Book Review: The Little Italian Bakery

Santa Teresa di Gallura, Sardinia, Italy. | Iulia Skoda
Santa Teresa di Gallura, Sardinia, Italy. | Iulia Skoda

Book Review: The Little Italian Bakery

"The scent of lemon, aniseed and honey will bring back the past..." 

 
When we can't physically be in Europe, it's time to transport ourselves via our imaginations. Nat from UTracks in Auckland shares a book recommendation that transcends her to Italy.
 
Cycling along the quiet roads of Sardinia
 

Nat Recommends...

 
I completely bought this book, The Little Italian Bakery by Valentina Cebeni, by accident and far removed from the usual crime novels that I read. 
 
The Little Italian Bakery
 
The essence of Sardinia is perfectly captured and it is easy to whisk yourself out of this world and picture yourself within that one.  A place where time has stood still for years on end, but where the secrets of the island have also been hidden in its past.  A nice, light read, with a bit of mystery and some traditional Italian recipes scattered throughout the chapters that I cannot wait to try. 
 
Truffles are a delicacy on the Via Francigena |  <i>Tim Charody</i>
 

The Little Italian Bakery Blurb

 
The scent of freshly baked biscuits, lemon and aniseed remind Elettra of her mother’s kitchen.  But her mother, Edda, is in a coma, and the family bakery is failing.  Elettra has many unanswered questions about Edda’s childhood – the only clue is a family heirloom: a necklace inscribed with the name of an island.  
 
Elettra buys a one-way ticket to that island, just off the coast of Sardinia. Once there, she discovers a community of women, each lost in their own way. They live in a crumbling convent, under threat from the local mayor and his new development plan. It is within the convent's dark corridors and behind its secret doors that Elettra discovers a connection to her mother's past. She also falls in love again: with friendship, baking and adventure.
 
A Spanish Tower on Sardinia's South Coast
 
Other readers have enjoyed this book too:
 
I selected this book for our book club and I have enjoyed the book I am looking forward to the other ladies response. Carol, Sydney.
 

Very enjoyable book, well written with engaging characters. Lizzi, Victoria.

 
> Get your copy of The Little Italian Bakery at your local bookstore or order online. 
 
> Explore Sardinia yourself on UTracks' affordable walking and cycling tours. We can't guarantee your trip will be full of romance, baking and mystery, however.
 
What are you reading at the moment? Let us know in the comments. If you would like to write a full review or recommendation, we'd love to hear it! Simply email us and let us know what book or film gets you itchy to travel.

  
Sardinia, Italy, Book Review, Book Club

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