From Scratch

A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home

De: Tembi Locke

Narrado por: Tembi Locke

One of AudioFile’s Best Audiobooks of 2019!

A poignant and transporting cross-cultural love story set against the lush backdrop of the Sicilian countryside, where one woman discovers the healing powers of food, family, and unexpected grace in her darkest hour.

It was love at first sight when Tembi met professional chef Saro on a street in Florence. There was just one problem: Saro’s traditional Sicilian family did not approve of him marrying a Black American woman, an actress no less. However, the couple, heartbroken but undeterred, forges on. They build a happy life in Los Angeles, with fulfilling careers, deep friendships, and the love of their lives: a baby girl they adopt at birth. Eventually, they reconcile with Saro’s family just as he faces a formidable cancer that will consume all their dreams.

From Scratch chronicles three summers Tembi spends in Sicily with her daughter, Zoela, as she begins to piece together a life without her husband in his tiny hometown hamlet of farmers. Where once Tembi was estranged from Saro’s family and his origins, now she finds solace and nourishment - literally and spiritually - at her mother-in-law’s table. In the Sicilian countryside, she discovers the healing gifts of simple fresh food, the embrace of a close-knit community, and timeless traditions and wisdom that light a path forward. All along the way, she reflects on her and Saro’s incredible romance - an indelible love story.

In Sicily, it is said that every story begins with a marriage or a death - in Tembi Locke’s case, it is both. Her story is about loss, but it’s really about love found. Her story is about travel, but it’s really about finding a home. It is about food, but it’s really about chasing flavor as an act of remembrance. From Scratch is for anyone who has dared to reach for big love, fought for what mattered most, and needed a powerful reminder that life is...delicious.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2019 Tembi Locke (P)2019 Simon & Schuster

I didn't realize a 5 star book until this one!

I'm tremendously disappointed that I have other books 5 ratings. THIS is the 5 star rating book. I doubt many other books will deserve a 5 like this one does.

beautiful story, beautiful performance, beautiful writing

I wish that there was a 5+ star option!

I was hesitant, at first, to pick this book. I thought it might make me sad. I am so glad
I did read it. I identified with Tembi’s parents.
I am a child of the sixties. I am also a descendant of Sicilian grandparents. Every aspect of Tembi’s beautiful, rich story touched my heart.
I also wanted to add that the visions of life in Sicily were insightful and intimate.

Just couldn't keep going

I listened and was totally mesmerized for several hours, but just finally couldn't continue. Too too sad for too too long a period of time. I may go back to it. I never did get to where she met and established a relationship with her in laws. I just couldn't continue. I see the reviews and I seem to be the only one who wouldn't recommend this book even though it is very good. I think she spent too much time with the death in the beginning and all that went with that. I needed a break.

A TENDER YET POWERFUL STORY , A MUST READ !

My title says it all ! Thais is a must read for many generations of women who have lived ,loved & lost . A precious story of survival of the soul & body of Tembi Locke .

Beautiful, Visceral

I found myself often in tears listening to this book, struck by its poignant moments of emotional connection. I will be listening to this several more times.

Amazing

An Amazing memoir. I didn't want it to end. She made me feel every bit.

Read with true passion

I haven’t enjoyed a book more on Audible. To hear Tembe share her story and hear how these relationships blossomed. The patience, the love, the pure, true love was displayed in every word

So beautifully read!

This was such a lovely book and it was even more special having been read by the author who has a beautiful voice! I love the way she intertwined speaking Italian and English, it really brought me into the story and made me feel as if I was there with her. What a wonderful tribute to her late husband and his family!

Beautifully written trip to Sicily and inside the human heart

I didn’t really know this actress so it was fun to look up what I’ve seen her in. But the memoir is beautiful! It’s well written and truly immersed you in the culture of Italy/Sicily, a mixed race, culture, and language family, and takes you through times of loss and grief. And the food! Everything is taken care of with a meal. If you love to cook or eat, want some kinship in your time of loss, or just want to travel abroad for a moment, you’ll love this book!

Beautiful

This memoir is full of richness, love, and beauty. Ms. Locke’s prose is lovely. Her Italian and recipes made me long for Italy. What she went through with her husband reminds us that life is beautiful even when it doesn’t seem so, and that love is so much deeper than surface level. I loved listening to her story. I will recommend it to everyone.