “memory pearls”.

Author Petch shares the sights, sounds, smells, ambiance and way of life as Anna settles in to Tuscany. From fables and ghost stories, to wedding feasts, and pizza parties, Tuscany and its history may be the best “character” in the book. The author is a gifted storyteller. Piles of silver-grey foliage have been left around the knotty trunks like discarded petticoats.

Our past is the counterweight to our future. World War II was a nightmare for Europe and Author Petch shows us a deep sense of history. I didn’t know much about the resistance in Italy and I thank the author for bringing these partisans to life. War is hard, and we don’t always see how it injures people on the inside. “I am not sorry that I die for the freedom of Italy.” are heartbreaking words for a mother to read.

Will Anna learn to love and honor the memory of her mother and father? Like so many other travelers will she find her own love and life in Tuscany? Readers will enjoy spending time with Anna and Ines.

While I highly recommend this book and I am delighted to tell you that there is a sequel, I do have a small “asterisk”. The book alternates between Ines and Anna. The verb tenses also change. Anna’s story is told in the present tense. I would have been even more immersed in the story without these shifts. This book certainly deserves five stars and I would classify it as a “must read.”

Many thanks to the Author for a copy of this beautiful book.
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May 28, 2019 Kayleigh Brown rated it really liked it

Wow! Why have I not read anything by this author before? The writing is magnificent. Very reminiscent of an author I already love. The blurb lured me straight in and the fascination I have with this period in time is all piqued with books like this one. A thoroughly researched story and great in depth analogy. A story of love, lose, secrets and hope. A story that is also a stark reminder of the ultimate sacrifices made so that we can enjoy life as we know and love today. Italy is beauty personif ...more

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Dec 02, 2019 Annette Spratte rated it really liked it

Shelves: history

This was an interesting read I could very well relate to, because my own father fought in the war and I've often wondered how it was for him. This is a touching tale about children and parents, who don't really know each other, about finding your roots and working out the past.
It's full of hope, despite the tragedy.
The only thing that spoilt the reading experience for me was a bit of a tense-muddle. Past and present tense uses were often confusing to me.
Apart from that, though, I recommend re ...more

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RAC: Promoting the Reader/Author Connection