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True Vines
When the Italian countryside simply won't leave your heart...
After the sudden death of her Italian winemaker husband, Meryl Michelli flees to her small hometown in Pennsylvania, looking to slam the door on heartache and trudge forward. But it's never that simple, especially when old family ties have been strained by years of geographic and emotional distance.
A chance encounter with a childhood friend brings back a betrayal she could never put to rest, and readjusting to life in the States in upper mid-life wears her thin in ways she never could have imagined. Just when Meryl feels she can't go on, Providence steps in and gives her permission to completely fall apart. Only then can she finally manage to grieve both her magnanimous, flawed Francesco and the unforgettable country she left behind.
True Vines traverses the manicured rows of northern Italy's majestic wine country and the winding path of Pennsylvania's Delaware River as Meryl seeks to reconcile her past and her present. Several people on each side of the Atlantic guide her as she relives her own stories: a spirited sister-in-law, a petulant physician, a strong-willed landlady, a good-guy boss, a determined mother-in-law, an amazing flood survivor, a Senegalese English student, a young co-worker. Each recollection and encounter deepens Meryl's insight into how to make peace with her new reality.
Saying goodbye to one existence allows Meryl to swing the door open to another as she weaves a new, uniquely beautiful tapestry that transports her to exactly the place in this short, sacred life she is meant to be.
After the sudden death of her Italian winemaker husband, Meryl Michelli flees to her small hometown in Pennsylvania, looking to slam the door on heartache and trudge forward. But it's never that simple, especially when old family ties have been strained by years of geographic and emotional distance.
A chance encounter with a childhood friend brings back a betrayal she could never put to rest, and readjusting to life in the States in upper mid-life wears her thin in ways she never could have imagined. Just when Meryl feels she can't go on, Providence steps in and gives her permission to completely fall apart. Only then can she finally manage to grieve both her magnanimous, flawed Francesco and the unforgettable country she left behind.
True Vines traverses the manicured rows of northern Italy's majestic wine country and the winding path of Pennsylvania's Delaware River as Meryl seeks to reconcile her past and her present. Several people on each side of the Atlantic guide her as she relives her own stories: a spirited sister-in-law, a petulant physician, a strong-willed landlady, a good-guy boss, a determined mother-in-law, an amazing flood survivor, a Senegalese English student, a young co-worker. Each recollection and encounter deepens Meryl's insight into how to make peace with her new reality.
Saying goodbye to one existence allows Meryl to swing the door open to another as she weaves a new, uniquely beautiful tapestry that transports her to exactly the place in this short, sacred life she is meant to be.
358 pages, Paperback
First published October 23, 2012
8 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
Diana Strinati Baur
3 books14 followersI am an American author living in Europe.
True Vines is my debut novel published by Gemelli Press. Set in the majestic vineyards of Piemonte and the beautiful Delaware River Valley of Pennsylvania, True vines is a story of loss, change and second chances.
True Vines is my debut novel published by Gemelli Press. Set in the majestic vineyards of Piemonte and the beautiful Delaware River Valley of Pennsylvania, True vines is a story of loss, change and second chances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 18, 2016
This in a remarkable debut novel.
Beautifully written and edited, this is a novel about growing up, about relationships in their multitude of forms; it's about love and loving when not everything and everyone is perfect; it's about loss and self-discovery and second chances. It's about life.
I found it compelling and extremely realistic.
There is so much one can take away from this novel, because it was so life-like. I dare say some will find it too life like, as it's not what you'd call an escapist read.
But if you enjoy reading something that's authentic, with three-dimensional characters, and beautiful writing, this is the novel for you.
I also enjoyed coming across some Italian words and phrases, that were well placed throughout the novel.
Meryl's life in Italy is not like in any of those romantic novels, where everything is idealised. Francesco, Meryl's husband is not one of those super sexy Italians you find in romance novels. He's as real as they come. And so are all the characters in this novel.
I'm looking forward to reading more from Diana Strinati Baur, as I was truly impressed with her debut.
I received this novel through Netgalley, from Gemelli Press, in exchange for an honest review.
Recommended: If you enjoy realistic, well crafted novels.
