The Land Where Lemons Grow

Synopsis

'4 stars. Attlee, who knows and loves Italy and the Italians, takes the reader through the country's scented gardens with her sharp descriptions, pertinent stories and quotes and intriguing recipes. I was there with her' Anna del Conte, Sunday Telegraph

A delightful book about Italy's unexpected history, told through its citrus fruits

The story of citrus runs through the history of Italy like a golden thread, and by combining travel writing with history, recipes, horticulture and art, Helena Attlee takes the reader on a unique and rich journey through Italy's cultural, moral, culinary and political past.

'Fascinating . . . A distinguished garden writer, Attlee fell under the spell of citrus over ten years ago and the book, like the eleventh labour of Hercules to steal the golden fruit of the Hesperides, is the result. She writes with great lucidity, charm and gentle humour, and wears her considerable learning lightly . . . Helena Attlee's elegant, absorbing prose and sure-footed ability to combine the academic with the anecdotal, make The Land Where Lemons Grow a welcome addition to the library of citrologists and Italophiles alike' The Times Literary Supplement

'A paradise of citrus is how I always think of Italy too: a place where ice-cold limoncello is sipped from tiny glasses on piazzas, and everything from ricotta cake to osso bucco is enlivened with zest. What a joy, therefore, to read Helena Attlee's The Land Where Lemons Grow, which tells the story of Italy through its citrus fruit' Bee Wilson, Telegraph

Summary

Chapter 1: A New Beginning

* Introduces the protagonist, Emily, a young Englishwoman who moves to Italy to renovate a dilapidated farmhouse with her partner, David.
* Emily encounters culture shock and language barriers but is determined to make it her home.
* Example: Emily struggles to understand Italian customs, such as the importance of greetings and the concept of "aperitivo."

Chapter 2: Casa Calamita

* Describes the challenges of renovating the farmhouse, named "Casa Calamita."
* Emily and David discover unexpected problems, including faulty plumbing and electrical wiring.
* Example: The roof collapses during a thunderstorm, forcing Emily and David to seek temporary shelter.

Chapter 3: The Italian Dream

* Explores the beauty and charm of the Italian landscape and culture.
* Emily befriends locals and learns about the traditional ways of life.
* Example: Emily marvels at the breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast and falls in love with the local festivals.

Chapter 4: A Thorn in the Side

* Introduces Mrs. Terranova, Emily's enigmatic neighbor who becomes a thorn in her side.
* Mrs. Terranova's hostility stems from her attachment to the old ways and her suspicion of outsiders.
* Example: Mrs. Terranova repeatedly complains about Emily's renovations and refuses to interact with her.

Chapter 5: Love and Loss

* Deals with the emotional challenges of moving to a new country and adapting to a different culture.
* Emily struggles with homesickness and the loss of her best friend, who passed away before she could make the move.
* Example: Emily finds solace in her garden and the companionship of her cat, Luna.

Chapter 6: The Lemon Grove

* Describes the restoration of the lemon grove on Emily's property.
* Emily learns about the history of citrus farming in the area and connects with the legacy of her new home.
* Example: Emily researches the different varieties of lemons and discovers the ancient irrigation system used in the grove.

Chapter 7: A Change of Heart

* Explores the gradual transformation of Mrs. Terranova's attitude towards Emily.
* Through acts of kindness and perseverance, Emily slowly gains her neighbor's respect.
* Example: Emily helps Mrs. Terranova tend to her olive trees and shares her love of gardening.

Chapter 8: The Art of Living

* Highlights the Italian philosophy of "dolce vita" (the sweet life).
* Emily embraces the slower pace of life, the importance of family and community, and the enjoyment of simple pleasures.
* Example: Emily learns the art of making homemade pasta and attends a village market filled with local produce.

Chapter 9: A Sense of Belonging

* Explores the emotional journey of finding a true sense of belonging.
* Emily realizes that despite her initial struggles, Italy has become her home and her community.
* Example: Emily is elected to the village council and becomes involved in local events, where she feels a deep connection to the land and its people.