The Ritual Master I think of Italy and words just start to appear : Buonissimo… Auguri… Signorina… Buratta… Ciao ragazzi !
The melody of the Italian language always brings a smile to my face. But sometimes, I need a little more. I admit I live off my memories of past travels, but in a hopeful and not nostalgic way, dreaming of my next Italian escape. And in order to plan it, I turn to books. So today I decided to share with you three books to inspire or make you dream of La Dolce Vita.
Paysages italiens / Italian backgrounds, by Edith Wharton
If Edith Wharton needed no introduction as a novelist, her travel essays where a surprise for me. I picked this up in a French bookshop, so I read it in translation, but I have a feeling I didn’t loose too much from the original. Italian backgrounds is a collection of descriptive essays from Wharton’s travels in Italy, published in 1905. The poetry of her observations, the endless hills and countryside she paints with such elegant words, construct an intimate travel journal that instantly transports you. From the Swiss border through Piemonte and Lombardia, Umbria, Toscana or Emilia Romagna, her rythm becomes your own, and her attention to detail transforms your view of travelling.
Bellini Cocktail
And sice La Dolce Vita must honour the pleasure of life, I’ll make a classic drink : Bellini cocktail.
Venice, 1948. Giuseppe Cipriani, owner of Harry’s Bar, creates the Bellini in honour of Venitian painter Giovanni Bellini. One third peach purée, two thirds Prosecco. A small miracle. Elegant, simple, deliciously tempting and terribly Italian ! Salute !
Bella Figura, how to live, love and eat the Italian way, by Kamin Mohammadi
Kamin Mohammadi’s memoir may sound familiar. The story of a successful yet burned-out working woman in the big city, that took off to reconnect with her spirit in Tuscany. But once you start reading, you instantly feel this book was not written in order to become a romantic comedy. This is a real woman’s journey to finding joy in every day life and ultimately in her career as well. The concept of Bella Figura is at the center of her reflection, and it transforms the narrative into lessons learned. I think that for me, besides the charming Italian vibes, the most valuable idea was that of welcoming life in our most beautiful, glamourous, sparkling form. And if we make this effort, life will repay us by becoming worthy of our shining light.
Prosciutto crudo e melone
How is this going to happen, you ask ? Well, for instance, I think life has rewarded me for my smile today, by creating this extraordinary combination of flavours that is Prosciutto Crudo e Melone. The sweet aroma of melon is a gift in itself, but who would have thought that introducing it to salty, 9 months cured meat, would make for such an explosion of taste. This, for me, is the definition of a match made in heaven, and the perfect bite of Italy.
A year in the village of Eternity, by Tracey Lawson
And speaking of food, my last book recommendation revolves around the Italian table. Tracey Lawson studied the village of Campodimele, high in the Italian mountains. People here have attracted the interest of scientists from around the world, because they live extraordinarily long and active lives. Lawson structured her book following the seasons, since this seems to be one of the keys to living a balanced life. Observations on locals and their daily routines, together with more than a hundred recipes for every occasion, A year in the village of eternity is an intimate portrait of this unique and unforgettable place. Inspiration guaranteed !
I hope this will give you some ideas to start exploring the Italian lifestyle even before getting on a plane to Rome. And please share your Italian book recommendations in the comments below, I’m always up for a little imaginary trip.
Until next time, enjoy your reading, and your rituals !
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