Cover: 5 stars
Beautifully written and edited, this is a novel about growing up, about relationships in their multitude of forms; it's about love and loving when not everything and everyone is perfect; it's about loss and self-discovery and second chances. It's about life.
I found it compelling and extremely realistic.
There is so much one can take away from this novel, because it was so life-like. I dare say some will find it too life like, as it's not what you'd call an escapist read.
But if you enjoy reading something that's authentic, with three-dimensional characters, and beautiful writing, this is the novel for you.
I also enjoyed coming across some Italian words and phrases, that were well placed throughout the novel.
Meryl's life in Italy is not like in any of those romantic novels, where everything is idealised. Francesco, Meryl's husband is not one of those super sexy Italians you find in romance novels. He's as real as they come. And so are all the characters in this novel.
I'm looking forward to reading more from Diana Strinati Baur, as I was truly impressed with her debut.
I received this novel through Netgalley, from Gemelli Press, in exchange for an honest review.
Recommended: If you enjoy realistic, well crafted novels.
Cover: 5 stars
April 5, 2013
Diana Strinati Baur's first novel, True Vines, explores notions of family, love, and of a life lived in a country not your own. Diana brings the authenticity of her expat life experiences to this truly inviting novel.
It's so refreshing to read a book that captures something of the expat dislocation between this home and that home, that attempts to reveal the layers of almost 'normal' dysfunctions found in so many families, and that explores the mistakes we make in love. It is grounded. It feels real.
I was pulled into the story on that first page. We meet Diana's main character, Meryl Michelli, and she is almost 'home'. She is stressed, she's scared, and I was 'in' the story before I had turned the page.
You realise, quite quickly, that this is a story that explores relationships in ways that never lose their creditability. Sisters, fathers, mothers, lovers … they're all there, and more. Diana knows people.
Back stories and introductions are made to the reader without being intrusive or interrupting the story's flow. And every now and again, Diana will whammy you with a boatload of emotion, should it be that you are wired that way. Whether it was recognition of 'that' situation or a slow immersion into character, I never really knew but the book pulled me and I felt the pain.
I wanted to read the book again before writing this review but I discovered, while making notes, that the characters and an intensity of feeling, remains inside of me and there's no need to reread. Although it will remain on my bookshelf as a book I will pull out to read again over the years.
I came to love the characters and enjoyed my time spent in that world. And that's all we can ask of a novel. 'Take me to another life, another place … justfor a while, and make me believe it'. Diana does all that and more but I invite you to discover that for yourself.
It's so refreshing to read a book that captures something of the expat dislocation between this home and that home, that attempts to reveal the layers of almost 'normal' dysfunctions found in so many families, and that explores the mistakes we make in love. It is grounded. It feels real.
I was pulled into the story on that first page. We meet Diana's main character, Meryl Michelli, and she is almost 'home'. She is stressed, she's scared, and I was 'in' the story before I had turned the page.
You realise, quite quickly, that this is a story that explores relationships in ways that never lose their creditability. Sisters, fathers, mothers, lovers … they're all there, and more. Diana knows people.
Back stories and introductions are made to the reader without being intrusive or interrupting the story's flow. And every now and again, Diana will whammy you with a boatload of emotion, should it be that you are wired that way. Whether it was recognition of 'that' situation or a slow immersion into character, I never really knew but the book pulled me and I felt the pain.
I wanted to read the book again before writing this review but I discovered, while making notes, that the characters and an intensity of feeling, remains inside of me and there's no need to reread. Although it will remain on my bookshelf as a book I will pull out to read again over the years.
I came to love the characters and enjoyed my time spent in that world. And that's all we can ask of a novel. 'Take me to another life, another place … justfor a while, and make me believe it'. Diana does all that and more but I invite you to discover that for yourself.
October 28, 2013
I've attempted writing a review for this book several times now and for some reason I am having difficulty putting into words exactly why I loved it as much as I did. So, simply put... I guess I was just truly connected "emotionally" to the character of Meryl. Was she occasionally an annoying and unlikable character? Yes... but, I think that's why I liked her. She is flawed, a bit self absorbed and can't seem to move past a betrayal by her fiancé and best friend from her youth. She spends a good portion of her life wallowing in her own self misery and never moving forward until Francesco suddenly appears in her life. An older charismatic Italian man who quickly wins her heart. She finally decides to take a chance at love and moves away with him to his small village in Italy.
