Discover millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more with a free trial

Only $11.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

Unavailable
Under the Tuscan Sun
Unavailable
Under the Tuscan Sun
Unavailable
Under the Tuscan Sun
Audiobook (abridged)6 hours

Under the Tuscan Sun

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

3.5/5

()

Currently unavailable

Currently unavailable

About this audiobook

20th Anniversary Edition with a New Afterword

Twenty years ago, Frances Mayes—widely published poet, gourmet cook, and travel writer—introduced readers to a wondrous new world when she bought and restored an abandoned villa called Bramasole in the spectacular Tuscan countryside. Under the Tuscan Sun inspired generations to embark on their own journeys—whether that be flying to a foreign country in search of themselves, savoring one of the book's dozens of delicious seasonal recipes, or simply being transported by Mayes's signature evocative, sensory language. Now, with a new afterword from the Bard of Tuscany herself, the 20th anniversary edition of Under the Tuscan Sun brings us up-to-date with the book's most beloved characters.

LanguageEnglish
Release dateJul 5, 2000
ISBN9780553751574
Unavailable
Under the Tuscan Sun

Related to Under the Tuscan Sun

Related audiobooks

Europe Travel For You

View More

Related articles

Reviews for Under the Tuscan Sun

Rating: 3.5347195321637424 out of 5 stars
3.5/5

1,368 ratings82 reviews

What did you think?

Tap to rate

Review must be at least 10 words

  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I've had this book probably since it was first published in the mid-Nineties but I never had the urge to read it until now. I've seen the movie that was ever-so-loosely based on it and I have to admit that the movie didn't fill me with enthusiasm to read the book. The other day I had this urge to read it, so I curled up in bed with it. Honestly, it was like I was there. There isn't a great deal to say about this book. It's memoir, it's travel-writing, it's lush and beautiful. There doesn't need to be a plot, just an atmosphere.

    The way Mayes describes the house, the countryside, and the food is amazing. She loves it, you can feel that. I want five acres of olive and fruit trees and herb gardens. I want a house I can open to the outdoors and a big marble sink and hardwood floors. I want the sense of peace she describes having while she's there. There's one chapter where she talks about her life taking on its own rhythm, having a mid-day siesta, waking up at 3am and reading for an hour before going back to sleep, then getting up early.

    I'm inspired by some of her recipes. I'm planning on making some of them this week. Just a little indulgence for myself.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    First let me tell you what this book isn’t. It’s nothing like the movie; it’s not a romance; and it isn’t even a book with much of a plot. Instead, it’s a beautiful collection of anecdotes loosely tied together by the progression of time. The primary focus is on the author’s experiences restoring a Tuscan villa, but her focus on food is a close second. Some of her experiences as a tourist remind me of a travel memoir, but I particularly enjoyed the other parts that describe the experience of actually living in Italy.

    I read a lot of reviews before starting this book and they were a surprisingly mixed bag. There are both people who loved the book for its beauty and people who hated the book for its rambling and its discussions of food. Having read it, I can see where both groups are coming from. The writing is amazing. The author’s descriptions make it possible to see the beauty of Tuscany and her philosophical musings were both insightful and relatable. I enjoyed her descriptions of food and was excited she included so many recipes. This book also had a certain charm shared by Dewey and At Home in Mitford. The author’s life in Italy just seems so wonderful and simple, that reading about is relaxing and refreshing.

    A bigger problem is what many of the very negative reviews noted. No, not that the book was not like the movie, although that complaint was common. The bigger problem was that the book had no plot, no forward drive. There were a few chapters where the author didn’t discuss the renovation of the house and these felt particularly disconnected. Even the chapters that were tied together by her progress renovating contained random anecdotes and musings, plus a heavy focus on food, which could make things drag. Basically, the author is very good at beautiful and philosophical writing; at writing about landscapes and food; at telling amusing anecdotes; and at sharing just enough of her background that you can understand the memories new things call to mind. She’s not very good at organizing things and there really is no plot. So if you’re looking for a romantic description of Italy, this is the book for you. If you’re looking for an actual romance, just watch the movie.

    This review first published on Doing Dewey.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I LOVED the movie and the book was good too. I loved Italy when I was 18 and I would love to live this life. I usually tell people this is my other life. I found it so enjoyable and descriptive.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I hate to say this, but the movie was far more charming than the book. Having seen the film before reading, I am acknowledge that I'm biased but Mayes' writing just didn't hold my attention the way other armchair nonfiction usually does. If you enjoy memoirs set in Italy or extreme personal growth, try it out, but if you saw the movie and adored it, skip trying to read this and maybe move on to one of her later books.
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    I do not even know where to start with this book.

