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Summer School
Love, rivalry, and writing in a Tuscan paradise.Relax. Indulge. And discover the writer within...Patricia Wilson's carefully composed ads for the writers' retreat she runs at her thirteenth-century Italian castle promise so much. But while the splendour of their surroundings and chef Aldo's melanzane never fail to wow the guests, huge maintenance bills and bad news from the bank threaten to close Patricia down. It's make or break time for the Castello.Each of her seven aspiring authors arrives with the inevitable baggage alongside their unpublished manuscripts. But this August something is different, and soon lifelong spinster Mary is riding on the back of Aldo's vespa, and smouldering odd-job man Fabio has set more than one heart racing.As temperatures rise, the writers gossip, flirt and gently polish their prose by the pool. But with ghosts, scorpions, and some unexpected visitors to contend with, one thing's for neither the Castello, nor Patricia, has ever seen a summer like this.
374 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
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584 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
May 8, 2023
4.5*
What a fabulous read One Summer in Tuscany (also published as Summer School) was! I've loved Domenica De Rosa's crime-mystery writing (as Elly Griffiths) for many years, but had never before sampled the work she's published under her own name in the romance fiction genre. That now remedied, I'll certainly track down more of her titles in the near future.
One Summer in Tuscany opens with British ex-pat Patricia O'Hara preparing her property, Castello della Luna in the Tuscan countryside near Siena, for the arrival of nine guests due to participate in a fortnight-long Writer's Retreat. Despite the stunning surrounds, Patricia is uneasy - the Castello is struggling financially, she's now single following the departure of her rather feckless husband Sean, and her teenaged son Matthew is more interested in hanging around with his layabout Italian friends than helping her out with the business. Meanwhile, an Adonis-like new workman named Fabio has arrived at the Castello after seeing Patrica's advertisement for employment, and an imperious stray cat has taken up residence in her office.
The multi-perspective format then takes us into the worlds of course leader Jeremy Bullen, author of a single hit novel over 20 years ago, and the aspiring writers: self-important Mummy blogger Cat; her thoughtful best friend Anna; septugenarian mystery writer Mary; Texan trauma-survivor Dorothy and her congenial husband Rick (who Patricia secretly hopes is an oil tycoon who'll be itching to invest in the Castello); Frenchman Jean-Pierre ("I love Italy, but I hate Italians"); aspiring Scottish thriller writer Sam; and groupie Sally, who's attended every one of Jeremy's past courses.
As the days roll by under the scorching August sun, the guests get to know each other, gorge on chef Aldo's fabulous Tuscan food, and take bus trips to explore Rome, Siena, Florence and the (fictional) nearby hilltown of San Severino. In between swims in the pool and a succession of charged exchanges, most find time to work on their respective writing projects. As an aspiring writer myself, I loved this part of the narrative, as Domenica De Rosa draws on her own experience and that of others in exploring the joys and disappointments of finding one's voice as a writer.
Empathetic Anna is the primary heroine of the story, accustomed to playing second fiddle to the vivacious but self-centred Cat, but finding herself the unwitting focus of romantic overtures by more than one amorous suitor over the duration of the course. Meanwhile, romantic sub-plots also evolve for several other guests - but which will stand the test of time?
I'm not normally a huge lover of romance fiction, but must admit that I found Domenica De Rosa's light touch when it came to that aspect of the plot, combined with her excellent development of a diverse cast of characters and an evocative sense of setting in central Italy, certainly did the trick for me - this was an absolute pleasure to read! I'd enthusiastically recommend it to any reader who enjoys light romance and character-driven drama, and especially to fellow Italophiles!
What a fabulous read One Summer in Tuscany (also published as Summer School) was! I've loved Domenica De Rosa's crime-mystery writing (as Elly Griffiths) for many years, but had never before sampled the work she's published under her own name in the romance fiction genre. That now remedied, I'll certainly track down more of her titles in the near future.
One Summer in Tuscany opens with British ex-pat Patricia O'Hara preparing her property, Castello della Luna in the Tuscan countryside near Siena, for the arrival of nine guests due to participate in a fortnight-long Writer's Retreat. Despite the stunning surrounds, Patricia is uneasy - the Castello is struggling financially, she's now single following the departure of her rather feckless husband Sean, and her teenaged son Matthew is more interested in hanging around with his layabout Italian friends than helping her out with the business. Meanwhile, an Adonis-like new workman named Fabio has arrived at the Castello after seeing Patrica's advertisement for employment, and an imperious stray cat has taken up residence in her office.
The multi-perspective format then takes us into the worlds of course leader Jeremy Bullen, author of a single hit novel over 20 years ago, and the aspiring writers: self-important Mummy blogger Cat; her thoughtful best friend Anna; septugenarian mystery writer Mary; Texan trauma-survivor Dorothy and her congenial husband Rick (who Patricia secretly hopes is an oil tycoon who'll be itching to invest in the Castello); Frenchman Jean-Pierre ("I love Italy, but I hate Italians"); aspiring Scottish thriller writer Sam; and groupie Sally, who's attended every one of Jeremy's past courses.
As the days roll by under the scorching August sun, the guests get to know each other, gorge on chef Aldo's fabulous Tuscan food, and take bus trips to explore Rome, Siena, Florence and the (fictional) nearby hilltown of San Severino. In between swims in the pool and a succession of charged exchanges, most find time to work on their respective writing projects. As an aspiring writer myself, I loved this part of the narrative, as Domenica De Rosa draws on her own experience and that of others in exploring the joys and disappointments of finding one's voice as a writer.
