Description

Book Synopsis
In this fascinating follow-up to the highly successful Dear Francesca, Mary Contini writes to her other daughter, Olivia, to tell the story of her great-grandparents, the humble Italian shepherds who emigrated to Edinburgh and then helped to transform Britain's food culture. Sharing some of the recipes that they brought over, the tomatoes, the garlic, the sausage, the wine, this is a mouthwatering memoir of family and food. It is also a brilliant evocation of life between the wars, a triumphant story of survival against all the odds, that captures the sights and smells of Italian life and culture, at home and abroad.

Trade Review
A charming story . . . she unravels the family history like a precious thread. Contini's writing has a naturalness and honesty about it that brings a lump to the throat on occasion. * * Sunday Herald * *
A happy blend of epistle, storytelling, memoir. * * The Times * *
Refreshingly down to earth, the book is eminently readable. * * Evening Times * *
Don't miss it. * * Daily Mail * *

Dear Olivia: An Italian Journey of Love and

    Product form

    A Paperback / softback by Mary Contini

    £11.69

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    RRP £12.99 – you save £1.30 (10%)

    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Fri 11 Sep 2026.

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      Book details

      Publisher Canongate Books
      Published 5 July 2007
      ISBN-13 9781841959825
      978-1841959825
      ISBN-10 1841959820
      Also in:
      Biography Autobiography: general Food & Drink National and regional cuisine History Family history, tracing ancestors

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      In this fascinating follow-up to the highly successful Dear Francesca, Mary Contini writes to her other daughter, Olivia, to tell the story of her great-grandparents, the humble Italian shepherds who emigrated to Edinburgh and then helped to transform Britain's food culture. Sharing some of the recipes that they brought over, the tomatoes, the garlic, the sausage, the wine, this is a mouthwatering memoir of family and food. It is also a brilliant evocation of life between the wars, a triumphant story of survival against all the odds, that captures the sights and smells of Italian life and culture, at home and abroad.

      Trade Review
      A charming story . . . she unravels the family history like a precious thread. Contini's writing has a naturalness and honesty about it that brings a lump to the throat on occasion. * * Sunday Herald * *
      A happy blend of epistle, storytelling, memoir. * * The Times * *
      Refreshingly down to earth, the book is eminently readable. * * Evening Times * *
      Don't miss it. * * Daily Mail * *

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