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Book The House at the Edge of Night

Download or read book The House at the Edge of Night written by Catherine Banner and published by Random House. This book was released on 2016-07-12 with total page 431 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “A perfect summer read [that] brims with heart . . . Don’t be surprised if you keep turning the pages long into the night, spellbound by its magic.”—The Denver Post A sweeping saga about four generations of a family who live and love on an enchanting island off the coast of Italy—combining the romance of Beautiful Ruins with the magical tapestry of works by Isabel Allende. NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY NPR • Los Angeles Public Library • Kirkus Reviews “Captivating . . . [Catherine] Banner’s four-generation saga is set on an island near Sicily, where myths of saints get served up with limoncello at the Esposito family’s bar. . . . The island is fictional, but consider this dreamy summer read your passport.”—People “A lusty page-turner that weaves romance, rivalry and the intricacies of family expectations into one glorious tale.”—Minneapolis Star Tribune Castellamare is an island far enough away from the mainland to be forgotten, but not far enough to escape from the world’s troubles. At the center of the island’s life is a café draped with bougainvillea called the House at the Edge of Night, where the community gathers to gossip and talk. Amedeo Esposito, a foundling from Florence, finds his destiny on the island with his beautiful wife, Pina, whose fierce intelligence, grace, and unwavering love guide her every move. An indiscretion tests their marriage, and their children—three sons and an inquisitive daughter—grow up and struggle with both humanity’s cruelty and its capacity for love and mercy. Spanning nearly a century, through secrets and mysteries, trials and sacrifice, this beautiful and haunting novel follows the lives of the Esposito family and the other islanders who live and love on Castellamare: a cruel count and his bewitching wife, a priest who loves scandal, a prisoner of war turned poet, an outcast girl who becomes a pillar of strength, a wounded English soldier who emerges from the sea. The people of Castellamare are transformed by two world wars and a great recession, by the threat of fascism and their deep bonds of passion and friendship, and by bitter rivalries and the power of forgiveness. Catherine Banner has written an enthralling, character-rich novel, epic in scope but intimate in feeling. At times, the island itself seems alive, a mythical place where the earth heaves with stories—and this magical novel takes you there. Praise for The House at the Edge of Night “A gorgeous, sweeping story set over four generations . . . calls to mind Captain Corelli’s Mandolin and Beautiful Ruins.”—Interview “Like pictures of a childhood summer, or a half-forgotten smell, this book is sweet and heady with nostalgia . . . [and] comforting as a quilt.”—NPR “Rich and immersive, this book will take you away.”—Vox “A masterful piece of storytelling, infused with the miraculous (both in stories and in everyday life) while maintaining the difficult balance between the explainable versus the inexplicable . . . captivating and beautifully rendered.”—Sara Gruen, author of At the Water’s Edge

Book Turin

    Book Details:
  • Author : DK Publishing
  • Publisher : DK Publishing (Dorling Kindersley)
  • Release : 2005-10-31
  • ISBN : 9780756614393
  • Pages : 0 pages

Download or read book Turin written by DK Publishing and published by DK Publishing (Dorling Kindersley). This book was released on 2005-10-31 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Presents a travel guide to Turin, Italy, providing region-by-region information, including details on its history, landscape, sites to see, lodgings, and restaurants, and provides color photos, maps, and cutaway illustrations throughout.

Book The Rough Guide to Italy  Travel Guide eBook

Download or read book The Rough Guide to Italy Travel Guide eBook written by Rough Guides and published by Rough Guides UK. This book was released on 2016-04-01 with total page 1414 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Rough Guide to Italy is full of painstakingly researched information and inspiration to help you enjoy every moment of your Italian adventure. Whether you're after action or relaxation, Italy won't disappoint - from touring Tuscan hill towns to wine-tasting your way around Friuli-Venezia Giulia, lazing on the Amalfi Coast to shopping till you drop in Milan, brushing up on Renaissance art in Florence to kitesurfing in Sardinia, Rough Guides' expert tips and jaw-dropping photos give you everything you need for the perfect stay in Italia. And although it's hard to go wrong with food in Italy, we've got the lowdown on the most authentic rustic trattoria, Michelin-starred restaurants and favourite aperitivi haunts, not to mention the best places to learn how to cook like a local. Full-colour maps throughout - at regional and city level - ensure you won't lose your way. There are also suggested itineraries to help with planning, reliable reviews of the best places to stay, from welcoming agriturismi to stylish city-centre hotels, plus in-depth and engrossing sections on Italy's history, art and architecture and groundbreaking film industry, and finally a handy language guide. Make the most of your holiday with The Rough Guide to Italy.

