Tuscan Soup [Paperback]

Lou Wakefield (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 4, 2002

Single art teacher Marion Hardcastle is rather regretting having agreed to come on holiday with Tom and Janice Cowlishaw. They aren't exactly kindred spirits. And they aren't exactly being made to feel welcome by the supercilious owner of the Palazzo Fratorelli. The Contessa seems to be much more interested in ingratiating herself with her other guests, famous theatre director Terence Armstrong, and film stars, Christopher Bassett and Beatrice Miller-Mander. But, in the warmth of the Italian sunshine, the guests at the Palazzo gradually start to throw off their traditional British reserve - and so begins an extraordinary week of drama, danger, passion, violence, tears, tantrums, sordid secrets - and unexpected romance. Even Marion thaws enough to start enjoying herself. And, who knows, perhaps even fall in love ...

Editorial Reviews

Review

'A latter-day version of La Ronde ... hilarious and comically naughty ... the escapades are underlaid by genuine affection for the characters and a genuine desire to entertain.' -- The Sunday Times 'Ideal holiday reading.' -- Good Book Guide TUSCAN SOUP is a thoroughly, unashamedly, gloriously romantic romp through the Italian countryside with a motley, hilarious crew straight out of a Mike Leigh film. A Tuscan comedy of manners and errors, beautifully observed and painfully funny.' -- Meera Syal 'All the right ingredients; given a good stir; delicious outcome!' -- Jenni Murray 'Treat yourself. Buy this book and savour the delicious ingredients in Tuscan Soup.' -- Sue Townsend 'A cure for the blues. Lou Wakefield knows how to make us happy.' -- Dorothy Rowe 'I loved the novel: I saw myself in it and all of Tuscany. It's tightly written, it's very funny and once started, couldn't be put down.' -- Miriam Margolyes

About the Author

Born and brought up in Leicester, Lou Wakefield is a writer, director and actor. Highlights of her eclectic career include being in the original cast of TOP GIRLS at the Royal Court and the Public Theatre in New York; playing Janet in the ROCKY HORROR SHOW at the King's Road Theatre in 1975, and Jackie Woodstock in THE ARCHERS. TV appearances include INSIDE OUT, MORSE, THE BILL and CASUALTY. Amongst her many television productions, she has directed CORONATION STREETand BROOKSIDE. She wrote the award winning FIRM FRIENDS for ITV, and co-writes the highly successful Ladies of Letters for BBC Radio 4, which stars Prunella Scales and Patricia Routledge. TUSCAN SOUP is Lou Wakefield's first novel.

Product Details

• Paperback: 406 pages
• Publisher: Coronet (April 4, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0340733802
• ISBN-13: 978-0340733806
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.4 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,082,031 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)