Tuscan Secrets: A bittersweet adventure

‘You can’t help being won over by its charm …’ - Canberra Times

Reluctantly leaving Venice behind her, Marlena de Blasi travels with her Italian husband south to begin their new adventure. It’s in San Casciano dei Bagni, a small Tuscan village that Marlena and Fernando hope to find a rural way of life in which they can both share.

Almost immediately, Barlozzo, a gruff, charming Tuscan who has lived in San Casciano all of his life, appears as their guide. Through him, Marlena and Fernando explore the old rhythms of country life linked to the growing seasons. Barlozzo’s fascinating stories lead Marlena and Fernando to the regional festivals, to taste just-pressed olive oil drizzled over roasted country bread, and zucchini blossoms, fried to a golden lightness and sprayed with sea-salted water. Barlozzo shares his knowledge of farming traditions, ancient health potions and artisan food makers but he has secrets he doesn’t share, and one of them concerns the beautiful Floriana, whose illness teaches Marlena that happiness is truly a choice.

Beautifully combining Marlena’s passions, Tuscan Secrets also weaves Marlena’s enticing recipes through this utterly delightful memoir of food, travel and love.

‘Rich in both personal and historical detail, and coupled with her tremendous recipes, this is a winner.’ - Family Circle