The story begins with Meryl returning to Pennsylvania after Francesco died suddenly. She runs away from Italy in an effort to cope with her grief and find a way to move forward. The best way for me to describe Meryl's journey is that some people come into our lives just for a little while. And, even though Francesco was a short chapter in her life, he was the most important chapter. He was her light and strength and gave her courage to finally become the person she was meant to be. The title "True Vines" is a perfect fit for this story. Meryl finds the truth of herself during her years in Italy as she is constantly challenged by the simplistic but also often challenging lifestyle she was living there. It wasn't until after Francesco died and fleeing back to Pennsylvania that she was able to finally fully understand the impact he and Italy had made on her life.
This story is primarily about Meryl finally growing up, discovering the truth of who she is and making peace with her past while at the same time learning to accept the people around her for who they are... flaws and all. It is also about endings and beginnings. Throughout the book we see many lives draw to a close as others are beginning. It's about moving forward, acceptance, closure and taking chances.
My only complaint about this book is that I didn't think we needed closure for every character at the end. In particular with the ex-fiancé and best friend. The effort to tie everything up with a big red bow was a little over the top. But, I decided to make my peace with this one complaint because this book is so well written. There were so many times I needed to reach for my hankie... and, I was fully engaged in this book from beginning to end. And, several days later I'm still thinking about this story. So, yes... that's a winner as far as I'm concerned.
This is a book you read for the emotional journey and definitely one you will want to pick up if you are looking for a great big Happily Ever After with complete closure and no loose ends! Beautifully written and I highly recommend.
ARC provided by the publisher via netgalley.
Follow my blog:
www.ktbookreviews.blogspot.com
The story begins with Meryl returning to Pennsylvania after Francesco died suddenly. She runs away from Italy in an effort to cope with her grief and find a way to move forward. The best way for me to describe Meryl's journey is that some people come into our lives just for a little while. And, even though Francesco was a short chapter in her life, he was the most important chapter. He was her light and strength and gave her courage to finally become the person she was meant to be. The title "True Vines" is a perfect fit for this story. Meryl finds the truth of herself during her years in Italy as she is constantly challenged by the simplistic but also often challenging lifestyle she was living there. It wasn't until after Francesco died and fleeing back to Pennsylvania that she was able to finally fully understand the impact he and Italy had made on her life.
This story is primarily about Meryl finally growing up, discovering the truth of who she is and making peace with her past while at the same time learning to accept the people around her for who they are... flaws and all. It is also about endings and beginnings. Throughout the book we see many lives draw to a close as others are beginning. It's about moving forward, acceptance, closure and taking chances.
My only complaint about this book is that I didn't think we needed closure for every character at the end. In particular with the ex-fiancé and best friend. The effort to tie everything up with a big red bow was a little over the top. But, I decided to make my peace with this one complaint because this book is so well written. There were so many times I needed to reach for my hankie... and, I was fully engaged in this book from beginning to end. And, several days later I'm still thinking about this story. So, yes... that's a winner as far as I'm concerned.
This is a book you read for the emotional journey and definitely one you will want to pick up if you are looking for a great big Happily Ever After with complete closure and no loose ends! Beautifully written and I highly recommend.
ARC provided by the publisher via netgalley.
Follow my blog:
www.ktbookreviews.blogspot.com
July 2, 2013
My reading preferences lean towards…..well, Italy. I search library and bookstore websites with two words “Italy – Fiction”. So naturally, True Vines was at the top of my list as I waited and waited for publication. Then I waited some more. I bought True Vines for my e-reader intending to read it during my 3 month stay in Torino and Piemonte. I wanted to be in the places described, to appreciate first-hand the passion and burden and reality that is winemaking. Diana’s descriptions of the wine country surrounding Asti….the vineyards, the colors,the lighting, the flavors and fragrances are honest and authentic. Her characters are genuine, brought to life as only someone with deep personal sensitivities to the culture could portray. For me, the storyline, while delightfully engaging, was secondary to the rich characterizations of the land, the people and the spirit of this beautiful Italian region. Living in Turin for 3 months, I had great plans to actually go to Costigliole to enhance my True Vines experience. Alas, with only a few weeks left and the 2 week car rental long returned, I will not actually make that journey. But I will re-read True Vines from time-to-time and I know it will evoke warm memories of the season that I lived in this beautiful part of Italy.