"'We think we are the authors,' he says, 'but we are merely conduits for language. We put pen to paper and who knows what comes out? Sometimes the text takes over. That's why you can't afford to be too anal about structure.'" (p.119)Jeremy's not always a particularly positive influence, especially after he starts pursuing one of the course participants, however we also sense his deep frustration, despite having experienced considerable past success, at facing a dearth of inspiration for future projects.
Empathetic Anna is the primary heroine of the story, accustomed to playing second fiddle to the vivacious but self-centred Cat, but finding herself the unwitting focus of romantic overtures by more than one amorous suitor over the duration of the course. Meanwhile, romantic sub-plots also evolve for several other guests - but which will stand the test of time?
I'm not normally a huge lover of romance fiction, but must admit that I found Domenica De Rosa's light touch when it came to that aspect of the plot, combined with her excellent development of a diverse cast of characters and an evocative sense of setting in central Italy, certainly did the trick for me - this was an absolute pleasure to read! I'd enthusiastically recommend it to any reader who enjoys light romance and character-driven drama, and especially to fellow Italophiles!
June 27, 2017
One Summer in Tuscany was previously published in 2008 as ‘Summer School’
Set in the idyllic Tuscan hills, Patricia Wilson’s 18th century home earns its keep (or tries to) by playing host to guests on a residential creative writing course. The two week course includes tuition from author Jeremy Bullen and features sightseeing trips into Rome and Florence as well as the chance to explore the local landscape. For the guests it is a chance to hone their writing skills and to have their writing critiqued by a well-known author however for Patricia, facing the worry of bankruptcy, it is make or break time for her business. Add into the equation, a rebellious and moody teenage son and her Tuscan idyll doesn’t sound quite so perfect.
If the idea of a writing retreat sounds inviting, the diverse mix of guests and the conflict of personalities could scupper the chance of a relaxing time. Not everybody gets along, alliances are formed, and there are hopes of romantic attachments. With guests ranging from a young female ‘yummy mummy’ who is confident that she has written the next best seller, to an elderly spinster who has spent the best part of 30 years writing her crime novel and who has no expectations of it ever being published, the tutor Jeremy begins to despair of seeing a half decent novel or idea from many of his pupils. He was once (and it was only the once!) a best-selling author however in the 20 years since then he has written nothing else and lives off his previous claim to fame.
This is a very easy read and that is meant as a compliment. It is written with a lighter touch however as the story progresses, we learn more about the lives of the characters and their hopes and dreams and there are a few surprises along the way. For my own personal tastes I would have liked to have seen a little more depth to the characters but it was still very enjoyable. The descriptions of the surrounding landscape and countryside are captivating whilst the food prepared by Aldo the chef will make your mouth water.
Over the course of the 2 weeks, the guests spent their time sightseeing, relaxing by the pool, eating and sleeping during the hot afternoons. There doesn’t seem to be an awful lot of writing going on but by the time they return home however, they will have learnt a lot about themselves. Some will realise that their dream of publication is just that, a dream, whilst others will have had a life changing experience.
One Summer in Tuscany would make for a perfect summery read, with a glass of something chilled at hand!
Set in the idyllic Tuscan hills, Patricia Wilson’s 18th century home earns its keep (or tries to) by playing host to guests on a residential creative writing course. The two week course includes tuition from author Jeremy Bullen and features sightseeing trips into Rome and Florence as well as the chance to explore the local landscape. For the guests it is a chance to hone their writing skills and to have their writing critiqued by a well-known author however for Patricia, facing the worry of bankruptcy, it is make or break time for her business. Add into the equation, a rebellious and moody teenage son and her Tuscan idyll doesn’t sound quite so perfect.
If the idea of a writing retreat sounds inviting, the diverse mix of guests and the conflict of personalities could scupper the chance of a relaxing time. Not everybody gets along, alliances are formed, and there are hopes of romantic attachments. With guests ranging from a young female ‘yummy mummy’ who is confident that she has written the next best seller, to an elderly spinster who has spent the best part of 30 years writing her crime novel and who has no expectations of it ever being published, the tutor Jeremy begins to despair of seeing a half decent novel or idea from many of his pupils. He was once (and it was only the once!) a best-selling author however in the 20 years since then he has written nothing else and lives off his previous claim to fame.
This is a very easy read and that is meant as a compliment. It is written with a lighter touch however as the story progresses, we learn more about the lives of the characters and their hopes and dreams and there are a few surprises along the way. For my own personal tastes I would have liked to have seen a little more depth to the characters but it was still very enjoyable. The descriptions of the surrounding landscape and countryside are captivating whilst the food prepared by Aldo the chef will make your mouth water.
Over the course of the 2 weeks, the guests spent their time sightseeing, relaxing by the pool, eating and sleeping during the hot afternoons. There doesn’t seem to be an awful lot of writing going on but by the time they return home however, they will have learnt a lot about themselves. Some will realise that their dream of publication is just that, a dream, whilst others will have had a life changing experience.
One Summer in Tuscany would make for a perfect summery read, with a glass of something chilled at hand!
October 4, 2009
This book is full of caricatures - the buttoned-up elderly civil servant, the twinkling Italian cook with the white moustache, the Irish rogue, the Italian stallion... Some of the story lines are quite ridiculous, and the end is so ridiculously schmaltzy and weepy, tying up all the loose ends. I absolutely loved it - I couldn't put it down, and I can say it's a book I really thoroughly enjoyed every moment of. How often can you say that, eh?!
