A Captivating Story of Inheritance, Discovery, and the Beauty of Tuscany Awaits

Casalvento: House of the Wind by Gudrun Cuillo

"In Casalvento, readers will be dazzled by the writing, the descriptions, the settings, the fast pace of the story and the slow simmer of life in one of the world’s top destinations."

It’s a beloved memoir of self-discovery, taking chances, loving a house and the pleasures of food, set against the spectacular Tuscan countryside — so powerful as to inspire many to embark on their own journeys.

That easily could be the perfect way to describe Gudrun Cuillo’s Casalvento: House of the Wind, in which a successful New York City businesswoman stumbles into an inheritance of a majestic house, hotel and vineyard in Tuscany, Italy from a grandfather who she never knew — and never knew about

Actually those words were not written about Cuillo’s book, but rather in praise of Frances Mayes’ all-time tale Under the Tuscan Sun. If Cuillo was hoping to replicate some of the magic generated from that classic story, she is well on her way with Casalvento. If not, and the similarities are mere coincidence, well, there’s nothing wrong with that either.

More Than Just a Setting

People remember Under the Tuscan Sun as the consummate destination novel, recalling the scenery and venue as much as the story itself. Sure, there are flesh-and-blood characters in Casalvento, but somehow their trials and tribulations pale in comparison to the brilliant land. If ever a book was written with the venue as a leading character, this is it. 

In fact, Casalvento is modeled on the real-life Casalvento owned by the author, and she lets readers breathe its air, sniff its fine vintages, feel its tranquility, and be all consumed by its magnificence and history.

“One must live in the present, not the past and not the future. The ones living in the past will never have a future, because they can’t see the present.”

That was one of Umberto Germoglio’s favorite sayings, we are told, and quite apropos to describe the situation of his granddaughter Erika Germoglio. When Erika receives word that she has inherited Casalvento from this relative who left her family before she ever knew him, she sets out for Italy with every intention of selling off the property and swiftly returning to her life in Gotham where she is a high-flying turnaround expert, and, by the way, recently engaged to her longtime beau.

A Life-Changing Decision

But destiny has other ideas. Erika quickly becomes fond of the place and the people. A twist and a turn later, it’s not so clear whether she will go back to New York or stay at the property and perform the kind of turnaround that can restore Casalvento to the greatness achieved by her grandfather. While she is consumed by the people, their kindness and their work ethic, she also knows what it takes to be successful in business, as a friend had once told her: “Being nice in business doesn’t get you anywhere. Being a bitch gets you everywhere.”

But not so simple this time, especially with adversaries seemingly around the corner who have other ideas about who should be calling the shots at Casalvento.

And what of her grandfather? He was clearly loved and revered by his team at the winery. But what is the full story about how and why he distanced himself from his family? Erika aims to learn his secrets. A series of letters that he left her start to shed some light.

So Erika begins her journey in the heart of the Italian countryside. The food is plenty (readers can almost taste it), the wines are wonderful, and the backdrop totally conducive  to winning over readers’ hearts and minds.

Italian Charm and Culinary Delights

Erika’s adventure is not so unlike that of Frances Mayes, although Cuillo’s story, while not a memoir, weaves facts from her life with a captivating tale about discovery, love, beauty and what’s important in life.

In Casalvento, readers have much to enjoy (even a recipe or two at the end) and will be dazzled by the writing, the descriptions, the settings, the fast pace of the story and the slow simmer of life in one of the world’s top destinations. We invite you to dig into this literary treat.

---