This novel is set in the village of Lazzarini Boscarino in Italy. We are introduced to all the colorful villagers and animals of the town. The story develops, albeit slowly, into a very enjoyable adventure perfect for reading during the summer months. I received this ARC from Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

While Tartufo was a fun story, I just feel like it wasn't the story for me. I'm sure many will love this book of drama, laughter and adventure. It's almost like reading a Shakespeare comedy as a novel.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

Thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC of Kira Jane Buxton's 'Tartufo.'

Populated by a wonderful cast of characters who live in the bypassed, dying Tuscan village of Lazzarina Boscarino 'Tartufo' follows their adventures in the wake of the discovery by the local truffle hunter, Giovanni. There's a voluptuously barmaid and her celebrity chef ex-husband, a newly elected mayor (who's also the local vet) and her husband who runs the last bar/restaurant in the village, the aforementioned truffle hunter, a nonna (and her young protégé) whose house and garden were stricken by a landslide, a disgraced postman, a psychic, and many others including some domestic animals with real character and personality - dogs, a vindictive cat, and a much-loved donkey.

The discovery of the truffle, worth a lot of money, unleashes a cavalcade of events and outcomes that none of them could've foreseen.

It's lovingly and beautifully written - there's a very big focus on food and smells which, themselves, almost become characters, all of them wonderfully described. Although it's a constantly funny novel there's a lot of emotion involved.

I would love to see this made into one of those gauzy ensemble films in which you could lose yourself for a couple of hours of fun, beautiful scenery, and great characters.

3.5/5.0 ⭐

Despite the initial difficulty in getting into the story, Buxton's novel ultimately delivers a heartwarming tale with feel-good themes and memorable characters.

The beginning is thick with characters and minor details making it a lot to sort through. However, it does mellow into a charming narrative about an old Italian village, Lazzarina Boscarino, that's on its last leg. It follows Giuseppina, a bartender who receives a prophecy about a visitor, and Delizia, a newly elected mayor, and her journey from panic to leadership.

Tartufo delves into themes of identity, self-discovery, community, loyalty, and tradition with humor and irony.

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

Such a cute story about the power of love, forgiveness, and the roots that tie us to home. Not what I was expecting, but I was unable to put it down and found myself deeply invested in the characters. A good summer read!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher to early access to this ARC.