Vanilla Beans & Brodo: Real Life in the Hills of Tuscany [Paperback]

Isabella Dusi (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2002

Isabella Dusi, a native Australian, settled in Montalcino, a beautiful mountain eyrie famous for its wine and the proud nature of its inhabitants. Her acceptance into this close-knit community was a hard-won thing and has inspired Isabella to capture the true spirit of Montalcino. Vanilla Beans & Brodo tells of the violent history of this medieval village, which has lefts its mark on the character traits of the Montalcinese, and also offers a rare insight into the anxiety, joy, fun, and pressure of daily life as it unfolds with the seasons. An evocative story of the rivalry between village neighborhoods, of football fever and festival pageantry, Isabella Dusi destroys the myth that Tuscan villages are tranquil places, and instead reveals a life infinitely rich and full of dramas.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This isn't just another "we moved to a foreign country for a better quality of life" book. Instead, it is a leisurely exploration of a medieval Tuscan village and its people, from a tortured past to a thriving present. Montalcino, which has perched for centuries atop a hill in Tuscany, is noted today for its exceptional Brunello wine and the annual Sagra, an archers' tournament. Australians Isobel and Lou Dusi arrived there as empty nesters. Over time, as they found acceptance among the Montalcinesi, they became Isabella and Luigi. But their book is less about cultural adaptation than about paying meticulous attention to every facet of Italian life. Culturally sensitive, Dusi avoids the trap of mocking the unfamiliar or seemingly bizarre. She takes small steps to insinuate herself into social life, always mindful of a history that is not her own. She introduces us, without prejudice, to the ancient animosities between the country and village people, enthusiastically supports the local soccer team, and works to save a church in her Pianello quarter. Most of the stories, though, belong to the Montalcinesi Duci's landlords, shopkeepers, village officials, historians, hunters, and amateur archaeologists. This m lange of adventure and social history is recommended for large travel collections or where there is interest in Italian life. Janet Ross, formerly with Sparks Branch Lib., NV
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

After many years working in Australia in interior design, Isabella Dusi decided to move to Italy with her husband Luigi. They now run a travel business based in Montalcino. This is her first book.

Product Details

• Paperback: 456 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK (May 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0743404114
• ISBN-13: 978-0743404112
• Product Dimensions: 1.2 x 5 x 7.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #591,613 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent portayal of small Italian village, February 23, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Vanilla Beans & Brodo: Real Life in the Hills of Tuscany (Paperback)

I have lived in Italy for the past six years and have read many books on Italian life. This is one of the best as it truly shows how Italians really live, think, and gives such a wonderful description of the historical and political aspects of a hill-top village that I was even tempted to immediately begin reading it again to be sure I did not miss anything.

I recently visited Montalcino and came across this book for the first time. I do think a different title would have put it on the best seller's list as it is much better than "Under the Tuscan Sun" or others I have read. Well written in the descriptions of people and places. We are recommending it to our book club! This is a must read before visiting any hill town in Tuscany - but especially beautiful Montalcino. After reading this book, I cannot wait to return.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More Italian Dreams, October 21, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Vanilla Beans & Brodo: Real Life in the Hills of Tuscany (Paperback)

I am totally in love with everything Italian and with the Italian joy of life. I am planning to take a one-way trip when I retire and hopefully land permanently in some marvelous location such as Montalcino. This book makes us aware not only of the wonders available to us when we visit Italy but to how much we miss by not being prepared for our visits.
VB&B is a fascinating book about a region and a primer on how to learn to adapt and enjoy another culture than our own. We so seldom slow down and learn in depth about a place before moving on to something else - this book will teach you how to absorb the atmosphere which most people miss.

When you have finished "Vanilla Beans and Brodo", go on to another great book about learning to live in Italy: "Extra Virgin".

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars BORING!, November 11, 2007

By 

John H. Padgham (Georgia, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Vanilla Beans & Brodo: Real Life in the Hills of Tuscany (Paperback)

I've read at least 30 books on Italy and many on life in Tuscany, and this one was CLEARLY the worst!! The writer takes forever to tell a story, and goes into so much detail I'm asleep before she ever gets to the point. I've been to Montalcino, and I still found myself laboring to get through this book. There are MANY better books to read: "Too Much Tuscan Sun", "The Reluctant Tuscan", "A Thousand Days in Tuscany", "A Day in Tuscany", "I, Mona Lisa", "Extra Virgin", "Italian Neighbors"....