PEOPLE OF THE BOOK by Geraldine Brooks

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BROOKS

Hanna Heath, Rare Book Conservator, jumps at the change to work on the Sarajevo Haggadah. The book is an example of the earliest Jewish illuminated manuscripts, and Hanna traces its history using clues found in the book's binding. The trail leads through WWII-era Bosnia, late 19th century
Vienna, Venice during the Inquisition, and finally to the manuscript's creation around 1480 in Spain. The reader is privy to the Haggadah's secrets, though Hanna is not. She must cope with the newly-discovered identity of her father and the machinations of the art forgers.

A SIMPLE HABANA MELODY by Oscar Hijuelos

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HIJUELOS, O

World-famous Cuban composer Israel Levis returns home after being imprisoned in a World War II concentration camp. His spirit seems broken but a spark remains for the love of his life, Rita Valladores, for whom he wrote a famous rumba. This is an enchanting and captivating books.

THE ENGLISH PATIENT by Michael Ondaatje

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ONDAATJE

Brilliantly told tale of the mystery of the "English patient," a badly-burned man of unknown identity being cared for by a young nurse, Hannah, in a deserted Italian villa at the end of World War II.

It can be read with pleasure after seeing the movie since the book contains much that was sketch in the film version, including the romance between Hannah and Kip, the young Sikh engineer.

THE WEDDING OFFICER by Anthony Capella

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CAPELLA

British officer Captain James Gould arrives in Naples in 1944 charged with task of discouraging soldiers from marrying Italian women thought to be of low moral character. In truth, many are starving widows who have turned to rostitution in utter desperation. Straight-laced and rigid, Capt. Gould will not condone these unions.

One day beautiful widow Livia comes to Naples seeking work. A restaurant owner befriends her and sends her to the British/American officers' club where she signs on as a cook. The officers soon learn that Livia knows her way around a kitchen. James is smitten with Livia's fiery personality and mouth-watering dishes. He begins to understand that she is passionate not only about food but life itself. Ultimately, joy infuses every dish and love ranks highter than military orders.

Especially for fans of Chocolat. Delicious!