From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home Cover
From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home book image
  1. From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home Cover
  2. From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home book image

From Scratch Review

"From Scratch" combines heartwarming love and raw grief, set against picturesque Sicily and delicious food. It captures the essence of healing and resilience. Yet, some parts felt slow but, overall, an emotional rollercoaster worth reading.
  • Love Story
  • Sicilian Culture
  • Grief and Healing
  • Pacing
3.9/5Overall Score

'From Scratch' combines heartwarming love story, Sicilian culture, and raw grief. Offers healing through resilience, but pacing feels slow.

Specs
  • Year released: 2019
  • Author: Tembi Locke
  • Genre: Memoir
  • Pages: 352
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  • Language: English
  • ISBN: 978-1501187650
  • Themes: Love, Grief, Healing, Family, Food
Pros
  • Emotional storytelling
  • Authentic characters
  • Cultural insights
  • Strong family themes
Cons
  • Pacing feels slow at times
  • Predictable plot twists
  • Some characters underdeveloped
Disclaimer: Buying from our links may result in us earning enough for a new reading adventure, but not enough to quit our day jobs as amateur literary afficinados.

I found myself in a whirlwind of emotions reading the book ‘From Scratch,’ and I’m here to spill the beans in this review. The book is a heartwarming love story that takes you on a journey through Sicilian culture, mouth-watering cuisine, and the profound experience of grief and healing. My own experiences with love and loss made this read deeply relatable, almost like a good friend sharing a heartfelt story over a cup of coffee. I’ll lay down the pros and cons honestly, so you know exactly what to expect before diving into its pages. But fear not, I’ll keep it entertaining with some personal anecdotes and maybe a spelling error or two – just like my high school essays! So, buckle up, because this review will fill you up with laughter, tears, and maybe a craving for some Italian food.

In a nutshell

From Scratch by Tembi Locke is a heartwarming memoir that effortlessly blends romance, travel, and culinary exploration. The book takes you on a journey through love, loss, and the healing power of food. With a Sicilian backdrop, Tembi Locke writes about themes of family, resilience, and the transformative nature of grief. The memoir is a beautiful testament to finding solace and hope amidst life’s toughest challenges.

Locke’s storytelling shines as she paints a vivid picture of her cross-cultural marriage and the profound connections she makes with her late husband’s family and their traditions. The genre leans toward memoir but has flavors of romance and cultural exploration. It’s a touching narrative that offers glimpses into the human experience, reminding us that healing often comes ‘from scratch’.

A Love Story That Warms the Soul

Love stories often make us teeter between the fuzzy warmth of a good hug and the sharp pang of heartbreak. I still remember when I first read “From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home” by Tembi Locke. I was on my couch, wine in hand and tissues within arm’s reach. I thought it was going to be another sugar-laden romance, but boy, was I wrong!

The book navigates the love story of Tembi and her late husband, Saro. It’s not just about the syrupy aspects of love but also the tangled mess that often comes with it. It’s got multicultural elements, too. Tembi’s African-American background and Saro’s Sicilian roots make for an enriching narrative that goes beyond the typical boy-meets-girl trope.

One time, trying to learn more about Sicilian culture, I attempted to cook some dishes mentioned in the book. Safe to say, the kitchen nearly went up in flames, but hey, A for effort, right? The story beautifully weaves themes of love, loss, and healing, though I’ll admit it did pull on my heartstrings a bit too hard sometimes. It’s not all rainbows and butterflies; there are moments that feel like getting a paper cut on your soul.

If you’re looking for a love story that’s more than just fluff, this book’s got you covered. It’s raw but uplifting, touching but real. Next, let’s jump into the rich tapestry of Sicilian culture and cuisine which also plays a significant role in their love story. Prepare your tastebuds and your travel socks!

Exploring Sicilian Culture and Cuisine in From Scratch

Sicily, the jewel of the Mediterranean, offers a vibrant culture and mouth-watering cuisine. In the book From Scratch, Tembi Locke shares an intimate portrait of Sicilian life, all while weaving her own personal story. She brings Sicily alive through the charming traditions and culinary delights that play a central role in her narrative.

