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Summary: A GREAT BOOK !!!
Review: A touching recollection of the Italian-American experience in Brooklyn. I highly recommend it. Bruculinu has truly authentic Sicilian recipes that anybody would find mouthwatering and heartwarming stories told through the Italian perspective. Growing up in the Brooklyn neighborhood Mr. Schiavelli writes about(Stanhope Street),and living through the tail end of the era he desribes, I was reminded of my childhood and of a time where family came first, and respect for others was the rule. No other book in recent memory captures the beauty and richness of the Italian culture. I myself remember living through many events similar to the ones Mr. Schiavelli tells (The St.Joseph's Day rituals, feasts with men carrying statues of Saints, Knickerboker Ave.).A must have cookbook for any serious collection. Great stories for the whole family to read.
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Summary: You Don't Have to be Italian to LOVE this Book!
Review: Growing up in "Bruculinu" (Hart St. and Knickerbocker Ave. to be exact)between 1946 and 1967 (when we moved all the way to Glendale, Queens!)was an experience to be cherished. Mr. Schiavelli captures the essence of that time and place, so much so that I plan to give a copy of the book to each of my 3 children, with a few of my own notes written in here and there. It will tell them the story of where I came from, better than I could ever hope to. Thanks, Vince!
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Summary: First rate
Review: I originally bought this book because I have always been interested in ethnic neighborhoods. Having lived in Italy for the last ten years I was more skeptical about the recipes. Having said that, while I was reading the book it was clear that Schiavelli knew what he was talking about. Myself and my wife (who is Italian) have been consistently ecstatic about the results of the recipes.
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Summary: Eased my pain
Review: I read this book with one arm. I had just broken my elbow in late 1998, and this book took me into another, happier world and literally eased my pain. You'll love the stories of a bygone era told with with love.Thanks, Vincent, for easing my pain with your wonderful book.
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Summary: Reminds me of my childhood.
Review: I saw this book and needed to read it. After all, I am also Sicilian and born and raised in Brooklyn (though a good many years after Mr. Schiavelli.) His memories brought back a great deal of my own; often ones I had forgotten. I thank him for this. From the street vendors with their horses to the people sharing stories on their stoops to the men's only clubs and the strega exorcising the evil eye - It is all as I remember it, too. If anyone says that this book isn't true to Brooklynites and to Italians, they must not be either.
Enjoy it, it is true treasure!
Rating:
Summary: First rate
Review: This book is about as sophisticated and representative of Italian culture as a Big Mac. I would say to Mr. Schiavelli, stick to acting, but the acting is just another version of predictable caricature, just like his books. Honestly, this has nothing to do with the real Italian experience, New York or otherwise. Wish I could give this book half a star, since the paper it's printed on is nice.
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