Armchair Escapism 23

BOOKS

White Summer, Eva Pramschüfer 

In this coming of age love story, Alma and Théo - a couple on the verge of separation - meet in southern France at Alma’s family home. After years of believing they were meant to be, the novel begins at a crossroads in their relationship. Under the balmy Mediterranean heat and surrounded by whistling pines, Alma and Théo must decide whether to keep trying or let each other go. Past memories and grievances bubble to the surface as the couple bear their souls to each other and to the reader, perhaps for the final time.

Last Summer in the City,  Gianfranco Calligarich

With Rome ‘There can be no half measures with her, either she’s the love of your life or you have to leave her.’ So writes Gianfranco Calligarich in his first novel to be translated into English. Last Summer in the City follows the aimless Leo Gazarra drifting on an inebriated cloud through the cobbled streets and lavish homes of Rome. Leo’s wealthy friends are driven by ambitions for love, success, and wealth but he is completely uninterested in the pursuit of life. Through Leo’s hazy eyes, we read both a love letter to, and a disparaging account of Rome, a city that can make or break, rise or ruin you. 

All the light we cannot see, Anthony Doerr
A heart wrenching tale set in World War II. Marie-Laure is a young, blind French girl who flees Nazi occupied Paris with her father. They escape with few possessions among which is a previous museum jewel with a mysterious lore. Meanwhile, Werner is a Nazi soldier with a penchant for radio technology. The two protagonists’ paths cross in a small French town and despite their profound differences, they form a deep connection which transcends the travesties of war. 

Delicious

At the end of the 18th century, as murmurings of the French Revolution begin to increase, Pierre Manceron is fired from his position as head chef for the Duke of Chamfort’s court. The offence? Serving a truffle-based pastry dish he invented, which the nobility consider ‘pig food.’ Hanging up his apron, Manceron retreats to the countryside but his passion for cooking is reignited by the arrival of Louise, who begs to be taken under his wing. What follows is the journey to creating and opening France’s very first public restaurant. ‘Delicious’ is an ode to food, passion, innovation, and grit - beautifully shot and inspiring as it is mouthwatering.

Broken Embraces

Director, Pedro Almadavor has cast Penelope Cruz in eight of his films - some may call her his muse. In Broken Embraces, the plot follows Mateo Blanco a film director whose life we trace in a series of flashbacks spanning fourteen years. A tragic tale of obsession, lust, love and jealousy unfolds, as Mateo becomes embroiled in a toxic romance with Lena, the leading lady in his films. Mateo and his muse unravel, and the lives of their loved ones are not left unscarred.

Nothing Left To Do But to Cry

In 1980s Tuscany, two bumbling friends - Mario the janitor and Saverio the schoolteacher - are making their way through the region’s rolling hills. When their bashed up car breaks down in the middle of nowhere and it starts to rain, they find accommodation for the night. But, when the friends wake up the next day, they discover they have time travelled to the turn of the 15th century and are suddenly two fish out of water. As Mario and Silvio try to make their way back to their own dimension, they stumble from hilarious scenario to the next meeting famous figures from Italy’s renaissance, escaping hairy incidents, and even falling for the local women. It’s a joy to watch two Titans of Italian cinema collaborate with so much humour and heart.