From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home

Written by:
Tembi Locke
Narrated by:
Tembi Locke

Unabridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
160
Narrator
35
Release Date
April 2019
Duration
10 hours 19 minutes
Summary
A 2020 Audie Award Finalist

One of AudioFile’s Best Audiobooks of 2019!

Now a limited Netflix series starring Zoe Saldana!

This Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick and New York Times bestseller is “a captivating story of love lost and found” (Kirkus Reviews) set in the lush Sicilian countryside, where one woman discovers the healing powers of food, family, and unexpected grace in her darkest hours.

It was love at first sight when actress Tembi met professional chef, Saro, on a street in Florence. There was just one problem: Saro’s traditional Sicilian family did not approve of his marrying a black American woman. However, the couple, heartbroken but undeterred, forged on. They built a happy life in Los Angeles, with fulfilling careers, deep friendships, and the love of their lives: a baby girl they adopted at birth. Eventually, they reconciled with Saro’s family just as he faced a formidable cancer that would 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, 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 romance—an incredible love story that leaps off the pages.

In Sicily, it is said that every story begins with a marriage or a death—in Tembi Locke’s case, it is both. “Locke’s raw and heartfelt memoir will uplift readers suffering from the loss of their own loved ones” (Publishers Weekly), but her story is also about love, finding a home, and 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 those who needed a powerful reminder that life is...delicious.
Reviews
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Nancy K.

I loved this book! What an incredible story of love, loss, the unpredictable ups and downs of grief, single parenting, in-laws, friends, communication ( in first and second languages, across continents). This book touched me deeply. The narrator, Tembi Locke, has a voice that I could listen to forever. I can’t say enough good things about this book.

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Claire M.

A compelling read that is well paced. A dedication to love and life and staying true to one’s heart. The food and meals are themselves a character in the book. I hope there is a cook book or a sequel that just describes Nona’s cooking.

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Kate T.

I now have a trip to Italy on my bucket list!! What a beautiful book about finding your way through the celebrations and struggles that life brings to you. I couldn't stop listening!

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Anna H.

Very interesting and easy listening - a beautiful story of the coming together of cultures through love and loss

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Carolyn C.

This is a beautiful story. Beautifully written and narrated by the talented author.

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Sharmain L.

Beautiful story, and amazing narration. You feel all she was trying to convey

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Jeffrey B.

Fantastic book. Many times while driving to work I would be crying so much that I would have to compose myself before going in to start the day. What a story that touches so many parts of my life.

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Dionne G.

Beautiful. Poetic. Sad. Hopeful. This story invokes many emotions and feelings.

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Kandice B.

what a beautiful love story! tears of beautiful love !!!

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Anonymous

I LOVED listening to this book! the author's voice was so soothing.

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