Customer Reviews

Bruculinu, America: Remembrances of Sicilian-American Brooklyn, Told in Stories and Recipes

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A touching recollection of the Italian-American experience in Brooklyn. I highly recommend it. Bruculinu has truly authentic Sicilian recipes that anybody would find mouthwatering and heartwarming stories told through the Italian perspective. Growing up in the Brooklyn neighborhood Mr. Schiavelli writes about(Stanhope Street),and living through the tail end of the era he desribes, I was reminded of my childhood and of a time where family came first, and respect for others was the rule. No other book in recent memory captures the beauty and richness of the Italian culture. I myself remember living through many events similar to the ones Mr. Schiavelli tells (The St.Joseph's Day rituals, feasts with men carrying statues of Saints, Knickerboker Ave.).A must have cookbook for any serious collection. Great stories for the whole family to read.

Too bad I can't give this book 10 stars - it's that good. More of a novel than a cookbook - it's a warm, loving look at a family that reminds me of my own years ago - we were not italian - but the sense of family is still there. The recipes are great - not only delicious, but easy to follow. I plan to give this book out this year for Christmas and Hannukah presents.

I originally bought this book because I have always been interested in ethnic neighborhoods. Having lived in Italy for the last ten years I was more skeptical about the recipes. Having said that, while I was reading the book it was clear that Schiavelli knew what he was talking about. Myself and my wife (who is Italian) have been consistently ecstatic about the results of the recipes.

I read this book with one arm. I had just broken my elbow in late 1998, and this book took me into another, happier world and literally eased my pain. You'll love the stories of a bygone era told with with love.

Thanks, Vincent, for easing my pain with your wonderful book.

This book is a delightful recounting of Sicilian life just as I lived it in the same neighborhood of Mr.Schiavelli.We lived on Starr St.and Knickobocker Ave.across the street from the park,attended St.Joseph's Church,and went to our doctor on Bushwick Ave.We shopped on Knickerbocker Ave.for everything,from Italian grocers,meat markets,fruit stands to Woolworths.I grew up there in the 40s and 50s,and thanks to your book,I've been given the chance to relive those wonderful days again.If we were poor we didn't know it,for we were very rich in love,warmth,and family.Keep on writing and tell us how you got into acting.I've seen you in many movies and always enjoy your performances.I'm glad a neighborhood boy and a Sicilian made good.Me? I became a school teacher,retired now.Continued success and best wishes

Vinnie's cookbooks are a recreation of the world that we grew up in, a world long gone but captured so perfectly in his pages. The recipes and stories are flowing with love and meant to be savored. I can still picture Vincent, strolling through the school hallways, a head taller than so many of the other kids, a "presence" even then. (I should have flirted with him more!) I originally bought the books because I saw his name on the covers. As I read them, they took me back to my childhood. I use them regularly because they contain the best, most authentic, delicious Italian recipes I have ever come across.

I read cookbooks from cover to cover. My husband thinks I'm crazy. But he too loved this book. Schiavelli's story telling takes you into his neighborhood and you can almost see it unfold before you. And so far we've cooked three of the recipes in the book -- all winners. My favorite: spaghetti and meat balls. Best I've ever had and it will replace my German-Irish-American family's family recipe. This is cooking at its basics. It seems all too often cooks try to reinvent the wheel rather than rely on simple seasonings that let the flavors show through. These recipes don't fall into that trap.

Growing up in "Bruculinu" (Hart St. and Knickerbocker Ave. to be exact)between 1946 and 1967 (when we moved all the way to Glendale, Queens!)was an experience to be cherished. Mr. Schiavelli captures the essence of that time and place, so much so that I plan to give a copy of the book to each of my 3 children, with a few of my own notes written in here and there. It will tell them the story of where I came from, better than I could ever hope to. Thanks, Vince!

I saw this book and needed to read it. After all, I am also Sicilian and born and raised in Brooklyn (though a good many years after Mr. Schiavelli.) His memories brought back a great deal of my own; often ones I had forgotten. I thank him for this. From the street vendors with their horses to the people sharing stories on their stoops to the men's only clubs and the strega exorcising the evil eye - It is all as I remember it, too. If anyone says that this book isn't true to Brooklynites and to Italians, they must not be either.
Enjoy it, it is true treasure!

These wonderful stories remind me of growing up in my huge Siclian family, back in NJ. Our large "tribal" gatherings also took place around food and story, both necessary to nurturing body and soul. I want to bring back those good times by cooking and feasting on every one of Mr. Schiavelli's recipes with my family. Bonissimo!