Monday, January 28, 2013

The Italian Wedding by Nicky Pellegrino



Paperback: 362 pages
GenreContemporary Romantic Fiction
Publisher:  Orion 2009

Source:  Tywyn Library, Wales.
First Sentence: The mannequin was propped up in the corner of Pieta's attic room.

Review Quote:
“If your soul needs some nourishing, The Italian Wedding is a great pick.” 

– Mindfood magazine
 My Opinion:  A novel to lose yourself in for a few hours undemanding read.

This is the second title by this author that I have read and I doubt it will be the last as I believe they are all set in Italy. Although I am already living the Italian dream it was a pleasure to lose myself in the setting for this delightful novel for a few hours of undemanding reading. A relaxing read written by an author whose passion for Italy is obvious from the delightful way she writes, even including some authentic recipes in the storyline.

With a simple plot about love, feuding families and plenty of recipes for delicious Italian food, I was quickly immersed. The Martinelli family live and work in the area of Little Italy in London, running the family business of a restaurant.  Father, Beppe resides over the kitchen at home and at work, the latter with his younger daughter Addolorata. The older daughter Pieta is a designer of bridal gowns so it is only natural that she should be designing and making the wedding gown for her sister's forthcoming nuptials. She is helped by their English mother Catherine who has always seemed to the girls to be quietly in the background of family life. It is when she is helping Pieta with the time consuming intricate beading for the dress that the two women start to chat about the past and for the first time Catherine opens up to her daughter about how she and Beppe met and fell in love. The story also eventually explains why there is a long standing feud with another local Italian family. With realistically portrayed characters the unfolding story is a charming read. Romantic fiction with an Italian theme which will appeal to many fans of this genre.

My earlier review for Recipe For Life

Author Profile
Image credit: New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Nicky Pellegrino's Italian father came to England and fell in love with a Liverpool girl which is where Nicky was born on the first of January 1964. Bringing his passion for food to his new family, his Italian mantra that you live to eat not eat to live is one of the inspirations behind Nicky's delicious novels. Now living in New Zealand, where she works as a journalist, Nicky hordes her holidays so she and her husband can return to Italy to see family, eat the best mozzarella and research her books.

When Nicky first started writing fiction it was her memories of childhood summers in Italy that came flooding back and flavoured her stories: the passions, the feuds but most of all the food.
She works as a freelance journalist, has weekly columns in the Herald on Sunday newspaper and the New Zealand Woman’s Weekly and her novels are distributed in the UK, Australia and New Zealand, and have been translated into 12 languages.
She loves cooking for friends, drinking red wine, walking on New Zealand’s amazing beaches, riding her horse through the forest and lying in bed reading other people’s novels.


The biographical information and photo used in this post are with thanks to the following websites, where you can also find more information about the author and her writing. 

Goodreads   Nicky Pellegrino - Official Website   Nicky Pellegrino - Twitter

20 comments:

  1. I think I will be reading this one too. I'm also a Nicky Pellegrino fan Linda.

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    1. I thought you were Cathy, I think you will enjoy this one. :)

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  2. I will be reading this one too ... I have read two of her books already and love them. :-)

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    1. Do pop back and let us know what you think of this one Anne once you have read it.

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  3. This looks good to me, and I really think that sometimes we need an undemanding read!

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    1. Definitely, I am especially finding this at the moment as with my husband being ill I sometimes find it difficult to concentrate. :)

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  4. Hi Linda. I'm a real fan of this author. You know how much I love Italy and Nicky's books really do tick all the right boxes. I have read this one and several others. A real feel good read and you can really lose yourself in them - and there's nothing wrong with that!

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    1. They certainly do tick all the boxes for Italophiles and they are perfect for losing ones self in, something I need to do at the moment!

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  5. Hi Linda,

    This is a new to me author, however I shall definitely be adding her books to my reading list, straight away.

    By coincidence, I am just in the midst of polishing up the review of a book, written by an American Italian author, which has the theme of feuding families at its heart!

    This easy reading, feel good type of book, is just the ticket occasionally and is guaranteed to lighten my mood.

    I hope that your husband is improving, following his recent illness and that you are looking after yourself and not overdoing things.

    Yvonne

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    1. What a coincidence, do let me know when you have published the review and I will call by to read it. Yes her writing is perfect for lightening the mood. My husband is still very weak and has a long road to recovery ahead, but at least he is back home.

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    2. Hi Linda,

      My review should be published on Friday 1st February (I can't believe that January has been and gone!). This debut book is called 'Olive Branches Don't Grow On Trees' by Grace Mattioli and from some of the answers she gave to my questions in a recent interview, I gather is based on some true life experiences she has had within her own family.

      As we were out in the US for much of December, I have not been following any bulletins and updates you have posted about David's illness, so I fear that I may have been somewhat blase in my comments, not fully appreciating the gravity of his condition. I do sincerely hope that he is on the right side of making a good recovery and send you both my very best wishes.

      Yvonne

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    3. Thanks for letting me know Yvonne, will call by to read your review asap.

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  6. I was surprised by the use of the word: mantra. It is usually used in India.
    Does it mean "creating transformation" which suits here or something else too.

    I liked your crisp and well-written review. It gives me ideas for a personal project of mine.

    I enjoyed reading about the author as well. :)

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    1. 'Mantra' is also used in Europe and the dictionary definition for use in literature rather than religion is 'from Sansk, speech instrument of thought'
      I would love to hear more about your project sometime Divenita.

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  7. Such a pretty cover, very attractive. Thanks for the review Linda. I hope your husband is feeling better.

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    1. It is indeed a lovely cover Lindsay. My husband is still very weak and has a long road to recovery ahead, but at least he is back home.

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  8. I read this book on holiday a couple of years ago (I think) and really enjoyed it. Hope your husband is improving.x

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    1. A perfect holiday read Anita, thanks he is improving we hope albeit slowly, but at least he is home with me again.

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  9. Yes, I love novels with recipes.

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    1. You would enjoy the recipes in this one then Leovi.

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