How do I describe a book whose plot is irrelevant, with a main character who is a completely unreliable narrator? The first thing to say is that it is impeccably written and FUNNY. I can't remember the last time I laughed so much while reading.
Gerald has a wicked sense of petty revenge which he carries out against his annoying, female neighbor, Marta. Both are renting houses in Italy, separate abodes but too near by about 50 meters. Language barriers, misunderstandings and a morbid fascination combine hilariously in this curious relationship.
The two of them trade volleys in this battle by cooking vicious recipes for each other. Gerald's are carefully planned, nasty concoctions meant to stun. Garlic and Fernet Branca ice cream, anyone? Marta's are "Voynovian" delicacies no less hideous. The descriptions of both food and people are original and clever. And did I mention funny?
I rarely say this, but, in the right hands, this could be one hell of a great movie. This book is a delight for any reader, writer or cook. If you happen to be all three, well...you must read this book!
1 comment:
Thanks for the info on this book! Fernet branca is quite fascinating.
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