3506 Extra Virgine

Before we came here to live permanently we came accross a book by Annie Hawes called Extra Virgin. Its all about her life in Liguria told with humour and insight and a good read for any lover of Italy. We have used it extensively for finding out how life works in Liguria. Much of the detail we have now seen first hand and often refer to it for matters related to gardening, food and cooking as well as local characteristics. She has written two more the latest being about a trip to Calabria. I can recommend them.

Category
Culture & Entertainment

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 05/04/2006 - 01:48

I fully agree about Extra Virgin, I've found it to be the best book I've read on the Italian experience - whether because she was hard up, or came to Italy without preconceptions or the intention to stay I don't know, but it's very entertaining. Does it give a reasonably true picture of life in Liguria?

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 05/04/2006 - 07:25

[QUOTE=JohnR]I fully agree about Extra Virgin, I've found it to be the best book I've read on the Italian experience - whether because she was hard up, or came to Italy without preconceptions or the intention to stay I don't know, but it's very entertaining. Does it give a reasonably true picture of life in Liguria?[/QUOTE]
Yes it does. Where we are is the next valley west from where Annie Hawes lives/d and just as rural. To actually see the 'knotted-hanky' folk was quite a surprise! It's been a challenge to be a part of it as we are so isolated, but we watch what they are doing on the land, such as cleaning and burning, and try to follow the same pattern on the basis that they know what they are doing and we don't! We also have some twenty olive trees and have met a few locals when we have been pruning and picking. I think there must be a contadina lurking under my skin. We are trying to do some dry stone walling at present - there is a knack but it is so rewarding. Have you read her other two books 'Ripe for the picking' and 'The Journey South'?

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 05/04/2006 - 11:41

I love Annie Hawes!! I havent been to Liguria but so much of what she says in her books is true for other areas of Italy. Like when Francesca, Ciccio's mum told her not to wear her watch when she went to Rome. I have a friend called Fabio, and he advised me not to wear my watch if I visit Naples without him!! I have taken to heart what she has said and now I am making friends with italians I am living the life of a simple girl!!

I wish she would write another book!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 05/04/2006 - 11:52

You must read Ripe for the picking and A Journey South both excellent books.

Dawn.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 05/05/2006 - 02:05

I've read and enjoyed "Ripe for the Picking" - I must look for "The Journey South".

John

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 05/05/2006 - 08:35

I have read them all, I meant I wish she would write a fourth book!!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/02/2008 - 08:30

[quote=scarlet;29879]I have read them all, I meant I wish she would write a fourth book!![/quote]

Your wish has been fulfilled. She has a new one out in April. Not about Liguria unfortunately but will still be excellent I think.

[B][SIZE=3]A Handful of Honey: Away to the Palm Groves of Morocco and Algeria [/SIZE][/B]

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