Mezza Italiana: an enchanting story about love, family, la dolce vita and finding your place in the world by Zoe Boccabella

Harper Collins 2011

ISBN: 978073332954

Zoe grew up in Brisbane in the 70’s and 80’s  feeling only half Australian.  She denies her Italian heritage, refusing to learn the language and dyeing her hair blonde.  This is her personal journey to discover her heritage.  In a beautifully written and heart warming style she tells of her travels to Fossa in Abruzzo, a magical place of dark forests and castles to meet her extended Italian family.  Here her family has lived for centuries and she is captivated by the village.  Zoe at last realises the true value of her heritage through its stories, recipes and traditions, as the village is hit by an earthquake!