January 1, 2013
I really enjoyed this! I think it must be hard for an author to write about a writing course, or make comments on stories without being judged themselves on their ability of writing an enjoyable book, but that wasn't the case with De Rosa. I also admire the author for coming up with so many characters, all different, for just one book, so that you are pulled in to the beautiful tuscan scenery and the castello. I enjoyed the variety of characters and the many twists and revelations that kept coming up. Great book that isn't quite what it seems...
March 11, 2019
This review was originally posted on Between My Lines
TWITTERESQUE REVIEW:
Set around a writing retreat in Tuscany, with a fab romance, it oozed summer feels. Loved it.
TWITTERESQUE REVIEW:
Set around a writing retreat in Tuscany, with a fab romance, it oozed summer feels. Loved it.
January 25, 2018
I'm not usually drawn to popular fiction but thought I'd read some Elly Griffiths who I discovered is actually Domenica De Rosa. I shall read more of her books when I need something lighter - this was a great anti-dote to Dorian Gray which I didn't bother to finish!
March 8, 2012
I've enjoyed reading Elly Griffiths' crime books and discovered somewhere along the way that this was a pseudonym of Domenica De Rosa. De Rosa's books looked rather girly and chick lit like and not really my kind of thing. When I spotted one in the library though I picked it up to have a look and ended up absorbed by it.
The 'Summer School' of the title is a fortnight long writing workshop taking place in a renovated castle in Tuscany. The characters seemed a bit stereotypical to start with but most of them broke enough boundaries that they seemed like real enough people. It is all a little predictable and I guessed where several of the storylines were going but that didn't really matter. There were a few things that didn't seem quite right, for example, a character who only seemed to be remembered once every 100 pages. I think there is something a bit odd about reading about a writers workshop - it made me want to rewrite parts of this book! That's not something I usually think about!
On the whole though, a decent piece of light entertainment and I'll quite possibly read more at some point in the future.
The 'Summer School' of the title is a fortnight long writing workshop taking place in a renovated castle in Tuscany. The characters seemed a bit stereotypical to start with but most of them broke enough boundaries that they seemed like real enough people. It is all a little predictable and I guessed where several of the storylines were going but that didn't really matter. There were a few things that didn't seem quite right, for example, a character who only seemed to be remembered once every 100 pages. I think there is something a bit odd about reading about a writers workshop - it made me want to rewrite parts of this book! That's not something I usually think about!
On the whole though, a decent piece of light entertainment and I'll quite possibly read more at some point in the future.
November 22, 2011
Not a bad read but not as good as Nicky Pellegrino books.
April 22, 2019
Era uma viagem para realizar um curso de escrita criativa, mas o que realmente as pessoas levam na bagagem?
Os seus livros, as suas ideias ou a sua vida?
Um romance, "ou vários", com personagens que se "resolvem", que descobrem que afinal há pessoas que não vivem vidas assim tão perfeitas e que se calhar nós já temos tudo o que procuramos se vivermos a nossa vida e não a ilusão da vida dos outros.
Gostei bastante do livro, talvez por ter pegado nele com duvidas se iria gostar e não muito motivada, mas surpreendeu-me a historia :)
Os seus livros, as suas ideias ou a sua vida?
Um romance, "ou vários", com personagens que se "resolvem", que descobrem que afinal há pessoas que não vivem vidas assim tão perfeitas e que se calhar nós já temos tudo o que procuramos se vivermos a nossa vida e não a ilusão da vida dos outros.
Gostei bastante do livro, talvez por ter pegado nele com duvidas se iria gostar e não muito motivada, mas surpreendeu-me a historia :)
July 10, 2011
O antes...
"Preparativos
31 de Julho
Patricia O’Hara, mais conhecida por signora O’Hara, ou Patrizia, ou a inglesa do castello, afasta o cabelo húmido da cara, tentando concentrar-se na sua lista. Embora a cozinha seja fresca, lá fora o calor é de tal forma intenso que parece querer irromper pelas janelas. A sua escrita, de um negro intenso que contrasta com a alvura do papel, pulsa desagradavelmente na página."
Hummm com este inicio só faz mesmo pensar no Verão, Sol, praia... e Itália parece um óptimo sítio para desfrutar deste livro! Infelizmente tenho de desfrutar do livro mesmo por aqui mas adivinho grandes momentos a ler, a imaginar e a sonhar visitar todos os sítios mencionados no livro! Já agora também acho que vou imaginar se fosse eu que estivesse num curso de escrita criativa... será que daria resultado?!
E o depois...
Aquele que nos parece um romance literário num Verão deslumbrante na bela Itália transforma-se para nos captar a atenção e surpreender nos acontecimentos futuros pois ninguém imagina tudo o que acontece no final do livro, ou pelo menos, não tudo! De romance passa a manual de escrita criativa e depois a guia turístico acabando numa mistura de suspense e auto-ajuda!
Engraçado e fascinante deu-me vontade de ler mais livros da autora e fez-me questionar: "será que eu conseguia escrever um livro?"
"Preparativos
31 de Julho
Patricia O’Hara, mais conhecida por signora O’Hara, ou Patrizia, ou a inglesa do castello, afasta o cabelo húmido da cara, tentando concentrar-se na sua lista. Embora a cozinha seja fresca, lá fora o calor é de tal forma intenso que parece querer irromper pelas janelas. A sua escrita, de um negro intenso que contrasta com a alvura do papel, pulsa desagradavelmente na página."
