I am in the midst of reading Adriana Trigiani’s great novel, “The Shoemaker’s Wife.” If you liked Bianca’s Vineyard, you’ll love this book.  Trigiani’s writing soars with the greats of literature. At one point I was so enraptured, I told my husband that I really didn’t care so much what happened with the characters as long as I could just continue reading her prose. There are one-liners in this book that will resonate with me the rest of my life.

That said, oh was it hard for me to deal with this book’s success. The story is based on Trigiani’s grandparents. It deals with immigration to America. There are connections with Minnesota and Lago d’Iseo. Sound familiar?  At least, I tell myself, Bianca’s Vineyard was published nearly two years before Shoemaker’s Wife. Small consolation for not being on the New York Time’s top ten, but hey … people continue to read Bianca’s Vineyard and so I can’t complain!

This was the second year I attended Portland’s Fest d’Italia. Again, it was fantastic! For those of you within driving distance of any festas, I highly recommend you go to one. They combine that rare combination of high energy and Italian relaxation. To everyone who bought a copy of BV, mille grazie!

My upcoming calendar includes more Festas, speaking engagements at book clubs, an interview for the Statesman Journal, and a Christmas — yes CHRISTMAS — show. All that, and the work on Bianca’s sequel continues. I am deep in the manuscript’s second revision, and if all goes according to schedule, I still hope, beyond hope, to have Domenico’s Table available by Christmas.

Until our next visit, enjoy your family, eat well, and keep the faith!

My husband and I at Portland’s Festa d’Italia