April 4, 2013
Being that I am also an American expat living in Piemonte Italy, I was extremely curious to read this book. Baur's ability to perfectly convey the emotions and ups and downs of living here were so relatable and realistic. It was such a heartfelt story that I literally lost myself in this book dying to find out what was going to happen to these well-developed characters.
The author's sense of humor, ex: naming the dog Fredo, and sincere emotions make this one of the best books I have ever read!
The author's sense of humor, ex: naming the dog Fredo, and sincere emotions make this one of the best books I have ever read!
May 5, 2013
Still reading this, but have to say - I can't put this book down! A fabulous tale that leads me from page to page - I don't want it to end!
July 12, 2013
This is the second book I read this year that grabbed my attention and wouldn't let me go. I could not put this book down or the tissues I needed so I see to read. The main theme running through the book is the family dynamics and how do you get what you need. Meryl was on the outs with her family for not doing the "right things". Then she gets swept off her feet and moves to Italy to get married. They did the best they could through their love but there were lots of lows. This book was one huge emotional ride and I shared every high and low with each character. This book should be in all Top Ten lists. Thank you Diana for a wonderful story. Don't miss this book!
November 17, 2016
I loved this book. I live in the same area in Italy and therefore it is all very familiar to me. The Italian phrases, the people, the coffee culture, the Barbera wine, etc.
I've also been to the US quite frequently and I love New York.
I did not check out this writer enough yet to know whether she has written more.
Although I know from her FB account that she is presently renovating a small house in the area.
That is also something we have in common: renovating old Italian houses.
I've also been to the US quite frequently and I love New York.
I did not check out this writer enough yet to know whether she has written more.
Although I know from her FB account that she is presently renovating a small house in the area.
That is also something we have in common: renovating old Italian houses.
June 22, 2013
When I started reading True Vines, I thought it was okay. By the end, I totally loved it, and even started crying at one point!
I loved seeing Meryl grieve and realize that Italy will always be a part of her. I liked seeing her life in Italy, her life before moving and picking up the pieces back in the U.S. The characters, especially Meryl, were so interesting and full of life, and I couldn't wait to see how their stories would unfold. Speaking of stories unfolding, I really liked how Baur wove the different stories together. Initially, I wasn't sure about Meryl's time in the U.S., in past and present time, with her life in Italy. But it really came together in the end, and I can't imagine True Vines being told any other way.
There really is an interesting cast of characters, and I really liked seeing how they were really important in Meryl's journey. There's something really heart-warming about True Vines, and after reading it, I totally want to go to Italy...and maybe just do some general traveling. I know romance wasn't a big element of the book, but I didn't find either one particularly compelling and I didn't feel like there was a big connection between Meryl and her husband or her boss at the coffee place.
There's so much going on in True Vines, and I loved how Baur handled everything. Something about True Vines rang true and felt so real and authentic. I think it'll stay with me for quite some time, and the progress Meryl made was so dang touching by the end. Seriously, I shed quite a few tears. It was super-touching.
Final Thoughts: I absolutely loved True Vines and Meryl's journey. There's an interesting assortment of characters, and Italy is such a great setting. True Vines gets 5 stars.
I loved seeing Meryl grieve and realize that Italy will always be a part of her. I liked seeing her life in Italy, her life before moving and picking up the pieces back in the U.S. The characters, especially Meryl, were so interesting and full of life, and I couldn't wait to see how their stories would unfold. Speaking of stories unfolding, I really liked how Baur wove the different stories together. Initially, I wasn't sure about Meryl's time in the U.S., in past and present time, with her life in Italy. But it really came together in the end, and I can't imagine True Vines being told any other way.
There really is an interesting cast of characters, and I really liked seeing how they were really important in Meryl's journey. There's something really heart-warming about True Vines, and after reading it, I totally want to go to Italy...and maybe just do some general traveling. I know romance wasn't a big element of the book, but I didn't find either one particularly compelling and I didn't feel like there was a big connection between Meryl and her husband or her boss at the coffee place.
