In Sardinia: An Unexpected Journey in Italy
Ratings1
Average rating4
15
Ratings1
Average rating4
"At last, a grand companion to the mysterious and enchanting island of Sardinia. Known to most travelers for its beaches, Sardinia's complex archeological heritage extends back to Neolithic times. Written with verve and love, In Sardinia is the book I'll be taking on future trips." -Frances Mayes, New York Times bestselling author of Under the Tuscan Sun Award-winning historian Jeff Biggers opens a new window into the hidden treasures of Sardinia in a groundbreaking travel narrative that crisscrosses one of the most enigmatic places in Italy After three decades of living and traveling in Italy, Jeff Biggers finally crossed over to Sardinia, uncovering a treasury of stories amid major archaeological discoveries rewriting the history of the Mediterranean. Based in the bewitching port of Alghero, guided through the island’s rich and largely untranslated literature, he embarked on a rare journey around the island to experience its famed cuisine, wine, traditional rituals and thriving cultural movements. “Sardinia is something else. Enchanting spaces and distances to travel,” D. H. Lawrence wrote in 1921. On the 100th anniversary of Lawrence’s visit, Biggers opens a new window into the history of the island, chronicling how new archaeological findings have placed the island as one of the cradles of the Bronze Age. From the Neolithic array of Stonehenge-like dolmens and menhir stone formations to the thousands of Bronze Age "nuraghe" towers and burial tombs, the vastness of the uninterrupted cycles of civilizations and their architectural marvels have turned Sardinia into the Mediterranean's "open museum." Beyond its fabled beaches, reconsidering how its unique history and ways have shaped Italy and Europe today, Biggers explores how travelers must first understand Sardinia and its ancient and modern history to truly understand the rest of Italy. In the tradition of Mark Kurlansky’s Basque History of the World, Peter Hessler’s Oracle Bones: A Journey Through in China, and Frances Mayes’ and Tim Parks’ narratives on Italy, In Sardinia is a major new addition to travel writing and literature in Italy.
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“In Sardinia” by Jeff Biggers is a captivating travel read that deserves a solid 4 out of 5 stars. Sardinia has always intrigued me with its natural beauty and rich cultural history, and this book did not disappoint. The author's writing style is engaging, witty, and easy to read, making it a pleasure to delve into the pages. It is evident that Biggers is deeply passionate about Sardinia, as he takes us on a comprehensive journey through the island's history, literature, art, culture, and geography.
The book explores the major archaeological discoveries that have rewritten the history of the Mediterranean, showcasing Sardinia as one of the cradles of the Bronze Age. From the Neolithic dolmens and menhir stone formations to the Bronze Age “nuraghe” towers and burial tombs, Biggers unveils the vastness of Sardinia's uninterrupted cycles of civilizations and their architectural marvels. Beyond its renowned beaches, the author emphasizes how understanding Sardinia's unique history and ways is crucial for comprehending the rest of Italy and Europe today.
Drawing comparisons to renowned travel narratives such as Bruce Chatwin's “In Patagonia,” Mark Kurlansky's “Basque History of the World,” and Frances Mayes' and Tim Parks' works on Italy, “In Sardinia” stands as a significant addition to travel writing and literature in Italy.
As someone who has Sardinia on my “to visit” list, I found this book to be an incredibly fascinating and richly detailed chronicle of this beautiful place. It offers insights into the island's treasures, including its cuisine, wine, traditional rituals, and thriving cultural movements. Overall, “In Sardinia” is a worthwhile read that I highly recommend.
ARC Vua NetGalley
