When Tembi Locke was thirty-six years old, she left a successful career in advertising to move to Sicily with her husband. They planned to stay for only one year but ended up moving back time and again, eventually buying an abandoned house that they lovingly restored. In this warm and engaging memoir, Locke tells the story of their life in Sicilyāthe challenges of making a new home in a foreign country, the beauty of the landscape and culture, and most importantly, the friendships they formed with their Sicilian neighbors. From Scratch is also a love story: how Locke’s relationship with her husband deepened as they faced shared hardships; how she came to appreciate the simple pleasures of everyday life; and how living among strangers ultimately made her feel more at home than ever before.
For who is this book for ?
This book is for anyone who has ever wanted to start over, anyone who has ever felt displaced in their life, and for those who appreciate the simple joys of everyday living.
Pros :
- The author’s writing style is warm, engaging, and humorous.
- The story provides a unique glimpse into life in Sicily.
- Locke has a great appreciation for the simple pleasures of everyday life, which makes her memoirs enjoyable to read.
Cons :
- The book may be too personal for some readers.
- It is a relatively short read.
- Some readers may not have the opportunity to travel to Sicily and experience its culture firsthand.
Learn more about the author
Tembi Locke left a successful career in advertising to move to Sicily with her husband, only to find herself moving back time and again. Eventually they bought an abandoned house that they lovingly restored, and in this warm and engaging memoir, she tells the story of their life thereāthe challenges of making a new home in a foreign country, the beauty of the landscape and culture, and most importantly, the friendships they formed with their Sicilian neighbors. From Scratch is also a love story: how Locke’s relationship with her husband deepened as they faced shared hardships; how she came to appreciate the simple pleasures of everyday life; and how living among strangers ultimately made her feel more at home than ever before.
Reader Reviews
“From Scratch is a captivating love story, steeped in the beauty and mystery of Sicily. With graceful prose and keen insight, Tembi Locke brings to life the challengesāand rewardsāof making a new home in an unfamiliar place. Her account will make you long for sun-drenched days spent wandering through ancient villages and eating homemade pasta under fragrant olive trees.”
“A beautifully written and heartfelt memoir of one woman’s journey towards finding herself and creating a true home.”
“Heartwarming and inspiring, From Scratch is a testament to the transformative power of embracing new adventuresāand the enduring bonds of family and community.”
“Wonderful depiction of the author’s journey from New Yorker to adopted Sicilian. I laughed, cried and felt envy as her beautiful descriptions brought me along with her on a most beguiling voyage.”
