{"product_id":"a-thousand-days-in-tuscany-a-bittersweet-adventure-9780345481092","title":"A Thousand Days in Tuscany: A Bittersweet Adventure","description":"\u003ch2\u003eA Thousand Days in Tuscany: A Bittersweet Adventure\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\nMarlena de Blasi, internationally bestselling author of \u003ci\u003eA Thousand Days in Venice\u003c\/i\u003e, chronicles her audacious move from Venice to the Tuscan countryside in this captivating memoir. After meeting and marrying a Venetian banker on short acquaintance, the American chef and food writer takes another leap of faith, leaving behind the canals of Venice to settle in a renovated stable in the ancient village of San Casciano dei Bagni.\n\n\u003ch2\u003eLife in the Heart of Tuscany\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\nThis memoir captures the timeless beauty of the Tuscan countryside and the rhythms of village life. De Blasi immerses herself in the local culture, from gathering chestnuts and harvesting grapes to hunting truffles and savoring the local vintage. The Tuscan sky, friendly church bells, and magnificent regional cooking become the backdrop for her daily adventures.\n\nAt the center of her journey is Barlozzo, the village mago (wise man), who becomes her guide to Tuscany's seasonal festivals and traditions. He introduces her to roasted country bread drizzled with just-pressed olive oil, escorts her through village history, and teaches her to appreciate the simple pleasures of each day. Through Barlozzo's guidance, the author navigates the complexities of village life and discovers the fiercely beating heart of the community.\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAuthentic Italian Recipes Included\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\nTucked into the narrative are luscious recipes directly from the author's private collection, including the recipe for the only true bruschetta. These authentic dishes reflect the culinary traditions of Tuscany and complement the story of cultural immersion and lifestyle transformation.\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cb\u003eMarlena de Blasi\u003c\/b\u003e is the internationally bestselling author of \u003ci\u003eA Thousand Days in Venice\u003c\/i\u003e, as well as four further bestselling memoirs and a novel, \u003ci\u003eAmandine\u003c\/i\u003e. She is also the author of two internationally published cookbooks of Italian food.\n\nThis paperback edition offers readers an intimate look at expatriate life in one of Italy's most beautiful regions, combining travel narrative, cultural exploration, and culinary discovery in a single bittersweet adventure.","brand":"Ballantine Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50680558878994,"sku":"9780345481092","price":13.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_5de00344-cd19-49db-8391-742f6864ffa0.jpg?v=1734922714","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/a-thousand-days-in-tuscany-a-bittersweet-adventure-9780345481092","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}