The Stone Boudoir: Travels through the Hidden Villages of Sicilyby Theresa Maggio
Rating: ★★★
isbn: 9780738208008
Publication Date: April 4, 2003
Pages: 246
Genre: Memoir
Publisher: Perseus Publishing
Thoroughly average. While Maggio had moments in the book where she really brought the villages to life, overall the narrative fell flat and failed to do justice to what I’m sure is a beautiful and rapidly disappearing way of life. It was one of those books that was interesting enough to keep reading, but not so interesting as to make it hard to put the book down.
I suppose it’s for the best, as the book hasn’t dampened my desire to go to Sicily, but neither did it light a fire of “must plan a trip NOW” magnitude, which given current conditions might have proved more frustrating that reading a bland book.
I wouldn’t put Sicily on the top of my list of Italian destinations. On the other hand, the food … Did the author talk about the food? Because the food was … Well, I’m drooling just remembering the food.
She might have mentioned the food. 😀 My grandfaterh immigrated from Sicily in the early 20’s, so there’s a curiosity there, plus I have a thing about islands, apparently. But otherwise, yeah, there are a few more Italian destinations that are a priority.