Dear Olivia

In this fascinating follow-up to the highly successful Dear Francesca, Mary Contini writes to her other daughter, Olivia, to tell the story of her great-grandparents, the humble Italian shepherds who emigrated to Edinburgh and then helped to transform Britain's food culture. A tale of courage in the face of adversity . . . a story of love and hope.In this fascinating follow-up to Dear Francesca,Mary Continiwrites to her daughter Olivia to tell the story of her greatgrandparents,the humble Italian shepherds who emigrated toEdinburgh and then helped to transform Britain's food culture.Sharing some of the recipes that they brought over, this is amouth-watering memoir of family and food.'Touching and inspiring . . . But there is an added pleasure toreading Mary Contini, that comes from the importance of foodin her life . . .The book bursts with flavour.'Financial Times'Essentially the story of one man's journey, but also a story of onecommunity, two nations, and how they grew and flourishedtogether.'Scotsman'Uplifts and inspires . . . Contini has augmented the familylegends with historical research and imagination.'Sunday Times In this fascinating follow-up to the highly successful Dear Francesca, Mary Contini writes to her other daughter, Olivia, to tell the story of her great-grandparents, the humble Italian shepherds who emigrated to Edinburgh and then helped to transform Britain's food culture. Sharing some of the recipes that they brought over, the tomatoes, the garlic, the sausage, the wine, this is a mouthwatering memoir of family and food. It is also a brilliant evocation of life between the wars, a triumphant story of survival against all the odds, that captures the sights and smells of Italian life and culture, at home and abroad.