Sue is Cooking the Books again this month with a journey to beautiful, rugged Sicily. The summer is not over yet! Why not try Mr B’s team recommendation- the gloriously light Ricotta cake is a fabulous concoction of citrus spiked ricotta cream piled into a featherlight sponge and topped with Sicilian almonds. Team it with a glass of something special and transport yourself to the region through our carefully curated selection of the best of Sicilian writing.
To purchase any or all of the books featured here head to:
https://mrbsemporium.com/shop/book-lists/sues-cooking-the-books-august/
Recipes from Sicily by Katie and Giancarlo Caldesi
Sicily- the largest island in the Mediterranean. Home of Inspector Montalbano….and the Mafia….not forgetting brooding presence of Mount Etna. With a rich culinary history born of Spanish, French, Greek and Arabian influences, this is Italian regional food at its best. From the street food of Palermo to the
finest pastas. From ragus and grilled fish to the wonderful almond-based cakes and desserts of Noto. With glorious photography of both food and location, this is a beautiful foodie journey across the country. Summer’s not yet over- bake some almond and pecorino biscuits , pour yourself a glass of vin santo and immerse yourself in Sicilian literature!
The Hypocrite by Jo Hamya
A hot, tense summer on a Sicilian island finds Sophia typing up her father’s sexy new novel as he dictates it to her. Ten years later, he is in a London theatre, watching her perform in her first play, based on his supposed crimes of that summer. When do we stop idolising our parents? When do they stop idealising us? And can we forgive each others flaws? This elegant & acerbic novel frames the relationship between a father, mother & daughter with brilliant wit.
What Hell Is Not by Alessandro D’Avenia
Based on a true story, set in Palermo, 1993. The area is controlled by mafia thugs but one priest is determined to ensure the future of the children in his care. The translation is beautiful in its poetry; the story of the life and death of Father Pino will linger in your mind. For fans of Elena Ferrante.
The Sicilian by Mario Puzo
From the author of The Godfather, this brutal, explosive book is a final confrontation between the mafioso characters and arguably better than the original. Redolent of the bleak landscape, the myth and legend of the Mafia is revealed in all its sinister glory. Prepare yourself for suspense and action like never before.
Christ Stopped at Eboli by Carlo Levi
Carlo Levi was a painter, a doctor and a writer. Banished to a remote part of southern Italy because of his opposition to Mussolini, he lived for many years in fear for his life. Living amongst the poorest of families, under threat from state and organised crime, hedged in by custom and sorrow, this is his story, in his own words and speaks of resilience and hope in the quest for poetic freedom of expression.