A few months ago, a friend sent me a link to the New York Times article featuring Giulia Melucci, author of I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti. Based on the the write-up and her own experiences, she had decided to read the book as it seemed rather in line with the direction her own love life had been heading.
Over the past weekend, I stopped by the library to borrow some movies and while passing the “New Non-fiction” shelf, recognized the cover. About twenty pages in I was calling my mother to tell her she had to read this book.
Originally, I don’t think I had too much interest in picking up yet another memoir about finding yourself and love through food. The title, the premise–Eat, Pray, Love and Julie and Julia–and now yet another samey-samey book. Sadly, despite the New York Times review, I don’t think Melucci’s book is getting the credit it deserves. It’s been overshadowed by the publicity push and movie deals of the previous two books.
It’s a shame because out of the three this book seemed the best written, most engaging, and honest. Focusing on her desire for–and disappointing lack of–love, Melucci admits her flaws, doesn’t place blame, is self-deprecating without over doing it, has a flair for a nice turn of phrase, and inspires with her sense of hope. She more an “everywoman” than the aforementioned authors.
Oh, and her book will make you so frickin’ hungry. Even if you’re eating dinner while reading it.
I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti is a love story. Not to any of her past paramours, but to soul food. Depending on where you grew up, your definition of what good comfort food is might be different than mine–but I think most people would agree that after a break-up a warm plate of spaghetti with avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, and locatelli (That’s a cheese for you non-Italians. Is it lunch time yet?) is the perfect soothing dish.
Melucci’s writing style comes across as a conversation with an Italian who, in the midst of the story, remembers a meal and has to tell you the recipe immediately! because it’s just that good. I bet Melucci can’t talk without using her hands. She reminded me a lot of my family and the meals that were a part of my childhood (pastina–seriously one of the best inventions EVER!) and, like my family, her Sicilian background meant awesome desserts.* When I was in Sicily two years ago, it was like dessert heaven–all the marzipan and cannolis and gelato and no one does dessert like the Sicilians. I’m getting hungry again just writing this.
Through her ups and down, her loss of faith in love and resurgence of said faith, Melucci conveys that need to just go with the flow and let life happen. Time is too short to regret and goes by too quickly not to laugh at it all.
*There is a huge dearth of dessert recipes in the book, which is okay for me I guess, I already have a killer cannoli filling recipe and a shop where I can pick up great marzipan. Such a shame for the rest of you though.
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Yum, sounds delicious! adding to my list!
.-= Rebecca Reid´s last blog ..Reading Journal (30 Sept): The Gift of Choice (Thoughts on Banned Books Week) =-.
I loved – Eat, Pray, Love. Sounds like I have to read this one too.
omg I ate so much pasta while I was reading this book. Seriously, I would have to put the book down to make some!
Good review…
.-= Ari´s last blog ..‘Tis the Season… =-.
Sounds like my kind of book! If I had known years ago people would have cared so much about food, i could have written a book about my adventures with food. Sounds like I am too late. Oh well, I will have to look for this one!