One of the most delightful debut novels I’ve read in a long time. Maybe it’s the lack of expectation I had, or maybe it’s just that I was in the mood for a pacy, entertaining and uncomplicated read. Whatever the reason, it was enjoyable from start to finish.
I’ve been raving about it to all and sundry, describing it mostly as a cross between The Da Vinci Code and Like Water for Chocolate, but set in Venice in the rat-infested late 1490s. What a combination!
The story follows Luciano, a hungry street kid with only his wits to keep him alive, until he is literally pulled from the street by a renowned chef to become his apprentice. Determined to rise above his lowly status, he works hard and pesters the ‘Maestro’ with questions about life, learning, and the mysterious book that has Venice abuzz with gossip, and one that the chef seems to know a lot about. Historical figures such as Borgia and Landucci are on a mission to find and destroy the book, believing the myths about its power of immortality and alchemy. But Luciano finds out it is much more powerful than even these men suspect.
Elle Newmark’s writing is deceptively simple and light; I got a cooking and history lesson almost without realising it! There were some very blatant manipulative touches in the way she propelled the novel’s early action, but I was happy to go along for the ride, and ultimately very glad I did.
Venice and food and the delights of cooking feature as separate characters in the narrative. The murky canal city, with all the secrets she is purported to harbour, makes a perfect setting for a novel about food, religion, immortality and maintaining self-belief. But it’s far more entertaining than this summary suggests! Go and buy it for someone who loves food, history and appreciates a pacy but intelligent holiday read - but read it yourself first!!!
by Lisa