Hummm com este inicio só faz mesmo pensar no Verão, Sol, praia... e Itália parece um óptimo sítio para desfrutar deste livro! Infelizmente tenho de desfrutar do livro mesmo por aqui mas adivinho grandes momentos a ler, a imaginar e a sonhar visitar todos os sítios mencionados no livro! Já agora também acho que vou imaginar se fosse eu que estivesse num curso de escrita criativa... será que daria resultado?!
E o depois...
Aquele que nos parece um romance literário num Verão deslumbrante na bela Itália transforma-se para nos captar a atenção e surpreender nos acontecimentos futuros pois ninguém imagina tudo o que acontece no final do livro, ou pelo menos, não tudo! De romance passa a manual de escrita criativa e depois a guia turístico acabando numa mistura de suspense e auto-ajuda!
Engraçado e fascinante deu-me vontade de ler mais livros da autora e fez-me questionar: "será que eu conseguia escrever um livro?"
October 7, 2017
Tuscany and its enrapturing beauty, the strange and sensual atmosphere of an old castle situated in the countryside, nearby Siena, and (bright idea!!) a two weeks teaching session for aspiring authors who just arrived from England (well, for most of them): “One Summer in Tuscany » has everything needed to capture the reader (especially if she -or he- is an aspiring author!).
The idea that led to this book is quite original, and I found it really interesting to read this story, to follow the aspiring authors, to discover their failings, their somewhat naive enthusiasm, their fears… Yes, I really enjoyed the first chapters.
Sadly, however, the story ends in a nonsensical way, as if the author felt rushed. It’s frustrating!
The idea that led to this book is quite original, and I found it really interesting to read this story, to follow the aspiring authors, to discover their failings, their somewhat naive enthusiasm, their fears… Yes, I really enjoyed the first chapters.
Sadly, however, the story ends in a nonsensical way, as if the author felt rushed. It’s frustrating!
March 25, 2021
Now titled One Summer in Tuscany
I chose this novel because it looked like a light, entertaining read in an exciting location at a time when we cannot travel. It certainly is a delightful read with glorious descriptions of Tuscany and feel-good romance but it more than that. A group of budding writers, who have yet to publish a book, visit a lovely castle, complete with its own ghost story, where they will be tutored by a successful author (currently resting!) while dining in style and visiting the important towns of the area.
We sympathise with English owner, Patricia, abandoned by her husband five years previously and struggling to pay the bills for staff and maintenance, as she makes her guests welcome and responds to their every need. Reading the diaries, emails and creative writing tasks of the guests helps us to know them intimately and it is this clear characterisation which made me engage with the plot so quickly. I soon fell for the charms of superb chef, Aldo and who could resist reading about the handsome handyman, Fabio, as he frolics in the swimming pool.
Amongst the guests are friends Cat and Anna, young mothers who are close friends, but where Anna gives loyalty, Cat uses her friend as a foil for her own beauty and success. Frenchman JP antagonises Patricia, even before he arrives, by his refusal to drink Italian wine, but gradually she finds that he has hidden depths. I couldn’t help identifying with aging spinster, Mary, although I don’t share her circumstances and it is wonderful to see her blossom in this new environment. Despite their different backgrounds, the group begins to bond and they will be sad to part but they each go home changed by their experiences.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys character driven novels with an eventful plot and a most satisfactory conclusion. It certainly kept me reading late into the night.
I chose this novel because it looked like a light, entertaining read in an exciting location at a time when we cannot travel. It certainly is a delightful read with glorious descriptions of Tuscany and feel-good romance but it more than that. A group of budding writers, who have yet to publish a book, visit a lovely castle, complete with its own ghost story, where they will be tutored by a successful author (currently resting!) while dining in style and visiting the important towns of the area.
We sympathise with English owner, Patricia, abandoned by her husband five years previously and struggling to pay the bills for staff and maintenance, as she makes her guests welcome and responds to their every need. Reading the diaries, emails and creative writing tasks of the guests helps us to know them intimately and it is this clear characterisation which made me engage with the plot so quickly. I soon fell for the charms of superb chef, Aldo and who could resist reading about the handsome handyman, Fabio, as he frolics in the swimming pool.
Amongst the guests are friends Cat and Anna, young mothers who are close friends, but where Anna gives loyalty, Cat uses her friend as a foil for her own beauty and success. Frenchman JP antagonises Patricia, even before he arrives, by his refusal to drink Italian wine, but gradually she finds that he has hidden depths. I couldn’t help identifying with aging spinster, Mary, although I don’t share her circumstances and it is wonderful to see her blossom in this new environment. Despite their different backgrounds, the group begins to bond and they will be sad to part but they each go home changed by their experiences.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys character driven novels with an eventful plot and a most satisfactory conclusion. It certainly kept me reading late into the night.
July 7, 2021
Patricia Wilson's carefully composed ads for the writers' retreat she runs at her thirteenth-century Italian castle promise so much. But while the splendour of their surroundings and chef Aldo's melanzane never fail to wow the guests, huge maintenance bills and bad news from the bank threaten to close Patricia down. It's make or break time for the Castello.
