|
A YEAR IN THE WORLD:
|
||
|
Broadway Books, 2006
Reviewed by Barbara Fielding
Frances Mayes was the real life inspiration for the movie
UNDER THE
TUSCAN SUN. Mayes' travel book, by the same title, featured the story of
her famous trip to Italy. Her new book, A YEAR IN THE WORLD, is a
travelogue of a series of trips she has taken in one year. The chapters
are divided by her exotic destinations: Spain, Portugal, Italy, Morocco,
Greece, Crete, The British Isles, Scotland, Turkey and Naples.
A YEAR IN THE WORLD is an interesting way to see faraway places, through
Frances Mayes' eyes. She captures the spirit of enchanting destinations
and immerses readers in the scent of their foods, history, gardens,
architecture and colors. Her descriptions are vivid and the people she
encounters along the way open a fascinating doorway into foreign
cultures. Her husband Ed, and old friends they sometimes share lodging
with, bring a comfortable quality to the locations and experiences. The
food and wine are a strong feature throughout her travels. She even
includes a few recipes to tempt readers.
Mayes has an easy writing style that draws you into her adventures. Her
experience of places frequently evokes a reference to poetry and
literature -- like THE SECRET GARDEN as she sits in a garden in
Scotland or THE SHELTERING SKY while in Fez.
A YEAR IN THE WORLD is a wonderful choice to take on vacation or to read
when you feel like getting away. It can be read slowly since it is
structured in such a way that you can put the book down and come back to
it whenever the mood to travel comes over you.
April 2006
All cover art used at Reviewer's Choice Reviews is copyrighted by the
respective publisher. All reviews and articles found at Reviewer's Choice
Reviews are the sole property of the contributor and are copyrighted by
the same. |
