Bruculinu, America: Remembrances of Sicilian-American Brooklyn, Told in Stories and Recipes

by Vincent Schiavelli

"In the early 1950s, Bruculinu, as the Sicilian immigrants called their Brooklyn neighborhood, was a remarkable place. If the weather was fair, the streets would be teeming with life. Women would be... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0395913748
• ISBN13: 9780395913741
• Release Date: January 1998
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Wonderful stories; excellent recipes.

Vincent and I were both born in late 1948 and while I grew up in Texas, I can so relate to his feelings expressed in the stories he tells. I love to cook and I found his recipes (from simple to complex) very inviting. I've tried some of the flavor combinations that were new to me and I'm sure I will be trying out some of these. I'm looking forward to reading his other books.

Eased my pain

I read this book with one arm. I had just broken my elbow in late 1998, and this book took me into another, happier world and literally eased my pain. You'll love the stories of a bygone era told with with love.Thanks, Vincent, for easing my pain with your wonderful book.

First rate

I originally bought this book because I have always been interested in ethnic neighborhoods. Having lived in Italy for the last ten years I was more skeptical about the recipes. Having said that, while I was reading the book it was clear that Schiavelli knew what he was talking about. Myself and my wife (who is Italian) have been consistently ecstatic about the results of the recipes.

You Don't Have to be Italian to LOVE this Book!

Too bad I can't give this book 10 stars - it's that good. More of a novel than a cookbook - it's a warm, loving look at a family that reminds me of my own years ago - we were not italian - but the sense of family is still there. The recipes are great - not only delicious, but easy to follow. I plan to give this book out this year for Christmas and Hannukah presents.

A GREAT BOOK !!!

A touching recollection of the Italian-American experience in Brooklyn. I highly recommend it. Bruculinu has truly authentic Sicilian recipes that anybody would find mouthwatering and heartwarming stories told through the Italian perspective. Growing up in the Brooklyn neighborhood Mr. Schiavelli writes about(Stanhope Street),and living through the tail end of the era he desribes, I was reminded of my childhood and of a time where family came first, and respect for others was the rule. No other book in recent memory captures the beauty and richness of the Italian culture. I myself remember living through many events similar to the ones Mr. Schiavelli tells (The St.Joseph's Day rituals, feasts with men carrying statues of Saints, Knickerboker Ave.).A must have cookbook for any serious collection. Great stories for the whole family to read.

i relived my childhood in the same neighborhood in the '50s

This book is a delightful recounting of Sicilian life just as I lived it in the same neighborhood of Mr.Schiavelli.We lived on Starr St.and Knickobocker Ave.across the street from the park,attended St.Joseph's Church,and went to our doctor on Bushwick Ave.We shopped on Knickerbocker Ave.for everything,from Italian grocers,meat markets,fruit stands to Woolworths.I grew up there in the 40s and 50s,and thanks to your book,I've been given the chance to relive those wonderful days again.If we were poor we didn't know it,for we were very rich in love,warmth,and family.Keep on writing and tell us how you got into acting.I've seen you in many movies and always enjoy your performances.I'm glad a neighborhood boy and a Sicilian made good.Me? I became a school teacher,retired now.Continued success and best wishes