There's so much going on in True Vines, and I loved how Baur handled everything. Something about True Vines rang true and felt so real and authentic. I think it'll stay with me for quite some time, and the progress Meryl made was so dang touching by the end. Seriously, I shed quite a few tears. It was super-touching.
Final Thoughts: I absolutely loved True Vines and Meryl's journey. There's an interesting assortment of characters, and Italy is such a great setting. True Vines gets 5 stars.
December 19, 2018
I cried at the end of True Vines, and that seldom happens with me and books. It only happens when a story so captures me, drags me in, and is so rich and honestly satisfying that I feel such a connection. True Vines is all of that. The characters are real, human, flawed, and for that, lovable. The story is complex and Diana Strinati Baur has a deep understanding of the cultural differences between Italians and Americans, but also of the hopes and desires that we all share.
True Vines is a truly satisfying read for anyone who enjoys great stories about love, growth, family, acceptance, and oh yeah, beautiful Italian settings and wine.
True Vines is a truly satisfying read for anyone who enjoys great stories about love, growth, family, acceptance, and oh yeah, beautiful Italian settings and wine.
November 17, 2012
I loved this book! I'll admit, it took me a chapter or two to become absorbed, but suddenly I was and loved the journey True Vines took me on. The story and characters were beautifully built. Diana Strinati Baur takes her time and lets the story unfold and though I didn't want it to end, I was fully satisfied when it did! The story winds through Pennsylvania, New York and Italy with wonderful descriptions of the surroundings and the relationships between the characters. Fans of Adriana Trigiani will enjoy this great find.
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June 17, 2014Told in two time frames - after marriage and death of her husband and before marriage focussing on Meryl's own family, we see Meryl trying to come to terms with her husband's death, but not giving herself enough time to work through her grief and loss.
We also have the pros and cons of settling in a foreign country and the difficulties not envisaged which suddenly crop up.
A host of supporting characters form an integral part of Meryl's story as well.
Very good story, nicely and descriptively told.
Bad cover though.
We also have the pros and cons of settling in a foreign country and the difficulties not envisaged which suddenly crop up.
A host of supporting characters form an integral part of Meryl's story as well.
Very good story, nicely and descriptively told.
Bad cover though.
August 27, 2014
What a delightful summer read. This was a kind, gentle book, with relatable characters and beautiful descriptions of the settings in which the story takes place. If I had any criticisms at all, I thought there was a bit of a rush to the ending, after slow, lazy reading of the developing story, and family history. Those who love to complain about tidy happy endings will complain about this book, but I found it lovely.
April 16, 2016
I received this book via net galley in exchange for a honest review
I am so glad i received this book it was such a lovely read. I liked the way the story was set out a bit different to how other stories start and it had me from page one which is always a winner.
The characters were rich and i was thoroughly absorbed by this book Poignant sad lovely and you really felt for the main character.
I highly recommend this book i loved it.
I am so glad i received this book it was such a lovely read. I liked the way the story was set out a bit different to how other stories start and it had me from page one which is always a winner.
The characters were rich and i was thoroughly absorbed by this book Poignant sad lovely and you really felt for the main character.
I highly recommend this book i loved it.
March 24, 2013
Great story of family, love and life. A 50ish Meryl loses her Italian husband and she heads back to small town Pa. To recover. Her family and old friends help her recover from the devastation New friends help her move forward and she can return to Italy and put her past behind to start a new life. Great characters and a wonderful story.
October 31, 2012
I truly loved this book. The characters were well developed and I found myself honestly invested in their well-being! If you are looking for a good book to cozy up with as the weather turns chilly, make this the one you choose!
November 21, 2012
I truly enjoyed this book. From the very beginning I was completely tied up in Meryl's story. I felt like we were old friends and I was catching up after being out of touch. The author does a great job of pulling you in and making you share the leading character's emotions.
June 28, 2013
This intriguing book of place and character keeps coming back to me and I truly feel as if I have known these beautifully portrayed characters. Just feel in love again with Italy and it's people thanks to a wonderful writer! Thank you - a good read!