    I read it because I loved the movie. I mean really LOVED the movie, and I have seen it numerous times. I love the story of Frances and her recovery from divorce, that amazing resilience a person can find in the face of such a devastating life change. I love the friends and family and the characters that surround her. I love her house. I wanted to read more about it.

    But Disney got their hands on this book, and they did what Disney does best - made it marketable. So while the movie is something that I love, the book just irritates the hell out of me. And maybe it would have been different had I read the book first, but that is just not the case.

    So here I am, not really feeling this book. It is not a novel - it a memoir of the author's purchase and restoration of a house in Tuscany. There is no plot. Just her words about all the different trials and tribulations with each project, all the various food she cooked and ate, and various little self-realizations along the way.

    So. Many. Words.

    There is this scene in the movie where Diane Lane's character writes a postcard for a young man, and she uses some flowery language about how the grapes "taste purple". The young man is annoyed because it completely does not sound like him. It doesn't really sound like anyone unless you're a poet or an English professor.

    Oh, wait. The author is both of those. So every description goes on for pages. And at first, it's all very charming. Then after awhile, it's mildly annoying. I mean, yay for restorations and gardening, but I really do not need pages upon pages of it. There are also two sections that include recipes (summer and winter). By the end, I really just want her to shut up.

    Now all of this would be very interesting (like the people around her, the history of the area, that kind of thing) if the book didn't start to feel like this overly reverential journey of self. It feels as if she is yearning and searching through the entire book, but you don't really get to know anything about her life until right at the end.

