The Shoemaker's Wife

This has to be about the best book I've read in a really, really long time. And I mean, the best in every way. Story, characters, structure and  the writing style of a master.

As the quote on the cover says, 'utterly splendid'. Not a sour note anywhere. And, can you believe the cover photo is from Harper's Bazaar, 1949? It is timeless.

Interestingly enough, the story has a basis in reality (don't they all?). The author's grandparents were born in the Alps of Northern Italy, as the main characters in this book are, and it's clearly written with intimate knowledge of the towns and topography of that area. Not to mention a more than passing knowledge of Italian food! Everything rings true -- well, aside from some convenient meetings between the two characters in New York City. But that's not enough to spoil it in any way.

So read it -- you'll love it.