Each of her seven aspiring authors arrives with the inevitable baggage alongside their unpublished manuscripts. But this August something is different, and soon lifelong spinster Mary is riding on the back of Aldo's vespa, and smouldering odd-job man Fabio has set more than one heart racing.
As soon as I discovered this author also writes as Elly Griffiths I was determined to read her books and I'm so glad I did, it is a fabulous, happy read. The fact that the author is able to write in and critique different writing styles whilst still holding the reader's attention is incredibly clever, the story is probably clichéd but I really didn't care because it's so good.
I could feel the intense heat, see the fabulous food and surroundings and just live with all the characters as if I'd known them forever. Excellent!
Each of her seven aspiring authors arrives with the inevitable baggage alongside their unpublished manuscripts. But this August something is different, and soon lifelong spinster Mary is riding on the back of Aldo's vespa, and smouldering odd-job man Fabio has set more than one heart racing.
As soon as I discovered this author also writes as Elly Griffiths I was determined to read her books and I'm so glad I did, it is a fabulous, happy read. The fact that the author is able to write in and critique different writing styles whilst still holding the reader's attention is incredibly clever, the story is probably clichéd but I really didn't care because it's so good.
I could feel the intense heat, see the fabulous food and surroundings and just live with all the characters as if I'd known them forever. Excellent!
November 3, 2019
Oplæser: Camilla Qvistgaard Dyssel. Rigtig god til denne type roman.
Midt i det vidunderlige Toscana mødes en gruppe mennesker til et skrivekursus. Som altid når mennesker mødes, sker der ting og sager: romantik, sammenstød, forskelligheder. 2 uger fortælles gennem de forskellige deltageres øjne. Som mails til familien, som dagbogsnotater, som små historier deltagerne skal skrive i forbindelse med skrivekursus og naturligvis gennem deltagernes øjne. Kærlighed blomstre op og visner i visse tilfælde lige så hurtigt igen. Smukt skrevet og smukt fortalt af Domenica De Rosa - også kendt under pseudonymet Elly Griffiths.
Midt i det vidunderlige Toscana mødes en gruppe mennesker til et skrivekursus. Som altid når mennesker mødes, sker der ting og sager: romantik, sammenstød, forskelligheder. 2 uger fortælles gennem de forskellige deltageres øjne. Som mails til familien, som dagbogsnotater, som små historier deltagerne skal skrive i forbindelse med skrivekursus og naturligvis gennem deltagernes øjne. Kærlighed blomstre op og visner i visse tilfælde lige så hurtigt igen. Smukt skrevet og smukt fortalt af Domenica De Rosa - også kendt under pseudonymet Elly Griffiths.
May 27, 2019
Meget letlæst og sød. En nem strandbog
July 15, 2025
The last 100 pages I couldn’t stop laughing. The twists at the end too, I was 🤯
Love Elly Griffiths and love her as Domenica De Rosa just as much.
Love Elly Griffiths and love her as Domenica De Rosa just as much.
October 13, 2021
Light and enjoyable, although a bit long for the content. I read this book because I have enjoyed the Ruth Galloway series written as Ellie Griffiths and I am glad I did. The style was recognisable and congenial.
June 1, 2024
Que Livro Delicioso. Perfeito para o Verão. Tem Calor, tem Cheiro, tem Água e tem Sabor.
June 27, 2017
Summer School has been republished in 2017 as 'One Summer in Tuscany'
Set in the idyllic Tuscan hills, Patricia Wilson’s 18th century home earns its keep (or tries to) by playing host to guests on a residential creative writing course. The two week course includes tuition from author Jeremy Bullen and features sightseeing trips into Rome and Florence as well as the chance to explore the local landscape. For the guests it is a chance to hone their writing skills and to have their writing critiqued by a well-known author however for Patricia, facing the worry of bankruptcy, it is make or break time for her business. Add into the equation, a rebellious and moody teenage son and her Tuscan idyll doesn’t sound quite so perfect.
If the idea of a writing retreat sounds inviting, the diverse mix of guests and the conflict of personalities could scupper the chance of a relaxing time. Not everybody gets along, alliances are formed, and there are hopes of romantic attachments. With guests ranging from a young female ‘yummy mummy’ who is confident that she has written the next best seller, to an elderly spinster who has spent the best part of 30 years writing her crime novel and who has no expectations of it ever being published, the tutor Jeremy begins to despair of seeing a half decent novel or idea from many of his pupils. He was once (and it was only the once!) a best-selling author however in the 20 years since then he has written nothing else and lives off his previous claim to fame.
This is a very easy read and that is meant as a compliment. It is written with a lighter touch however as the story progresses, we learn more about the lives of the characters and their hopes and dreams and there are a few surprises along the way. For my own personal tastes I would have liked to have seen a little more depth to the characters but it was still very enjoyable. The descriptions of the surrounding landscape and countryside are captivating whilst the food prepared by Aldo the chef will make your mouth water.
Over the course of the 2 weeks, the guests spent their time sightseeing, relaxing by the pool, eating and sleeping during the hot afternoons. There doesn’t seem to be an awful lot of writing going on but by the time they return home however, they will have learnt a lot about themselves. Some will realise that their dream of publication is just that, a dream, whilst others will have had a life changing experience.
One Summer in Tuscany would make for a perfect summery read, with a glass of something chilled at hand!