    I guess I am just not the type of person who wants to delve into another woman's psyche while she finds her bliss. Or something. Don't quote me on that.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I read this years ago, but I didn’t appreciate it as much as I do now. It helps to be someone who has undergone massive home renovation so that you can really empathize with her experiences of bringing Bramasole back to its former glory. Her descriptions of Tuscany, particularly Cortana, make you feel as if you’ve been there yourself.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Heartwarming and delicious."Frances Mayes - widely published poet, gourmet cook oh, and travel writer - opens the door to a wondrous new world when she buys and restores and abandoned villa in the spectacular Tuscan countryside. In sensuous and evocative language, she brings the reader along as she discovers the beauty and simplicity of life in Italy. And accomplished cook and food writer, Mayes also creates dozens of delicious seasonal recipes from her traditional kitchen and simple garden, all of which she includes in the book.... A celebration of the extraordinary quality of life in Tuscany, (this book) is a feast for all the senses."This book is written in a very poetic style. The author writes in a very eloquent and overly descriptive way which really adds to the taste and feel of how it is to be in Tuscany. A little bit difficult to read if you are not the poetic type. It can be a bit difficult to follow the storyline. However very beautifully written.As in most cases the book differs from the movie just a bit. I personally like the film adaptation better than the book which is a rarity but it does happen. However I did enjoy the book very much and loved how the author wrote in such a way that you really feel and taste and see and imagine that you are there with her in the hills of Italy. This is an absolutely gorgeous book that I would recommend to anyone looking for a light-hearted memoir.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I absolutely adore this book. I want to buy my own villa in Tuscany and move there like Frances Mayes. There is nothing I don't love about her writing, her adventures, and her life in Italy.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    I read this about a decade ago, and remember enjoying it very much at the time. I decided to re-read it since I will be going to Tuscany in the near future. I should have left it alone, I had a much harder time slogging through it the second time around, and in the end skimmed most of the second half of the book, only pausing at spots that were relevant to our upcoming trip.
  • Rating: 1 out of 5 stars
    1/5
    Good movie/lousy book.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    warm story
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I very much enjoyed this book. Such beautiful and evocative descriptions; it was like traveling to Italy yourself. Loved the food bits. It was a book to be read slowly and savored like fine wine. But like wine where too much can get you dizzy and its flavour lessen to the palate, this book could have done without the last few chapters -- as several other reviews have noted.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    The story of an American couple who buy and renovate a second home in Tuscany. Published 7 years after Peter Mayle's book of a similar experience in Provence, and seemingly inspired by Mayles, this book seems to lose direction a little after a great start.Mayes is clearly a skilled writer. The first chapter or so of this book is a delight as much for the prose as the content. But it then falters. There doesn't seem to be a structure or purpose for continuing into a book length product. It becomes a pot pourri of visits, recollections, recipes with no unifying theme.So, a little disappointing for not living up to its beginning, but still an enjoyable read.Read Dec 2015
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This is a review of the 20th Anniversary Edition of Under the Tuscan Sun. This edition is identical to the one published in 1996, with the exception that Mayle has added an afterword. I had read it when it first came out, thinking it would be very similar to Peter Mayle's Year in Provence, and it is in that the book deals with purchasing a home in a foreign country (obviously here Italy) and undergoing refurbishment. But whereas Mayle went for humor and dealt affectionately, but also critically, with the characters and circumstances involved in his purchase/refurbishment, Mayes takes a more New Age approach. She has no critical comments about anything, but is more concerned with how she internally feels about the house, why she immediately feels it's home, and how it is truly perfection. It's as though there's a fine filter over the scene and anything negative or upsetting has been removed. She is a poet and has written some truly lyrical prose, especially in describing the scenery and surrounding environs, but it is a little hard to envision the architectural changes she describes in great detail - photos would have been great. She also describes numerous churches, which sound actually quite similar. Where I thought the book truly shown was when she wrote about the food. She truly loves the food, writes beautifully about it, and includes some wonderful sounding recipes. In general, If you liked the Italian section of Eat, Pray, Love, you will love this book (Mayes is also recovering from a mid-life divorce, but has already found her soul mate when the book starts). Overall, an enjoyable book, if just a little unreal. I was, however, disappointed in the Afterword - I would have liked some reflection on whether the financial risk was worth it, how Italy might have changed, and how it might have changed her, but she talks primarily about how the book was originally received and everything still is wonderful as it was. I have not read any of her subsequent books, so perhaps she dealt with some of these questions in those.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    I received a copy of France Mayes' "Under the Tuscan Sun" through LT's Early Reviewers program. It's actually not a terribly early review, as this book was published more than two decades ago, but they've just put out a 20th anniversary edition.Mayes chronicles her purchase of a home in Italy, its renovation and her love for Italian groceries. The story meanders a lot, but I didn't mind that too much.What this book has going for it is Mayes ability to turn a phrase... she is a lovely writer. The subjects were of interest to me, but I'm somewhat surprised at the love for this book as the tale isn't super strong. (How in the world did they make a movie from this memoir?)I think Mayes must be insufferable in person -- she says some off-putting things on occasion. While her love of Italian ruins and food comes through, she doesn't seem to have the same fondness for the Italian people -- the only people she talks about interacting with in Italy are ex-pats or the people who sell her groceries and renovate her estate. Sometimes the book comes across as "rich people problems." At any rate, I did like the book because Italy and renovation of old houses are topics that interest me. However, I didn't like it enough to read anything else by Mayes.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    It's an armchair journey to Italy with home remodeling and gardening thrown in. I really enjoy the writing and descriptions of everything.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    This was an interesting read, rather than just reading like a memoir of renovating a house, this reads more like a stream of conscious diary. There are fun, memorable, and relatable things in the story, but you kind of have to search for them amidst the entire story like seeing the forest for the Italian trees.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Evoked memories of my trip to Italy! I enjoyed the book up to the end, at which time I felt the author just ran out of things to say and did not know how to end the book. I wish she had ended before the last two chapters, as they seemed like a bunch of unrelated thoughts that were crammed together, nothing to do with her house or fixing it up. Too bad!
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    I started this book with a desire to get another view of the homeland of my father's family. I didn't really get that. Instead, it was more a musing on the author's adventure of renovating a house and finding herself at home in Italy. This is not a terrible thing but, as another reviewer noted, was not terribly revelatory. Indeed, the parts of the book that actually follow the author on trips out and around Italy were... kind of boring.

