As it turns out, the book is a pretty interesting romp through Venice in the 1400s. The entire city is gossiping about - and looking for a book that either holds the key to undying youth or a magic potion for love or gold. What the book held, depended upon the gossiper and the believer.
Looking for the book is Luciano, a young
Also looking for the book are such notables as Borgia, the corrupt Pope of the Catholic church and the Doge of Venice - the chief magistrate who wants it for its potion of youth. Luciano's friend from the street Marco, is desperate for the script for gold and believes that Luciano knows more about the book than Luciano is willing to let on.
The person who knows the most about the book? Luciano's master - the chef for the Doge of Venice. The chef who keeps shelves of cookbooks at his fingertips so he can pull one masterful recipe after another out to entice the Doge and his guests.
I liked this book because it kept you guessing about 'the book' and the ending was really a surprise. I also loved the way the author described the meals and the cooking process throughout the book. What I didn't like was the Chef was really 'preachy' toward Luciano regarding the contents of 'the book'. When the Chef started talking about 'the book' I wanted to roll my eyes sometimes because it took on the form of preaching. But other than that, the book was pretty good.
Rating: 6 / 10
ISBN: 9781416590545
Publisher: Atria Books
Year Published: 2008