Simonetta Wenkert Livres

In Rome, in 1979, a shy young Englishwoman called Julia meets Ennio. The two fall deeply in love, but theirs will be a troubled affair, shrouded in secrecy and constantly under threat. For Italy in 1979 is a country of violent radical politics: a dangerous, heady time, filled with bitter hope and fear. And Ennio is one of the most wanted men in Italy, a member of the notorious terrorist group, Sinistra Armata. Twenty years on, their daughter Lotte, brought up by a grandmother in London, knows nothing of her parents' love affair or the shocking events leading up to her birth. But on discovering the truth, she journeys to Italy to reclaim her past - only to find her mother's story haunting her more forcefully that she could have believed. Haunting, evocative and moving, The Sunlit Stage is a breathtaking novel about love and self-discovery.

The narrative centers on Simonetta and her husband Avi, who, despite lacking restaurant experience, opened Ida, a small Italian eatery that defied odds during economic downturns and the pandemic. Their journey reflects a blend of cultural influences from Israel, Austria, and Greece, shaping both their family identity and the restaurant's regional Italian menu. This memoir combines heartfelt storytelling with recipes, showcasing the joy of cooking and serving food made with love, appealing to those who dream of creating a community haven.