Big Night: A Novel with Recipes

by Joseph Tropiano

Set during the early 1950s, Joseph Tropiano's Big Night ―now a major motion picture starring Stanley Tucci and Minnie Driver―is a story of love and linguini, purity and compromise.

Big Night takes a poignant and pointed look at Old World vs. New World values and provides a rueful assessment of the American Dream. In a New Jersey town, two Italian immigrant brothers struggle to keep their restaurant afloat.

Includes recipes!

Genres: Fiction, Cookbooks, Foodie

224 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 1996

Reviews

[Claire Smeltzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essentially just a novel based on the screenplay that was written by this author and Stanley Tucci. But the story is an amazing one so an easy 4 stars!

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I saw the movie Big Night when it came out in 1996 but I didn't know it was a book until recently. I had forgotten a lot of the movie but I remember how scrumptious the Italian food looked! The book has a recipe from the film at the beginning of each chapter. Reading this book will make you hungry! It's a charming story co-written by the actor (and co-director) Stanley Tucci. Now that I have read the book I plan to see the movie again. Tony Shalhoub co-stars with Tucci, Minnie Driver and Isabella Rosselini.

[Jolie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading a novelization of one of my favorite movies, written, thank goodness, by one of the screenwriters, was an oddly exquisite experience. The book expands a bit on things from the movie, giving the characters more thoughts and stories you can’t get in a two-hour film. I see and hear everything with the actors from the film and it was marvelous. And now I’m hungry for a (please be gluten-free) timpano with a glass of Chianti.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

the movie is much better but it's great to have the recipes. there is some additional insight into the characters that you might miss on screen.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a recipe first, which brought me to the movie, then I had to read this book. It is funny, heart-warming, and an authentic family restaurant story.

[Annabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not only a great recipe book, but also a touching account of a life spent eating and cooking with loved ones.

[Denise]

Another story about immigrants, I think i have a theme going. Although i haven't picked up the book in over a week. I guess i'm less compelled since i saw the movie.

[HadiDee]

I don't often say this, but ... the movie was better