Tartufo

By: Kira Jane Buxton

Narrated by: Caroline Hewitt

From the author of Hollow Kingdom, a fantastically funny story featuring a cast of colorful characters in a dying Italian village and a giant truffle that changes their fate forever in this “deliciously absurd tale....I savored every page of this book.” (Shelby Van Pelt, author of Remarkably Bright Creatures)

After nearly losing the election to a geriatric donkey, newly installed Mayor Delizia Miccuci can’t help but feel like the sun has finally set on the rural Italian village of Lazzarini Boscarino. Tourists only stop by to ask for directions, Nonna Amara’s cherished ristorante is long shuttered, and the town hall is disgustingly overrun with glis glis poo—even Postman Duccio has been disgraced. All that’s left is Bar Celebrità, a rustic establishment where weary locals gather to quibble over decades-long disputes, submit their poor stomachs to bartender Giuseppina’s volcanic espresso, and wonder what will become of the place where together they’ve spent their entire lives.

Little do the villagers know that local truffle hunter Giovanni Scarpazza has just happened upon something that could change everything. A truffle—un tartufo, that is—sits beneath the soil with the power to either be the greatest gift or the foulest curse the village has ever seen.

Written with the same enchanting style and raucous humor that defines Hollow Kingdom and Feral Creatures, Tartufo is a reflection on the interconnectedness of life in all its manifestations—and how holding on to harmony in the face of hardship can grow something beautiful and rare beneath the surface.

Fun story about a Tuscan village

Not your usual anything! Goes from sad to funny to everything in-between. I had difficulty keeping up with who was who, and it dragged a bit at times, but still worth the read.

good story

Good story, interesting characters. However, the constant analogies distracted me from the story. Some analogies were just silly.

Characters and humor

Liked the humorous characters and storyline. Great life lessons incorporated into the plot. Giving voice to the non human characters was an unexpected element that I thoroughly enjoyed.

A Colorful and Exciting Trip to a Small Village in Italy

By the time I finished listening to this book, I felt like I had visited a small village in Italy and had been welcomed in as family. Fantastic variety of characters and a beautiful portrait of Italy. I loved the twists and turns and was surprised by the ending, which makes for a great story.

Performance made you feel Like you were there in the story

This was an adorable story about an Italian village. The performance by the narrator made you feel like you were actually in the story with the people. It’s just a wonderful feel good book.