March 27, 2014
Phenomenal read. Review to follow.
April 28, 2014
What a beautiful story of family (the chosen kind) and coming full circle...I wept at the end. I do not weep.
Brava.
Brava.
July 24, 2013
I found this story quite easy to get into, I connected with the characters straight away and was ready to accompany Meryl on her journey. This is a story told across two countries, America and Italy and if you have ever been to Italy it will light up memories and if you haven'y you will want to visit.
I enjoy books set in different countries and travelling and I found myself wanting to arrive in a foreign country and travel along with Meryl and Francesco.
There are many topics covered in the book, love, family, lies...The story is about Meryl's life coming together, the past and present, I wasn't sure how this was going to work but it was important the author covered this across the two countries, towards the end this all came together.
Some books you can drift in an out of and it doesn't matter if you put it down and don't pick it up again for weeks as you will know what is going on. This is not one of those books, as there is so much going on in it, you have to concentrate completely when you are reading it as if you are not you will get lost. This happened to me on a couple of occasions and I had to reread sections to remember what had happened and so I felt I could move on confidently. For this reason and it is probably down to my lifestyle I feel I could not give myself up to the book and enjoy it in the way it should be read. I was too distracted with things and this slashed my enjoyment of it as I had to keep reading back.
Finally I did love the settings of the book and the characters - this I should have read when I was on holiday and could give the book the time it deserved.
I enjoy books set in different countries and travelling and I found myself wanting to arrive in a foreign country and travel along with Meryl and Francesco.
There are many topics covered in the book, love, family, lies...The story is about Meryl's life coming together, the past and present, I wasn't sure how this was going to work but it was important the author covered this across the two countries, towards the end this all came together.
Some books you can drift in an out of and it doesn't matter if you put it down and don't pick it up again for weeks as you will know what is going on. This is not one of those books, as there is so much going on in it, you have to concentrate completely when you are reading it as if you are not you will get lost. This happened to me on a couple of occasions and I had to reread sections to remember what had happened and so I felt I could move on confidently. For this reason and it is probably down to my lifestyle I feel I could not give myself up to the book and enjoy it in the way it should be read. I was too distracted with things and this slashed my enjoyment of it as I had to keep reading back.
Finally I did love the settings of the book and the characters - this I should have read when I was on holiday and could give the book the time it deserved.
August 8, 2013
True Vines, is a story about Merly's journey of finding her place in life. Betrayed early on, she finds happiness in the arms of Francesco and the life they have built in Italy. After 13 years, she loses the most important thing in her world and so hurries back to her hometown in Pennsylvania trying to heal. She ends up blocking everything out, just going thru the motions of living. She slowly, successfully has a break down, destroying the barrier she has put up since she lost Francesco. The barrier that has always been with her, preventing her from making bonds with other people. This was a very engaging read although slow paced it worked in keeping with the way the tale was unfolding. The story was more than dealing with loss and grief nor of a strong abiding love. This was about a woman's journey into finding herself, how much she has and how much she tries to blindly block out. The characters were all flawed, even the love of Merly and Francesco was not perfect. They all made mistakes they've regretted but in the end, especially in Merly's case, you pick up the pieces and build something better, stronger and lasting. It wasn't just her life but in essence its her whole being that was given a chance at a happy ever after over and over again. That making mistakes was not the end but a catalyst to start anew. Its a story about grabbing happiness and making it work and having your happy ever after step by step.
August 4, 2014
I rarely read contemporary novels, but this particular novel grabbed my interest because it had an Italian setting and it had so many 5 star reviews. And now that I've read the novel, I have to say that it is one of the best novels I've read and enjoyed this year.
The story begins as the main character, Meryl, returns to the USA after the death of her husband and after having lived in Italy for more than a decade. Page by page, like peeling the skin off a delicate onion, the author reveals Meryl's tale with a deep introspection and very lush descriptive details. The writing is so perfect and complete, that it actually feels as if you are living with the character and have become a part of her life. I could not help but suffer over her failures and triumph over her victories. I especially enjoyed the way the heroine gained insight and wisdom as she lived her life. And very few books succeed in doing all this.
