Tartufo by Kira Jane Buxton: A Hilarious and Heartwarming Tale of Community, Chaos, and Culinary Magic
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Kira Jane Buxton, the brilliant mind behind Hollow Kingdom and Feral Creatures, has once again graced us with a novel brimming with humor, heart, and an intoxicating love for life’s quirks. Tartufo is a delightful literary feast set in a sleepy Italian village, where an unexpected discovery—a truffle of mythic proportions—sends the town into a hilarious, heartfelt frenzy. Through an ensemble of eccentric yet deeply lovable characters (both human and non-human), Buxton spins a story that is at once comedic, poignant, and rich in sensory detail.
A Village Teetering on the Edge of Oblivion
The novel transports us to Lazzarini Boscarino, a small Tuscan village on the brink of irrelevance. Tourists barely stop by, the town hall is overrun with glis glis (dormouse) droppings, and the local economy is in shambles. Even the town’s beloved ristorante, once the pride of Nonna Amara, has shuttered its doors. Newly elected mayor Delizia Micucci, a veterinarian by trade, steps into office with the weight of the town’s struggles on her shoulders—though the fact that her opponent in the election was a geriatric donkey named Maurizio does little to inspire confidence in the village’s future.
Just when it seems all hope is lost, Giovanni Scarpazza, a local truffle hunter, and his devoted Lagotto Romagnolo dogs, Aria and Fagiolo, unearth a once-in-a-lifetime treasure—a massive white truffle that could turn the village’s fortunes around. But as the town rallies to capitalize on this unexpected windfall, old feuds, buried secrets, and the unruly chaos of human nature threaten to turn their salvation into a spectacular disaster.
A Cast of Unforgettable Characters
Buxton’s talent for creating unforgettable characters shines in Tartufo. From the fierce and fiery Giuseppina, the town’s espresso-slinging bartender, to the larger-than-life Nonna Amara, every resident of Lazzarini Boscarino feels vivid and real. Even the non-human characters, such as the imperious (and hilariously judgmental) pregnant cat Al Pacino, the insightful truffle-hunting dogs, and even an observant little honeybee, have distinct personalities that add layers of humor and warmth to the narrative.
The relationships between the characters form the heart of the book. This is not just a novel about finding a truffle; it’s about rediscovering community, rekindling lost dreams, and embracing life’s unpredictable beauty. Delizia, struggling with her own past disappointments, becomes a compelling protagonist as she learns that leadership is not just about governance but about uniting people in shared purpose.
A Lush and Lyrical Reading Experience
Buxton’s prose is nothing short of magical. Her descriptions of food—truffle-laced dishes, robust Italian wines, golden olive oils—are so evocative that you can almost taste them. The village itself becomes a character, its rustic beauty and faded grandeur painted in a language that sings. Readers will find themselves lost in Buxton’s lush, playful prose, which dances between the whimsical and the profound.
The omniscient narration adds an extra layer of charm, offering glimpses into the thoughts of not only the villagers but also their animal companions. This perspective lends itself beautifully to the novel’s theme of interconnectedness—between people, nature, and even the unseen forces that shape our lives. One moment, we’re witnessing the world through the keen nose of a truffle dog, and the next, we’re privy to the musings of a long-departed spirit who refuses to be ignored.
Laughter, Love, and the Magic of the Unexpected
At its core, Tartufo is a celebration of life’s unexpected joys. It’s a book that makes you laugh out loud one moment and clutch your heart the next. The humor is delightfully absurd—imagine a psychic scolding the ghosts who refuse to wait their turn, or a truffle described with such visceral hilarity that you’ll never think of fungi the same way again. But beneath the humor lies a deeply moving story about resilience, friendship, and the power of coming together in the face of adversity.
Buxton masterfully balances lighthearted comedy with moments of genuine emotion. The villagers’ struggle to save their home mirrors a universal yearning—to belong, to be seen, to hold onto something worth fighting for. By the novel’s end, it’s not just the fate of the truffle that matters, but the transformation it sparks in those who find themselves bound by its discovery.
A Must-Read for Lovers of Humor and Heart
If you adore books that transport you to a world bursting with life, laughter, and a touch of magic, Tartufo is an absolute must-read. Fans of Fredrik Backman, Jess Kidd, and anyone who appreciates a richly woven story filled with heart and humor will fall head over heels for this novel. Whether you’re in it for the lovable oddballs, the sensory overload of Italian cuisine, or the sheer joy of watching a community find its way back to itself, Tartufo delivers in spades.
Buy Tartufo Now!
Kira Jane Buxton has once again proven why she’s a master of comedic storytelling with soul. Don’t miss out on this enchanting, laugh-out-loud, and utterly heartwarming read. Grab your copy of Tartufo today on Amazon and let yourself be swept away by the magic of this unforgettable village adventure!
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