Sicilian Splendors: Discovering the Secret Places That Speak to the Heart

by John Keahey

"A wondrously joyous account of travel as it should be." -Publishers Weekly

A travel narrative that focuses on Sicily's little-known regions, from the author of Seeking Sicily and Hidden Tuscany.

From Palermo to Castiglione di Sicilia to Alimena, Sicily holds great secrets from the past and unspoken promises. Tradition, in the form of festivals, the written word, photographs, and song, reverberates through village walls. Now, slowly shaking itself free of the Mafia, Sicily is opening itself up to visitors in ways it never has before.

Sicilian Splendors explores the history, politics, food, Mafia, and people which John Keahey encounters throughout his travels during his return to Sicily. Through conversing with natives and immersing himself in culture, Keahey illustrates a brand new Sicily no one has ever talked about before. Villagers, eager to welcome tourism and impart awareness of their cultural background, greet Keahey for meals and drink and walk him through their winding streets. They share stories of well-known writers, such as Maria Messina, who have found inspiration in Sicily's villages. Keahey's never-ending curiosity as a traveler shines light on Sicily's mythical mysteries and portrays the island not only through his eyes but also through Sicily's heart.

This picturesque travel memoir navigates Sicily today and seeks to understand Sicily's past. In lyrical prose and vivid dialect, Keahey paints images of the island's villages, people, and culture with careful strokes and a meticulously even hand.

Keahey not only serves as a guide through the marvel of Sicily's identity, but he also looks deeply into Sicily's soul.

Genres: Travel, Italy, Nonfiction, History

304 pages, Hardcover

First published November 13, 2018

Reviews

[Lucy Banks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Nice insight into a beautiful island.

I adore Sicily, and the thing that attracted me to this book was that it was about places that were off the well-trodden tourist route. Written by an ex-pat, Sicilian Splendours has a real air of authority, and a sense of getting to know the real Sicily - which was a pleasure to read about.

The book guides the reader through the little-known villages of the island - far from the seaside resorts and historic towns. Thanks to the author's excellent descriptive skills, it's easy to imagine the winding, narrow streets, the cosy street cafes and the delicious local dishes.

One small thing did mar the experience slightly for me - I would have loved to see some photos. Even though I've visited Sicily, it's always nice to have that visual stimulus to accompany travel writing; though perhaps this is included in the hard copy?

Overall, a nice book for those thinking of visiting - especially if you're keen to explore the island.

[Nia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book in advance of publication in exchange for honest feedback. Sadly, I didn't finish it before the publication date because it moved soooo slooowly. Though maybe that's fitting for a book about Sicily where the writer/traveler examines a slower way of life. But personally I found it somewhat painful.

That said, I did feel how wonderful the many towns and villages of Sicily are, as well as the warmth and community that exists within them. I learned some things about Sicilian history, Italian history, etc. I picked up some new spots to add to my road trip wish list. I did not take nothing from this book.

Did I need to know the parking situation and meter limits in seemingly every village? Or about the many times the writer wanted to go somewhere and couldn't because of the weather? Or the number of every motorway and where they don't lead? Not really—unfortunately a lot of the exposition took away from the enjoyment of reading the book.

[Bonnye Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

GNAB I have always had Italy on my bucket list. If I thought of Sicily at all, was as the Mafia homeland, a dinky little island add-on that I would see if there was time when I finally make it to Italy. Wrong.

John Keahey brings to life this wonderful land of mountains and plains and spectacular sea views and seaside villages that shout out, calling you to stop and sit and immerse yourself in this varied life. I had not appreciated the fact that Sicily (and to a lesser degree mainland Italy) had been influenced by so many cultures as the land went through many many cycles of war and peace. Each war, each conqueror brought their influences in art and architecture, food and religion and Sicily reflects all of those changing worlds.

Keahey has a wonderful way with words, and an obvious love of the subject matter in Sicilian Splendors. I can now close my eyes and see why Sicily must now go to the top of my bucket list.

I received a free electronic copy of this excellent book from Netgalley, John Keahey, and St Martin's Press, Thomas Dunn Books, in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me.

Pub date Nov 13, 2018

[Dixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let John Keahey take you away on a culturally rich trip through the historic towns and villages of Sicily. I enjoyed the wonderful descriptions of the people he met and places he visited in exploring this picturesque landscape. His narrative brings it all to life. My only disappointment was that I was expecting photography, as well as prose.
I voluntarily read an advanced review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley and I offer my honest opinion in response.

[Charmaine Whyte · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful relaxing journey through Sicily. The authors descriptions of the Sicilian people and the countryside had me feeling like I was exploring the island with him.

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these travel and ex-pat books! I hope to go to Sicily someday and see the lands and towns Keahey writes about! I would love to visit all the villages, go to the fairs, the shops, markets, and parks, and restaurants. How wonderful it would be to spend a month just roaming.
The only thing missing, and it may be only because I have it on a Kindle, is photos. I do hope the book itself has some. But if not, I have read other similar books without them and have still enjoyed the stories!
I received a Kindle ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.

[Alisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really tied with this one, making it halfway before I gave up. What I wanted to be a charming travelogue was instead full of details about parking meters and small villages as Keahey disdains anything with more than 100 residents. I didn't find any of the heart of the people or place in his writing.

[Matthew Newton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple and delightful

I’ve now read both of Keahey’s Sicily books. And that in itself was by pure accident; it was only after starting this one that I began to recognise his style and looked at the name on the cover.

If I had to recommend one of the two, it would be this.

I read this book because I wanted to be transported into the place of Sicily and imagine myself there. We can’t travel to all places on the planet but in the able hands of the right author, a book will do the job for you. I felt like I was there taking a double espresso in the company of friendly Sicilians. Unexpectedly, I found my eyes misting up as I finished.

Thanks for this book, John.

[Karen La · Rating 5 out of 5]

Visiting Sicily is like suspending yourself in another place and time. John really captures that in his writing. You can't be in a rush in Sicily, you need time to explore and absorb. It is not a place you go to say 'been there, done that.' I really appreciate John's ability, in this book and in his other, "Seeking Sicily," to capture the nuance of a place I know well, to spotlight the small things that make a visit so memorable. His blend of journalism and story-telling, combined with evident love of place made me thoroughly enjoy a virtual journey through reading - the best kind.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great travel book for arm chair travelers- I will probably never make it to Sicily but I now know quite a bit about this country - loved the history and his descriptions of the ruins , the previous civilizations, the people and the food. Also enjoyed his descriptions of the churches and monasteries plus all of the religious influences of the Jews and the Arabs on the landscape. This book has some good photos to go along with all of the writings.

[Mary DeLoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a lovely wander through the Sicilian countryside. If you've ever spent any time at all in Sicily, this book will make you want to book your flight back there. Keahey's prose is slow-moving in this work - it moves at the pace at which we should enjoy our stay in the villages and hamlets that make up so much of this rich, varied world.

I really loved it and now am seeking out English translation versions of a couple of the Sicilian authors that he discussed in this lovely little book.

[Gabrielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's hard not to drawn into John Keahey's passion for Sicily. He obviously has a great love for the island, and a genuine interest in connecting with the locals and understanding the history. Some of the topics of the essays are a bit niche, and I skipped ahead in some of them that I did not feel like I needed such an indepth analysis. What I enjoyed the most are the stories of his encounters with the Sicilians. Nevertheless, I can appreciate his passion and writing style.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very insightful read, actually better than Keahey's previous book about Sicily.

Unlike many authors who "think" they know something about Sicily, he made a serious effort to discover something about the people themselves, going out of his way, into the hinterland, to find them.

With all the memoirs, Mafia books and clichés being published, this book really is a breath of fresh air.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author visited small villages—following up on local tale or investigating some unique location or historical site. It’s not what I needed for my trip, but I skimmed and found some interest in the historical figures discussed and in the history, especially relating to the Albanians and the Greek Orthodox churches.

[Hristina Ivanova-Petrova · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this journey around Sicily and I'm definitely a fan of Keahey's writing. Very relaxing read, totally recommend for anyone who loves travelling, but for obvious reasons hasn't done it in a while.

[Tammy Lawlor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the simplicity of writing and author’s focus on visiting the small towns of Sicily. He talks as much about everyday interactions with people as he does about the landscape and sites. Perfect read ahead of my trip to Sicily in October!!

[John Keahey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will be released on Nov. 13, 2018. Kirkus, the publishing trade magazine, had this to say about it : https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-re...

[Kristjan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable, mostly low-key trip through various villages in Sicily.

[Pia Vidal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that makes you drop the book to jump online, buy your flight, go back to the book and start dreaming again.

[Lara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gives a good background and history of traveling in Sicily along with the author's travels.

[Hans Sandberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice travel book with many interesting observations about people, places, culture and history, but maybe too many reports about the author's visits to expresso bars.

[Kerry Shoji · Rating 3 out of 5]

A reminder that open-mindedness in travel can win life-long friends. The author explores Sicily's history, politics, and the friendly people he encountered during this travels in small villages.

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining, down to earth, a wonderful account of a three month stay in
various Sicilian villages. He connects what he sees and experiences to historical events and stories from local authors.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is about as good as travel writing gets. Reference to other literary figures, focus on little known areas, encounters with interesting characters and plenty of food.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely trip through Sicily.

[Books In Brogan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book about the authors travels in Sicily and was a good read but not as a travel guide but if you are traveling to Italy you will enjoy reading this book on the plane.  This review was originally posted on Books In Brogan

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great travelogue of Sicily and made me want to book my travel immediately. The writer is well acquainted with the history and geography of Sicily and tells it's story in an eloquent way . He talks about the past, present and the future with much reverence but in some instances is quite melancholic. I got a real feel for the place and it's people and find that the book could have been improved by adding a map of Sicily so that we could follow his route and by including some pictures of the people and places he visited would have made the book more enjoyable. It is a bit slow in places but I enjoyed the atmosphere he describes in great detail. Other than that, all I can say is that I will be going to Sicily one day! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.