Dear Olivia: An Italian Journey of Love and Courage

Just a beautiful, nostalgic book. Beautifully written autobiography of the author's family members, interspersed with traditional recipes which work! The recipes are true to the Campania region of Italy, and are ones that my own Nonna from the Amalfi region used to make. A very special book. I'd recommend buying along with 'Dear Francesca' by the same author. If I ever get to Edinburgh I can't wait to go to her cafe / deli, Valvonna e Crono.

These books are very good and it is nice to know about the Italians who came to Scotland and what happened to them. In this day and at this time with so many people having to leave their own countries the books take on a new significance.

This is about my family so I was excited to read about what they had been up to pre and post war - a good historical read about the hardships and happiness within the Crolla family.

Loved this book. Recommended read if you have roots in Picinisco

This well researched book charts the history of the author's family from its poverty stricken roots in Italy to the years following WW2. It has resonance in today's world of conflict and modern day migration. I couldn't put this book down. It's shocking conclusion came as a complete surprise to me. Well worth reading on several levels, one of which is the opportunity to learn some delightful italian recipes.