The author's ability to relay a good yarn with a highly satisfying ending that leaves no questions unanswered is nothing short of magnificent. I can only say this that is truly an amazing book - one of my all time favorites. I cannot recommend it enough. Go get it. Get it now. And start reading. You won't be disappointed.
The story begins as the main character, Meryl, returns to the USA after the death of her husband and after having lived in Italy for more than a decade. Page by page, like peeling the skin off a delicate onion, the author reveals Meryl's tale with a deep introspection and very lush descriptive details. The writing is so perfect and complete, that it actually feels as if you are living with the character and have become a part of her life. I could not help but suffer over her failures and triumph over her victories. I especially enjoyed the way the heroine gained insight and wisdom as she lived her life. And very few books succeed in doing all this.
The author's ability to relay a good yarn with a highly satisfying ending that leaves no questions unanswered is nothing short of magnificent. I can only say this that is truly an amazing book - one of my all time favorites. I cannot recommend it enough. Go get it. Get it now. And start reading. You won't be disappointed.
June 19, 2014
Once in a blue moon comes a heartfelt novel that makes one forget dishes, responsibilities and laundry.
I began True Vines a week ago and read it holding my breath.
I loved the setting, the rhythm and the narrative. Engaging all my senses, it gave just enough details for me to fill in the rest with my own imagination.
I poured my heart into the pages. Shrived with the fog and warmed up by the fires.
I laughed, cried and a couple of times almost yelled out loud in anger along with the Italians.
Diana, grazie infinite.
Thank you for bringing to life a sliver of my country, its most archetypical characters and even some of its ghosts.
Grazie per il preciso accento su papà.
Giuliana
I began True Vines a week ago and read it holding my breath.
I loved the setting, the rhythm and the narrative. Engaging all my senses, it gave just enough details for me to fill in the rest with my own imagination.
I poured my heart into the pages. Shrived with the fog and warmed up by the fires.
I laughed, cried and a couple of times almost yelled out loud in anger along with the Italians.
Diana, grazie infinite.
Thank you for bringing to life a sliver of my country, its most archetypical characters and even some of its ghosts.
Grazie per il preciso accento su papà.
Giuliana
February 25, 2013
This book is wonderful from start to finish. The characters are as rich and layered as the beautiful Piemonte countryside that the author describes in luscious detail. I was immediately drawn in to this story of family, heartbreak, and healing and by the end was deeply invested in all of the characters, especially Meryl. I laughed and cried in equal measure as I journey with her and in the end felt also an immense sense of satisfaction. This is one of those books that will stay with you for a long time, not unlike the hardy grape vines through which the author twines this lovely tale.
November 13, 2014
Definitely a different kind of book for me. Meryl is a 50 year old woman coming back to her hometown to figure out her life after losing her Italian husband of 13 years and a life in Italy. She reflects on her life all the good and bad decisions she made so it is a later coming of age kind of book. I enjoyed the stories of Italy and the winery. There is a desperation in her life and it breaks your heart. But everyone seems to learn how to accept the things they cannot change and make changes with an open mind that really make life better.
April 4, 2013
The story and characters were beautifully developed. Did not want Meryl's story to end but was satisfied with the ending.
June 16, 2013
I really loved this book. It was lovely to be transported to Italy in the pages of this book.
I've written a bit more about this book here:
http://www.wanderingsheila.com/true-v...
I've written a bit more about this book here:
http://www.wanderingsheila.com/true-v...
January 18, 2016
This was an enjoyable read - I loved the personality of "Merla" - very real! Her journey was very easy to relate to. I also loved all the references to Italy.
December 30, 2020
I absolutely fell in love with this book! It somehow fell off my radar a few years back when I was given access to read it, but what a delight! The characters are so well written; each is flawed in their own way, and it is not about life being perfect or always shining. Meryl Michelli flees her vineyard in Italy, running home to her sister in Pennsylvania, but she receives a chilly reception. She quickly finds a job and an apartment, much to her sisters disdain, and we soon learn the back story of Merle and Janies upbringing and rigid, unbending childhoods. But we also learn of how Merle came to live in Italy and how she discovers life, and love in America and Italy. What a beautiful story!
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