***AN ENGLISH WOMAN TAKES ON PARENTHOOD, THE MAFIA AND A SICILIAN MOTHER-IN-LAW, ALL AT ONCE.*** When career-girl Veronica flies to Sicily for a friends wedding, she accidentally falls in love with one of the grooms three-hundred cousins. A year later she has given up her job, house and friends, and is planning her own wedding with her Latin Lover in the shimmering heat of Sicily. She suspects her seaside dream-villa is being built by the Mafia when the stubbly foreman visits, brandishing a large hammer and demanding more money. In shock, she learns her Sicilian spleen-sandwich and prickly-pear cravings are because she is pregnant. Still reeling, Veronica is challenged to a duel fought with wooden spoons over who is the better woman, when her rosary-flailing mother-in-law starts checking her sons vests are ironed and inspecting the toilet bowl for subtle skidmarks. Can resourceful Veronica solve her problems by pitching one adversary against the other? Join her on an unpredictable journey of hilarity, reckless driving and dangerously large portions of spaghetti in this almost true travel-novel, for people who need more belly-laughs.
R**D
A wonderful discovery,an absolute gem
Review By Ron GouldI first fell in love with the idea of Sicily when I first read Il Gattopardo back in the early 1960's,but quickly discovered that there is very little modern fiction about Sicily that is not written by Andrea Camilleri. There are not many listed on Wikipedia, which manages to leave out one of the great wartime novels "There's No Home" by Alexander Baron.Having managed two holidays in Palermo,I really tried to find more books,but failed.Then exploring the Internet I discovered Veronica Di Grigoli's blog and through that this wonderful book.What's to say about it?First it is a novel,but like all good novels it is based in fact and is a bit autobiographical.Secondly it is very well writtenThird it is very,laugh out loud funny.What I love about the descriptions of family life and family events in the book is how different and how similar to everybody's experiences.I had to read out loud,her description of the relatives and guests at a first communion and thinking how like a Bar Mitzvah it was.I could go on at great length,but it would be best for you to read the book and make the connections yourself.I must however mention the criminal activity in the final chapters. Completely unbelievable, except that they are absolutely true and I know for a certain fact that one of the most unbelievable incidents is a verbatim translation from a Palermo newspaper.A great read,thank you Ms Di Grigoli. Ancora per favore
A**N
Absolutely hilarious
Gave this book to my own mother in law and she thinks it's "absolutely hilarious". She laughs out loud just remembering what she's read already.Already addicted to Veronica's blog, I knew before I started that this would be a hilarious, joyful and truthful book. Great holiday reading. Essential if travelling to Sicily. But just fantastic to read anytime to make you feel happy!
J**T
I thoroughly enjoyed the pace and comedy of the narrative
I read this book very quickly after it arrived. I thoroughly enjoyed the pace and comedy of the narrative. Veronica provides the reader with a first hand insight into Sicilian family culture and the trials and tribulations of life in this wonderful place. I'm looking forward to reading more of her books.
P**E
Truthful but needs an editor
It’s true to Sicilian life but needed a good editor.
N**F
Hilariously Honest!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Veronica warmly invites the reader into her world and provides a very witty snapshot of Sicilian life, exploring the highs and lows of adapting to life on the island as an expat!
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