09 Oct / Gente: The People of Ristorante Paradiso (vol. 1) by Natsume Ono, translated by Joe Yamazaki
While the story of abandoned Nicoletta in search of her wayward mother was a single-volume deal fully contained in Ristorante Paradiso, the staff of said Ristorante, the charming Casetta dell’Orso, merit their very own series. And why not … proprietor Lorenzo employs some fascinating, engaging characters indeed. Their stories have unlimited possibilities …
One by one, Lorenzo gathers his staff – distinguished waiters, fabulous cooks – as he prepares for the grand opening of his cozy little restaurant. His wife, Olga, has recently been hospitalized for exhaustion, so he makes sure to add special touches that will make her smile: “There’s no place more wonderful than this,”she tells him through tears after her first official Casetta dell’Orso meal.
“Wonderful” is because of Luciano, an older man who has a special bond with his young grandson (who is pictured oh so adorably in full color on the book’s back cover), and Gigi who just might be able to help save a faltering marriage, and Vito who befriends a young woman desperately trying to protect her sister from an abusive husband, and Claudio who’s still in love with his estranged wife …
As the crew celebrate the first anniversary of what has become a highly successful venture, they have each other to be most thankful over … after all, the best food comes from good people …
And just so we don’t get too hungry, there’s more toothsome fare to come …
Readers: Young Adult, Adult
Published: 2010 (United States)
GENTE © 2007 Natsume Ono/Ohta Publishing Co.
Original Japanese edition published by Ohta Publishing Co.