On Persephone's Island

By Mary Taylor Simeti,

Book cover of On Persephone's Island: A Sicilian Journal

Book description

This is a year of Sicilian life, its seasons and its sacred festivals, its gorgeous fruits and demanding family life, its casual assassinations and village feasts, its weather and the neighbours. It chronicles a life divided between an apartment in the city of Palermo with the weekends and summer devoted…

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Why read it?

1 author picked On Persephone's Island as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This memoir of a Sicilian year beautifully weaves together Simeti’s personal experience in rural Sicily and Palermo with her extensive knowledge of history, mythology, and culinary traditions. Simeti’s honesty truly prepared me for my first trip to Sicily – giving me a full picture of the island’s light and dark sides. 

From Susan's list on women who love Italy.

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