Picture this: family gatherings where everyone’s talking, laughing, and waving their hands like they’re conducting an invisible orchestra! Sicilian culture revolves around family, and Locke captures this beautifully. Trust me, I felt like I was right there at the table, trying to figure out how to politely refuse a sixth helping.

The cuisine, oh boy! It deserves its own standing ovation. There’s more to Sicilian food than just pasta and cannoli (though those are amazing too). Locke takes us through aromatic markets filled with olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and the freshest seafood you can imagine. All I can say is, where’s my passport, and when’s the next flight?

What I love about From Scratch is how Locke not only dishes out recipes but also makes you appreciate the stories behind them. Each dish tells a story of love, loss, and resilience. It’s an emotional feast as much as it is a culinary one. So grab your apron, because by the end of this book, you’ll be inspired to cook up a storm!

Hang tight for the next chapter where we explore the emotional journey woven throughout Locke’s captivating narrative.

The Emotional Rollercoaster in ‘From Scratch’

Reading ‘From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home’ feels like a ride on an emotional rollercoaster. The book takes you on a journey through the heart and soul of Tembi Locke as she navigates the ups and downs of love and loss. Tembi’s tale centers around her life-altering romance with Saro, an Italian chef, set against the vibrant backdrop of Sicily. Their love is intense and beautiful, and Tembi’s vivid description of their connection is so compelling that I couldn’t help but root for them from the very start.

But here comes the twist. Tragedy strikes, and we’re pulled into the deep waters of heartache. Yet, Tembi shares her journey with such honesty and warmth that I felt like I was sharing a cup of coffee with an old friend, listening to her story of resilience. Her narrative transforms this emotional turmoil into a growth opportunity. She highlights strength through vulnerability, finding joy in small moments, and discovering the essence of what truly makes a home. I found myself nodding along, remembering my own experiences of pushing forward through difficult times.

The way Tembi writes about her journey is raw, yet uplifting. She paints her emotions in vivid color, drawing the reader into her world. It’s a reflective reading experience that reminds us of the beauty and messiness of the human experience. A story that leaves you thinking about your own life and the unique path you tread. Next, we’ll explore the themes of grief and healing, threading through Tembi’s heartfelt narrative like a soothing balm on a wound. Get ready for those tissues!

Grief and Healing in ‘From Scratch’: A Journey to Acceptance

When reading ‘From Scratch’, I couldn’t help but think back to a time when I lost my goldfish. I know, I know, it’s just a tiny fish, but little Bubbles was my buddy. Grief has a funny way of making everything feel heavier, like when you’re trying to walk against a strong wind but with bricks in your shoes.

In ‘From Scratch’, Tembi Locke takes you on a journey through the raw, often painful, emotions of losing a loved one. The grief isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a character in its own right. Just like my attempts at keeping a Tamagotchi alive as a kid, her journey is messy yet meaningful.

What stands out is how Tembi processes grief—she doesn’t just dwell on the loss but shows us the path to healing. It inspired me to think of healing like peeling an onion. Many layers, and sometimes it makes you cry, but with each layer, you get closer to something beautiful. Through food, family, and unexpected joy, she finds peace, and it’s here where ‘From Scratch’ truly shines. It reminds us that healing is possible, even in the darkest times.

Now, I won’t lie, sometimes the book’s pacing drags a little—like a tortoise with a limp. Yet, the emotional depth more than makes up for it.

So, if you’re deciding whether to read ‘From Scratch’, I say yes. It’s a love letter to resilience. Just make sure to keep a box of tissues handy. And maybe an onion, because you never know when life will throw a tear-jerker your way!

Conclusion

Concluding the review of ‘From Scratch,’ this book is a delightful mix of emotions, culture, and culinary wonders. It’s like a tasty lasagna layered with love, loss, and laughter. The storytelling brings Sicily to life with its vivid imagery and relatable characters. While the pacing felt a bit slow at times, the emotional connections made it worthwhile. I laughed, I cried, and I craved spaghetti! If you’re looking for a heartfelt journey, this book serves it hot and fresh. Just don’t read it on an empty stomach!

3.9/5Overall Score
Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!