That Summer in Sicily, Marlena de Blasi, Allen & Unwin, 2008,paperback, rrp A$28.

Almost too good to be true, this story reads like a legend – part fairytale, part ‘wish-it-were-true’ – yet American-born long-time Italian resident Marlena de Blasi swears she met and stayed with Tosca Brozzi in a ruined castle in the mountains of Sicily for some time, sharing her day-to-day life with a group of her friends and followers.

As Marlena gained Tosca’s trust she began to share the events of her amazing, convoluted, secret life which consumes both Marlena and any person lucky enough to read this book. De Blasi takes us all on a roller-coaster ride of power and wealth, poverty and immense sadness, every bit as dark and rich and complex as the island in which it is set.

As always Marlena’s inimitable style is lyrical, and full of the colours, scents and flavours of her adopted home. Food has a major role, and the lush yet simple bounty of it makes for mouth-watering reading.

Like the best of books, this tale and its mysteries and nuances will stay with you long after you reach the final page.