Thanks to the moderation of volunteers from the Milton Bookshop in Alba, each writer will have the chance to present their work, sharing thoughts and suggestions, answering questions from the audience and signing books. An annual event not to be missed by the locals and all lovers of literature, which has seen consensus and participation grow, year after year.
Thursday June 27th 2024
Winner of the 2022 Scerbanenco Prize with the novel Fuoco (Fire), Pandiani is a master of noir fiction. Set on Lake Maggiore, this literary offering tells the story of an accident as ordinary as it is tragic: caught in a storm while sailing the dark waters of the lake, a boat capsizes, causing the death of four people.
But what was it that made them decide to set sail in the middle of winter? Was it really an accident? Undercover investigators are Max, Abdel, Sandra and Victoria, who escaped from jail in France and are on the run in Italy: their search will lead to some very unexpected twists.
Chef Paganini proposes an apparently traditional and easy-to-read menu… but don’t be fooled! Each course will tell you… a little secret!
Crispy egg with courgettes and tomato
Spaghetto alla norma with aubergines and ricotta
Sweet temptation with strawberries and lemon
Thursday July 4th 2024
Finalist for the Strega Prize with the book Il naturale disordine delle cose (The Natural Disorder of Things), Andrea Canobbio now presents his new book Traversata notturna: set in post-war Turin, a city transformed by the story-telling journeys penned by the author into a theatre of remembrance.
Chef Paganini proposes a menu that closely weaves Piedmontese tradition and familiar flavours, typical of Sunday…a Sunday spent in Turin.
Vitello tonnato
Sunday lasagne
Peaches and “bunet” ice-cream
Thursday, July 18th 2024
Orso Tosco’s novel L’ultimo pinguino delle Langhe, published by Rizzoli, begins with a wealthy Swiss broker who, during a morning run around his castle in the Langhe, comes across the naked corpse of a girl: the horror of the discovery is accompanied by the discovery of his own name and a swastika painted in blood on the unfortunate girl’s body.
Leading the investigation is Inspector Gualtiero Bova, known as the Penguin because of his unathletic physique and love of swimming. Moving around the Langhe, Tosco stages an engrossing and fast-paced noir novel, capable of sustaining the tradition of Simenon’s Maigret.
Chef Paganini proposes a menu capable of combining the flavours and aromas of the Langa and the Italian Riviera. A tribute to the area he comes from and to the author’s Ligurian origins: a short journey alongside Inspector Bova.
Summery salt cod salad
Magliano saffron risotto
Apricots and panna cotta
Thursday 25th July 2024
Francesca Mautino’s debut novel: Qualcuno che conoscevo is a gripping noir that ironically portrays the difficulties faced by contemporary families and all those women trying to reconcile being a mother and having a career.
Valentina Bronti – the main character – is a 36 year-old mother of three very boisterous triplets and is estranged from her husband despite the fact they still live together. When she hears about an old missing persons case, she becomes so passionate about it that she revolutionises her life.
Chef Paganini proposes a menu that pays tribute to and celebrates a trio of childhood favourites. Timeless flavours capable of conquering the palates of young and old alike.
Russian salad
Square ravioli with butter and sage
Apple pie and ice-cream
Dinner time: 7:30 p.m. For info and bookings contact Ristorante Stefano Paganini on +39 0173 66244