Seeking Sicily: A Cultural Journey Through Myth and Reality in the Heart of the Mediterranean

A very well-written book, that characterizes Sicily: it's history, cultural influences, attitudes of its people, food & travel tips. It has details of the author's viaits, including families like the Tranchinas in unique Scopello. Excellent, comprehensive picture of Sicilia! 👍👍

This is a warm, engaging and wonderfully personal view of Sicily. The author has certainly done his homework in the history department, but he presents just enough of it, and with a light enough touch, that it is never overbearing or unnecessarily heavy. (there are other books for that anyway.). This history forms the background to Keahey's own personal experiences with contemporary Sicilians. The families and descendants of noted literary figures and politicians appear, as do ordinary folks who hosted him at B&B's across the island. In this way, he presents a spectrum of people and the varied lives they live today. The author is not the first to acknowledge that the Sicilians are a complex, even closed society. He does not pretend to have entered, fathomed and fully understood what the Sicilians themselves may not comprehend. And in not trying to exceed those boundaries, he reveals a more honest look at the people and the history that formed their complex character. I would have liked to see more pictures ( and in the kindle version, to have those pictures interspersed with the text rather than clustered at the very end of the book). But that is only a small criticism of an otherwise fine book, one that I would heartily recommend to anyone interested in Sicily and especially its people.

In the United States we know a lot about the English and the Irish but beyond the Mafia, what do we know about Sicily -- next to nothing! My heritage is English/Irish/Sicilian and after a second open heart surgery I decided it was time to learn more about my Sicilian background -- and I found that while my brothers were rather "Anglo" my personality is SO -- Sicilian! I highly recommend this book for any American who might have Sicilian heritage or who might be visiting Sicily -- it's an eye-opener!

My Grandparents came from Sicily and they never talked about their home there, now I can see why there was so much heartbreak and sadness. I went to visit about five years ago and I fell in love with the whole island. Reading this book opened my heart to this beautiful country and helped me understand some of the customs that my family brought back with them. Reading this book and I should note that I bought two books one for my Daughter and one for myself to read before we go back to visit Sicily, we will see our next visit with a much different outlook. Please thank the Author for a wonderful journey. One of my friends lent me this book to read and she raved about what a good book it was to read, after I read this wonderful book I bought the two books.

Very interesting read which explains much about Sicily, Sicilians and how they differ from Italians. How they are different and why is fascinating. This is a history book and a travel book that explores the people as much as the places. Wish I had read it before travelling to Sicily. Things make more sense now.

This is a wonderful book, beautifully written and it holds one's interests throughout. I am half Greek, know Italy well, speak Italian and when I visited Sicily for the first time in 2004, just for two weeks felt as if I 'knew' the place. The history of Sicily is enormous and incredible and John Keahey takes us on a wonderful journey. It is difficult to digest all the facts in one go, but I shall surely take this book with me when my husband and I visit for a month in April.

As the grandson of Sicilian immigrants, I found this book interesting. But, some of the historical dates were in accurate. In addition, some of the Island's most honored religious festivals, such as the Santa Lucia festival in Carlentini, were not covered while other less known festivals were covered in detail. The cuisine mentioned was nothing like the food that my grandparents prepared. Also, I never heard my grandparents refer to themselves as Sicilians. They always thought of themselves as being Italian first.

This book is not what I really wanted, which was a deeper dive into the history, arts, foods, and culture of Sicily; it does do all that but with a very light touch. If you are looking for an in-depth look at any of those things, this is not it. But if you are looking for a light and readable survey of all things Sicily, this is a good start.

Very happy with the book which is in perfect shape. Thanks a lot. Roxana, Montreal.

The author through his personal acquaintances takes us inside Sicily. He does not make the mistake of trying to write a guidebook to the entire island, but instead limits his scope to the places he knows best and loves -- an ideal introduction to 'real' Sicilians.

The book wasn’t what I hoped for. The author broaches many topics, but doesn’t delve deeply enough for the most part. To me, certainly not worth over $50AUD, which is what I paid for it.

Idiosyncratic view from someone who clearly loves Sicily and follows his passion, read it while touring Sicily good adjunct to formal guide.

Good book And a great service from The book provider, arrived on time in good condition