Set in the idyllic Tuscan hills, Patricia Wilson’s 18th century home earns its keep (or tries to) by playing host to guests on a residential creative writing course. The two week course includes tuition from author Jeremy Bullen and features sightseeing trips into Rome and Florence as well as the chance to explore the local landscape. For the guests it is a chance to hone their writing skills and to have their writing critiqued by a well-known author however for Patricia, facing the worry of bankruptcy, it is make or break time for her business. Add into the equation, a rebellious and moody teenage son and her Tuscan idyll doesn’t sound quite so perfect.
If the idea of a writing retreat sounds inviting, the diverse mix of guests and the conflict of personalities could scupper the chance of a relaxing time. Not everybody gets along, alliances are formed, and there are hopes of romantic attachments. With guests ranging from a young female ‘yummy mummy’ who is confident that she has written the next best seller, to an elderly spinster who has spent the best part of 30 years writing her crime novel and who has no expectations of it ever being published, the tutor Jeremy begins to despair of seeing a half decent novel or idea from many of his pupils. He was once (and it was only the once!) a best-selling author however in the 20 years since then he has written nothing else and lives off his previous claim to fame.
This is a very easy read and that is meant as a compliment. It is written with a lighter touch however as the story progresses, we learn more about the lives of the characters and their hopes and dreams and there are a few surprises along the way. For my own personal tastes I would have liked to have seen a little more depth to the characters but it was still very enjoyable. The descriptions of the surrounding landscape and countryside are captivating whilst the food prepared by Aldo the chef will make your mouth water.
Over the course of the 2 weeks, the guests spent their time sightseeing, relaxing by the pool, eating and sleeping during the hot afternoons. There doesn’t seem to be an awful lot of writing going on but by the time they return home however, they will have learnt a lot about themselves. Some will realise that their dream of publication is just that, a dream, whilst others will have had a life changing experience.
One Summer in Tuscany would make for a perfect summery read, with a glass of something chilled at hand!
June 30, 2017
With the threat of bankruptcy over her head, Patricia really needs an injection of cash. Maybe one of her summer school guests can provide the answer?
Oh my goodness I enjoyed One Summer in Tuscany. What I really loved was the whole writing conceit. I enjoyed the pieces coming from the participants in the course that enabled me to see more of their characters and the whole idea of a writing retreat which transported me to the beautiful Italian countryside. There’s the fabulous joke of one hit wonder Jeremy teaching the others when he can’t write anything himself.
There’s a fantastic sense of place in One Summer in Tuscany and the smatterings of Italian lend an authenticity that transports the reader to Italy so that it’s impossible not to want to go there too.
In a sense, there isn’t a complicated plot, but that was one of the positives. This is very much character led writing with a well defined time frame of the two weeks at Patricia’s Castello. There’s a vivid feeling of what it would be like to be one of the participants, to write, swim in the pool, visit local attractions and eat Aldo’s wonderful food. I could so easily picture myself there as one of the less talented writers!
And speaking of Aldo – what a wonderful creation. He and Mary were my favourite characters, but I think it says something about the quality of Domenica de Rosa’s writing that I utterly loathed Cat who is so well named when we consider how cattiness is seen as unpleasant. I so wanted her to get her comeuppance but you’ll have to read One Summer in Tuscany to find out if she did.
I thoroughly enjoyed One Summer in Tuscany. It’s a smashing summer read – especially if you’re off to Tuscany on holiday.
https://lindasbookbag.com/2017/06/30/...
Oh my goodness I enjoyed One Summer in Tuscany. What I really loved was the whole writing conceit. I enjoyed the pieces coming from the participants in the course that enabled me to see more of their characters and the whole idea of a writing retreat which transported me to the beautiful Italian countryside. There’s the fabulous joke of one hit wonder Jeremy teaching the others when he can’t write anything himself.
There’s a fantastic sense of place in One Summer in Tuscany and the smatterings of Italian lend an authenticity that transports the reader to Italy so that it’s impossible not to want to go there too.
In a sense, there isn’t a complicated plot, but that was one of the positives. This is very much character led writing with a well defined time frame of the two weeks at Patricia’s Castello. There’s a vivid feeling of what it would be like to be one of the participants, to write, swim in the pool, visit local attractions and eat Aldo’s wonderful food. I could so easily picture myself there as one of the less talented writers!
And speaking of Aldo – what a wonderful creation. He and Mary were my favourite characters, but I think it says something about the quality of Domenica de Rosa’s writing that I utterly loathed Cat who is so well named when we consider how cattiness is seen as unpleasant. I so wanted her to get her comeuppance but you’ll have to read One Summer in Tuscany to find out if she did.
I thoroughly enjoyed One Summer in Tuscany. It’s a smashing summer read – especially if you’re off to Tuscany on holiday.
https://lindasbookbag.com/2017/06/30/...
June 18, 2019
Domenica de Rosa har skrevet den perfekte sommerbog! Den er som skabt til at blive læst i afslappet stemning, gerne med en pool eller havet i nærheden.
Miljøbeskrivelserne er fantastiske. Man kan nærmest mærke solens stråler kærtegne huden, duften af de farverige blomster og mundvandet, der løber ved beskrivelserne af Aldos fantastiske mad. (Advarsel: du VIL have lyst til italiensk mad efter end læsning).
Der var mange interessante karakterer, og i starten virkede de lige en grad for karikerede (Fabio? Kunne hun virkeligt ikke finde et andet navn?). Det var svært at holde styr på dem, men langsomt trådte deres særegne kendetegn frem og viste deres individuelle sider. Jeg faldt specielt for Mary, der overraskede på flere punkter, og var overrasket over de følelser Cat vakte – det er altid et tegn på en forfatters talent, når hun kan få læserne til at hade en karakter.
