Now and Then in Tuscany

Author/Guide: Angela Petch

Why a Booktrail?

1940s: The sequel to Tuscan Roots

ISBN: B077Z9S6DV
Genre: Fiction

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What you need to know before your trail

Now and Then in Tuscany, a sequel to Tuscan Roots, carries on the story of Anna and Francesco Starnucci with their family in the Apennines. Interwoven are the adventures of Giuseppe (Francesco’s grandfather) and his winter journeys from the mountains down to the Tuscan plains, herding sheep and cattle to better grazing.

This transumanza lasted five months and encompassed many hardships, including the ever-present threat of malaria, bandits and a long period of separation from family.

Locations

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Italy - Tuscany - Arezzo
A: Badia Tedalda - San Michele d’Arcangelo
B: Badia Tedalda - The Viamaggio Pass
C: Ponte alla Piera
D: Alberese beach
E: Sansepolcro

Travel Guide

Tuscany

Through extensive research, I try to include genuine details as far as possible, so the books are peppered with descriptions of the countryside as it was – and still is, to a large extent. (Very unspoilt corner of Tuscany).

All the places mentioned in these first two books are real. One reader of “Tuscan Roots” came specially to track down some of the locations, including the still sombre village of Fragheto, where a massacre of 33 civilians took place during the Second World War.Tuscany

The area around Il mulino (also real. In fact it is possible to rent this for summer holidays: www.ilmulinorofelle.com) is still unspoilt and there are plenty of beautiful walks to be enjoyed. In the woods there are wild boar, deer and wolves too. The bird and insect life is amazing. Orchids abound in early summer and as I type this in September, wild cyclamen carpet the forest floor. The food is traditional and genuine and you can buy cheese and other products at source. We fill 5 litre demi-johns with Montalcino wine for about £15 and it is fantastic.

We are also within striking distance of the famous Piero della Francesca art trail. He was born in Sansepolcro, a handsome mediaeval city with a lively market every Tuesday and where a spectacular cross-bow contest takes place each September, against the city of Gubbio. All contestants are attired in splendidly beautiful costume. Inhabitants of the “Borgo”, as Sansepolcro is called locally, have to audition to play a part as the audience and they proudly keep their rich, velvet costumes for the rest of their lives. It is considered an honour to participate. This is not a “Chiantishire” part of Tuscany, thronging with tourists. It is real Italy.