Tartufo was difficult to follow. It had a cute premise and was similar to other novels I’ve read about rural and isolated Italian villages, but the “zing” was just not there. There were lots of characters doing lots of things, but I just didn’t get the flow of a story line.

I appreciate this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 Tartufo is a story of irony, history between people, friendship and community. Set in the fictional rural Tuscan village of Lazzarini Boscarino which is facing hardship due to lack of funds and tourists. There is a large cast of characters who are all intertwined as all small town residents are - with most of their histories getting in the way of themselves. The characters are all charming in their own way which truly brings the story alive. The story reminds us that even during extreme hardship there is always a bright side - or something beautiful growing under the surface.

If you read Kira Jane Buxton's Hollow Kingdom and Feral Creatures, you will be used to her wit and style. Although I loved Hollow Kingdom, I do have to admit that I did struggle with the beginning of Tartufo but once I pushed through, I was glad I did - as there was a heartwarming story ahead of me. I am not sure if it was a pacing issue of just the descriptive wordiness itself which is a part of the Buxton's style but seemed possibly a little of the top for me. I did also notice some inconsistencies within the writing which I am sure will be corrected before the time of publishing.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the privilege of reading an advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

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.