The Snack Thief

Travel Guide

Sicily

Sicily comes to life in the sounds, flavours and landscapes of Sicily – oh and of course the sarcasm and dry with of Inspector Montalbano. He is in the middle of investigating a man found murdered in a lift but keeps getting called into investigating another crime  – both of which distract him from getting to the Commissioner’s house for a heavenly dish of pasta in squid ink. When a long distance visit from his girlfriend threatens to scupper the plans further, he manages to get her invited too  “Saturday’s feast was saved”

Food

The Snack Thief really brings the Italian culture to life – not just the mid day snacks of the children which gives the book its title. Every character is an exaggerated  (or not) Italian  – talking with their hands, the way they talk and the way in which they savour their food all makes the snack thief more of a sumptuous feast than a quick snack.

Vigata

A book which starts explaining that wolfing down three pounds of sardines will make your stomach feel tight like a mummy  – well you just know the wit and style is going to make it a good one. See the author’s home town where he still has a home and savour the novel in its locations, sights and smells. Vigata may be fictional but it is said to be inspired by Porto Empedocle where the author’s childhood home was.