Handlingen er for det meste ret forudsigelig, og da der er tale om en meget karakterdrevet roman uden et kompliceret plot, havde jeg gerne set en mere dybdegående udvikling hos visse af karaktererne. Det er en meget letlæst bog, men alligevel overraskes man et par gange undervejs.
Nogen, der vil med til Toscana?
Miljøbeskrivelserne er fantastiske. Man kan nærmest mærke solens stråler kærtegne huden, duften af de farverige blomster og mundvandet, der løber ved beskrivelserne af Aldos fantastiske mad. (Advarsel: du VIL have lyst til italiensk mad efter end læsning).
Der var mange interessante karakterer, og i starten virkede de lige en grad for karikerede (Fabio? Kunne hun virkeligt ikke finde et andet navn?). Det var svært at holde styr på dem, men langsomt trådte deres særegne kendetegn frem og viste deres individuelle sider. Jeg faldt specielt for Mary, der overraskede på flere punkter, og var overrasket over de følelser Cat vakte – det er altid et tegn på en forfatters talent, når hun kan få læserne til at hade en karakter.
Handlingen er for det meste ret forudsigelig, og da der er tale om en meget karakterdrevet roman uden et kompliceret plot, havde jeg gerne set en mere dybdegående udvikling hos visse af karaktererne. Det er en meget letlæst bog, men alligevel overraskes man et par gange undervejs.
Nogen, der vil med til Toscana?
January 31, 2012
Gostei deste livro. É daqueles livros leves que se lê bem, em dias de sol, na praia, ou em dias chuvosos, à frente da lareira.
A história não é de todo muito original, mas as personagens e o cenário são os ingredientes perfeitos para uma boa leitura.
É mesmo daqueles livros que se lê com gosto, não é viciante, não nos prende, mas as páginas viram-se e quando damos por ele já o acabamos.
É um romance com personagens inspiradores e as descrições da Toscana levam-nos a viajar até Itália e conhecer Patricia, Matt,Sally,Rick, Aldo e Mary entre outros, todos diferentes mas com um único sonho, o de escrever um livro.
Apesar de ter um tom descontraído e leve, o livro ensina-nos a não perder a oportunidade de ver os nossos sonhos concretizados.
A história não é de todo muito original, mas as personagens e o cenário são os ingredientes perfeitos para uma boa leitura.
É mesmo daqueles livros que se lê com gosto, não é viciante, não nos prende, mas as páginas viram-se e quando damos por ele já o acabamos.
É um romance com personagens inspiradores e as descrições da Toscana levam-nos a viajar até Itália e conhecer Patricia, Matt,Sally,Rick, Aldo e Mary entre outros, todos diferentes mas com um único sonho, o de escrever um livro.
Apesar de ter um tom descontraído e leve, o livro ensina-nos a não perder a oportunidade de ver os nossos sonhos concretizados.
June 4, 2019
Really conflicted on this one. On one hand I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, it was a perfect summer reading sort of book, with an inviting setting in a Tuscan castello, and a group of characters taking a writing course for two weeks and what happens to them. Lots of different points of view and various interactions between participants. On the other hand, the ending was ridiculous. De Rosa threw in every cliche in the book and it felt extremely contrived. I probably should have known there was a problem when a stunningly good-looking man named Fabio made his entrance. Fabio, really?
May 9, 2016
Gostei muito de visitar a Toscana com a Dominica de Rosa. ja coloquei na minha lista de cidades a conhecer. Um dia, talvez. As personagens são fortes e tentadoras. A escritora conseguiu dar importância a cada uma sem desprezar as mais secundárias. Gostei tanto da Anna, do Aldo, da Mary e do Sam também. Concordo com o final de todas as personagens, não poderia ser de outra forma.
Read
December 30, 2018Found this book quite by chance and found it to be a great evocation of this most beautiful region of Italy. It reminded me of my Tuscany days. One day I will surprise my sister and pay her a much overdue visit...
April 23, 2019
Brilliant
January 26, 2022
Domenica de Rosa (aka Elly Griffiths): “One Summer in Tuscany” eller “Summer School” (på dansk: 2 uger i Toscana) ✨✨✨✨
Det er tilfældigt, at jeg fandt ud af, at navnet Elly Griffiths er et pseudonym.
Og det blev jeg faktisk lidt småfornærmet over, allermest, fordi det slet ikke er faldet mig ind, at Elly Griffiths kunne være et pseudonym, sådan som hun skriver om Ruth Galloway og Norfolk.
Så efter et par dage besluttede jeg at tjekke originalforfatteren ud læse en af hendes bøger under hendes rigtige navn.
Jeg kunne huske at nogen havde anbefalet “Summer in Tuscany” i Litteraturklubben, så den valgte jeg. Lille sidegevinst til dem der lytter til bøger: Den er indlæst af Jane McDowell med den mest vidunderlige stemme (som også har indlæst de fleste Ruth Galloway - hvis man nu er til engelske lydbøger).
