This book was absolutely delicious! Schell's descriptions of the foods, customs, and characters of 16th century Italy make the reader feel fully enveloped in the story. Just as much as I loved the story and journey of the main characters, I also loved the journey of the tomato (or "love apples" as they are referred to) in this book. [return][return]Tomato Rhapsody is a great read if you need something to uplift and entertain your soul. If you are looking for the realistic, the sad or the cynical, don't bother. I picked up this book after reading a few very depressing novels and I was sorely in need of a happy ending. I got what I wished for and more. I will never think of tomatos, olives, donkeys, and hallucinogenic mushrooms the same. I picked this up thinking it would be some odd little story based in the south and probably have a cantankerous female farmer as the main character. What was slow to start boiled up in to a story I didn't want to put down. From feeling the warm sun of Tuscany on my face to hearing the clatter of the donkey's on the cobbles of the piazza, I was in. This story has all the twists and turns of a great mystery blended with a love story that is neither saccharine nor soured by any unnecessary barricades to love that some feel compelled to extend the story line with. The great love of Davido and Mari could be felt from the pages and made me want to cheer with a Love Apple in one hand and a prayer of thanks being offered from the other. Adam Schell is an author who I hope puts his imagination, skill and obvious love of life to work again crafting stories that inspire and entertain.
What do You think about Tomato Rhapsody Tomato Rhapsody (2009)?
Silly, highly improbably, and yet oddly compelling. A very enjoyable read!
—wanggx
I enjoyed the story but did not really like the writing style.
—TrinaHG
Excellently written - went on for just a little bit too long.
—Whynonna
