Most of us hope Mayes recreates that magic feeling of place that we all loved in Under the Tuscan Sun. This book strings together accounts from four years of trips to interesting regions of the world (Andalucia, Burgundy, Capri, Crete, Scotland, etc.). She arranges them in season to form a single year, but somehow it failed to hold my interest.

Perhaps it was an overdose of literary references or maybe it was the episodic, travel diary feeling. As a librarian, I probably have a greater tolerance for someone quoting obscure authors or rhapsodizing about literature, but it lost me.

The descriptions of scenery and food in the different regions fit well with her writing style. "The slanting light rakes the water. I love the long summer twilights."

I tried plowing on through the book just to soak up the vignettes of interesting people, food and places, but found my attention wandering. If you're a fan of Mayes, do give the book a try. Maybe it will inspire you or you will find some destination that lures you to travel.
Most of us hope Mayes recreates that magic feeling of place that we all loved in Under the Tuscan Sun. This book strings together accounts from four years of trips to interesting regions of the world (Andalucia, Burgundy, Capri, Crete, Scotland, etc. ). She arranges them in season to form a single year, but somehow it failed to hold my interest. Perhaps it was an overdose of literary references or maybe it was the episodic, travel diary feeling. As a librarian, I probably have a greater tolerance for someone quoting obscure authors or rhapsodizing about literature, but it lost me. The descriptions of scenery and food in the different regions fit well with her writing style. "The slanting light rakes the water. I love the long summer twilights. "

I tried plowing on through the book just to soak up the vignettes of interesting people, food and places, but found my attention wandering. If you're a fan of Mayes, do give the book a try. Maybe it will inspire you or you will find some destination that lures you to travel.