Til selve bogen: den er letlæst og feelgood og jeg forventede egentlig, at den ville være mere shallow (ren foruddom pga. setting i Toscana og det ændrede forfatternavn). Det var den ikke, og selvfølgelig skriver Domenica de Rosa ligeså godt som Elly Griffiths. Der er mange temaer i bogen, den er feel-good, men stadig godt skruet sammen og selv om den ikke er en krimi, så bliver den efter kort tid bestemt så spændende som en feel-good roman nu kan være. Sproget er ligesom Elly Griffiths’ og det er ikke svært at få billeder af alle de steder, der beskrives og delvist med ret utraditionel vinkling (Galloway-research fornægter sig ikke 😉)
Slutningen måske - altså de sidste to sider - er lidt for langt ude, men hænger stadig godt sammen med romanen. Læs den, jeg anbefaler den gerne og den er særdeles velegnet til sengetidslæsning. 😊
(4 ud af 5 stjerner herfra ****)
Det er tilfældigt, at jeg fandt ud af, at navnet Elly Griffiths er et pseudonym.
Og det blev jeg faktisk lidt småfornærmet over, allermest, fordi det slet ikke er faldet mig ind, at Elly Griffiths kunne være et pseudonym, sådan som hun skriver om Ruth Galloway og Norfolk.
Så efter et par dage besluttede jeg at tjekke originalforfatteren ud læse en af hendes bøger under hendes rigtige navn.
Jeg kunne huske at nogen havde anbefalet “Summer in Tuscany” i Litteraturklubben, så den valgte jeg. Lille sidegevinst til dem der lytter til bøger: Den er indlæst af Jane McDowell med den mest vidunderlige stemme (som også har indlæst de fleste Ruth Galloway - hvis man nu er til engelske lydbøger).
Til selve bogen: den er letlæst og feelgood og jeg forventede egentlig, at den ville være mere shallow (ren foruddom pga. setting i Toscana og det ændrede forfatternavn). Det var den ikke, og selvfølgelig skriver Domenica de Rosa ligeså godt som Elly Griffiths. Der er mange temaer i bogen, den er feel-good, men stadig godt skruet sammen og selv om den ikke er en krimi, så bliver den efter kort tid bestemt så spændende som en feel-good roman nu kan være. Sproget er ligesom Elly Griffiths’ og det er ikke svært at få billeder af alle de steder, der beskrives og delvist med ret utraditionel vinkling (Galloway-research fornægter sig ikke 😉)
Slutningen måske - altså de sidste to sider - er lidt for langt ude, men hænger stadig godt sammen med romanen. Læs den, jeg anbefaler den gerne og den er særdeles velegnet til sengetidslæsning. 😊
(4 ud af 5 stjerner herfra ****)
March 3, 2021
Written by Domenica De Rosa, whom many readers are familiar with, her mystery books written under the name of Elly Griffiths. This book has been on my bookshelves for a while and on this glorious spring day I thought there is nothing better than reading a book set in the sunshine and spectacular locations in Italy. Patricia is running a summer writers retreat in a castle high up in the hills in the Tuscan countryside. The summer residents are Catherine (Cat) and her friend Anna from Brighton, Sam unemployed from London, Sally a landscape gardener, Mary an ex civil servant and the eldest, Dorothy from Vermont, USA who has some issues from her childhood that she wants to find closure for and Jean-Pierre from Paris who has a dislike of Italian wine amongst other things. As the days go on it becomes clear that not everyone is going to get with each other and soon almost childish squabbles break out amongst them. As they realise that writing is very difficult especially when you have families, children and work commitments. Are they kidding themselves or is it just a lifelong dream, but soon they are making their own stories in this book, as relationships, squabbles and infatuations come out and sometimes the most unlikely of people get the most out of this writing experience and some end up looking back, not only about the writing but their lives altogether and wondered just where they went wrong.
A story of life, love, and families all set in a glorious place, where you can loose yourself even if it is raining outside your door.
A story of life, love, and families all set in a glorious place, where you can loose yourself even if it is raining outside your door.
May 31, 2020
The Summer School in the title is a creative writing themed stay in Tuscany in what used to be a castle and still retains the aura and charm of the past. The author describes the hills and small villages of this part of Italy and the heat of the days so you will wait fir breezes and wish for the swimming pool. I was caught up in the story of the characters. The story is peopled with characters of all ages and careers, young to old. Each one has a story to tell. I also liked the author who ran the seminar and his criticisms of the student's work.
The author of this book is Elly Griffiths writing under the name of Domenica De Rosa and the brilliant storytelling that captures readers in her mystery/crime series is certainly on display here. The reader will feel they are in Tuscany tasting the incredible cuisine, drinking wine, and meeting fascinaating people when they read this book.
The author of this book is Elly Griffiths writing under the name of Domenica De Rosa and the brilliant storytelling that captures readers in her mystery/crime series is certainly on display here. The reader will feel they are in Tuscany tasting the incredible cuisine, drinking wine, and meeting fascinaating people when they read this book.
September 3, 2024
Being a massive Ruth Galloway, Stephens and Mephisto and Harbinder Kaur fan I thought I would read one of Elly’s books published as Domenica de Rosa. What a departure from the usual crime and murder scene! The reader is transported to the idyllic scene of Tuscany. Elly’s/Domenica’s descriptions of the landscape, the climate and the food are just beautiful. In this book you land at Castello de Luna, a small thirteenth century castle which is to be home for the next two weeks to a group of budding novelists on a creative writing course. Each participant has their own story to tell and you fall into the characters with ease and anticipation. The journey each of them takes is mirrored in the landscape and the heat. The family that own the Castello are central to the story’s heart. Secrets, life, families and self doubt are all there, the pages turned themselves. A wonderful summer read.
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