Review: More Than A May-December Romance and Cookbook
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 4, 2013
Although some reviewers see "A Dinner in Bellagio" by Carlotta Melzi d'Este as little more than just another older-younger romp between the sheets, there's something about d'Este's work that is genuine. I know, for instance, she does come from the Como region of Italy, where the novel happens to be centered and I know she has a couple of kids, and I also know, after reading "A Dinner" that d'Este has a way with words. Yes, the sex is steamy, but there's also something naive about the characterization that moves "A Dinner" beyond a mawkish sexual encounter. There's also a tenderness just underneath the main character Rose that betrays an inner hurt that her time with  Agostino helps to heal. I thoroughly enjoyed "A Dinner in Bellagio" and even learned a thing or two about writing recipes. It's tougher than you think.