    Still, it's a nice read if you are one who fantasizes about living in a big, sunny house in a beautiful locale.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Wonderful. All I want to do now is eat and go sit in the sun!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Lovely writing, taking the reader right to Tuscany, wine, sunshine and love!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I quite enjoyed re-reading this wonderful book. I had recently come across a copy of Bella Tuscany, the sequel and that prompted me to request this copy. I could read about Tuscany all day, the descriptions were wonderful.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I read this book a few years ago and loved it! I highly recommend it. However, I have noticed that not all the reviewers or raters like this book, and that's fine, they are entitled to their opinions. I would like to encourage you to give it a try for yourself if you've never read it. I was so impressed with the author and her husband for remodeling an old Tuscan villa. Perhaps I loved the book because I consider what she and her husband did to be a dream life. By the way, I understand that the movie has nothing in common with the book except that they are both set in Italy. So if you liked the movie, you should be warned that the book is different. Enjoy!
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    Very detailed accounting of how she and her husband purchased a large villa in Tuscany. It goes into excruciating details and I found it laborious reading. Had to skim it and finally call it quits.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Title: Under the Tuscan SunAuthor: Frances MayesPublisher: Trade PaperbackReviewed By: Arlena DeanRating: FiveReview:"Under The Tuscan Sun" by Frances Mayes My Thoughts....What a interesting delightful read that was definitely well written by this author that will keep your attention with all of its very detail descriptions of the 'local and lifestyle of Tuscany.' I found the writing style very relaxing and very descriptive. There were even some inspiring scrumptious recipes [Italian food] that were included in this read that one may what to even try out and for anyone interested in visiting this place on a trip to Tuscany, Italy would definitely benefit from this read especially since it is a true story that will lift your spirits. I did even find some comedy and a little drama that added so well in this story even making you feel that you are there as the people seem to come alive. By end the read I felt I got one beautiful look at Tuscany and YES I would recommend this novel as a good read.
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    I expected an Italian "Year in Provence," but Mayes is not Peter Mayle. Here is the rare instance where the movie is much better than the book.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Mayes wants us to fall in love with Tuscany as she has and she succeeds in her plight. From architecture, customs, food and religion she shows us through her lens a beautiful and complex region.Her style alternates between anecdotes, lyrical descriptions, detailed explanations and funny stories - this makes some chapters fun and light, others dull and dragging.Overall I enjoyed the book but didn't love it. Certainly it made me want to go to Italy to taste, smell and see the many sights that she describes.
  • Rating: 1 out of 5 stars
    1/5
    I couldn't get through this book. There was so much description of the scenery of Italy. I guess I'm going to have to watch the movie.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Heartwarming and delicious."Frances Mayes - widely published poet, gourmet cook oh, and travel writer - opens the door to a wondrous new world when she buys and restores and abandoned villa in the spectacular Tuscan countryside. In sensuous and evocative language, she brings the reader along as she discovers the beauty and simplicity of life in Italy. And accomplished cook and food writer, Mayes also creates dozens of delicious seasonal recipes from her traditional kitchen and simple garden, all of which she includes in the book.... A celebration of the extraordinary quality of life in Tuscany, (this book) is a feast for all the senses."This book is written in a very poetic style. The author writes in a very eloquent and overly descriptive way which really adds to the taste and feel of how it is to be in Tuscany. A little bit difficult to read if you are not the poetic type. It can be a bit difficult to follow the storyline. However very beautifully written.As in most cases the book differs from the movie just a bit. I personally like the film adaptation better than the book which is a rarity but it does happen. However I did enjoy the book very much and loved how the author wrote in such a way that you really feel and taste and see and imagine that you are there with her in the hills of Italy. This is an absolutely gorgeous book that I would recommend to anyone looking for a light-hearted memoir.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    As someone who is moving to Tuscany soon, and as a fan of A Year in Provence, I thought I'd enjoy this book. The truth is that it's OK, but nothing special. There are some great depictions of the Italian countryside, Italian people (especially workers), and lots of great descriptions of Italian food (I got very hungry reading this book). And that's about it. The rest is an unfocused mix of the author's thoughts, travels, and recipes, and it can be a chore to get through. This book would be a delight if you dropped the irrelevant material and cut it down to half its length, but as it is, it's hard to recommend it.

    A few good quotes from the book:

    A Chinese poet many centuries ago noticed that to re-create something in words is like being alive twice.

    On my way out, I see a man in a sweater, despite the heat. The trunk of his minuscule Fiat is piled with black grapes that have warmed all morning in the sun. I'm stopped by the whiny, musty, violet scents. He offers me one. The hot sweetness breaks open my mouth. I have never tasted anything so essential in my life as this grape on this morning. They even smell purple. The flavor, older than the Etruscans and deeply fresh and pleasing, just leaves me stunned. Such richness, the big globes, the heap of dusty grapes cascading out of two baskets. I asked for un grappolo, a bunch, wanting the taste to stay with me all morning.

    How Italian will we ever be? Not very, I'm afraid. Too pale. To unable to gesture as a natural accompaniment to talking. I saw a man step outside the confining telephone booth so he could waive his hands while talking.