Book Super Cheap Turin Travel Guide 2021

Download or read book Super Cheap Turin Travel Guide 2021 written by Phil Tang and published by . This book was released on 2020-11-30 with total page 158 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: ★ Local Money-Saving tips for Turin (Google doesn't know).★ Enjoy a $1,000 trip to Turin for $200 with this step-by-step manual and hands on support (we help you find flights and accommodation)★ Lonely Planet advise budget travellers to spend $120 a day in Turin! We will show you how to enjoy your Turin adventure for much less. Get this guide to tick Turin off your bucket list for under $200. Lonely Planet advises 'budget' travellers to pay $120 PER DAY to visit Turin. This guide will show you how to comfortably enjoy everything Turin has to offer for less than $30 a day. Super Cheap Turin is a travel guide for people seeking cold-hard facts to enjoy the biggest Turin adventure on the smallest budget. Choose from city adventures or mix it up with our nature suggestions. Either way, our plans and Turin's fascinating history and culture will blow your mind, not your budget. Instantly discover everything you need for a luxurious trip to Turin on a backpackers budget. ✔ Hundreds of historical, cultural and money-saving local insights ✔Cheapest flight routes to Turin (review this guide honestly and we'll find you the cheapest direct flight - save hundreds with our flight hacking skills) ✔ Insider Tips on planning your trip on a budget ✔Review of the best great Free Walking Tour ✔How to get 25% off your Turin Airbnb ✔How to stay in five-star Turin hotels for two-star prices ✔ The cheapest place to stay (this may surprise you) ✔Must-see and cheap hacks to see and do all the sights including how to visit the best museums much more cheaply ✔The cheapest route form the airport to the city ✔Advice on getting around cheaply ✔Must-try street foods and the best place to try them including mouth-watering local chocolates. ✔Tons of cheap delicious local eats ✔Practical tips and insights ✔Detailed broken down checklist of things to remember to save money ✔Discount markets you must visit ✔Cheapest onwards destinations ✔Bonus: Thousands of general travel hacks to save you money before travelling ✔Save yourself the time and hassle.Enjoy everything Turin has to offer without the ascribed $120 a day tourist budget. Super Cheap Insider Guides (dot) com Spend a little and enjoy a lot with Super Cheap Insider Guides written by real travellers in collaboration with thrifty locals. Spend $10 on this book to save hundreds in Turin When you buy and review this book you'll have free access to our Super Cheap Accommodation Finder Service, normally $50 (a team of highly skilled Accommodation Hackers will find you three of the best price-performance accommodation options for your specific needs). You can also use our flight hacking service (our skilled flight hackers will take hundreds of dollars off your flight). We've designed this hands-on guidebook to save you time, hassle and money. Leave the crowds behind Get Super Cheap Turin to save hundreds on your Turin trip with real insights Google can't and won't reveal. Spend $10 now, save hundreds in Turin.

Book The Perfume Companion

    Book Details:
  • Author : Sarah McCartney
  • Publisher : Frances Lincoln
  • Release : 2021-10-05
  • ISBN : 0711242194
  • Pages : 290 pages

Download or read book The Perfume Companion written by Sarah McCartney and published by Frances Lincoln. This book was released on 2021-10-05 with total page 290 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 'An authoritative guide from two experts who really know their way around scent' – FUNMI FETTO The Perfume Companion is a beautifully illustrated compendium of almost 500 recommended scents, designed to help you pick out your next favourite fragrance. Perfumes have the power to evoke treasured memories, make us feel fabulous and help us express our best self. But with so many out there, how do you choose something new? When the scents in the perfume shop are merging into one aromatic haze, how do you remain focused? And if your favourite scent goes out of stock, how do you replace it? The Perfume Companion is here to help. Sarah McCartney and Samantha Scriven deliver a host of scents for you to try – including bargain finds and luxury treasures, iconic stalwarts and indie newcomers, the lightest florals and the deepest leathers. With insider information about how perfumes are really made, discover hundreds of new fragrances and find the scents to share your own memories with. This is the perfect companion for your scented adventures.

Book Lonely Planet s Best in Travel 2020

Download or read book Lonely Planet s Best in Travel 2020 written by Lonely Planet and published by Lonely Planet. This book was released on 2019-10-22 with total page 219 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This annual bestseller ranks the hottest, must-visit countries, regions, cities and best value destinations for 2020. Drawing on the knowledge and passion of Lonely Planet's staff, authors and online community, we present a year's worth of inspiration to take you out of the ordinary and into the unforgettable. As self-confessed travel geeks, we regularly ask ourselves: where are the best places in the world to visit right now? It's a very hotly contested topic at Lonely Planet and generates more discussion than any other. Best in Travel is our definitive answer. We also reveal how well-planned, sustainable travel can be a force for good: for the environment, for local people and for yourself - and include ways to help lower your carbon footprint and protect the areas you visit on your travels. Inside Best in Travel 2020, you'll discover: The top 10 countries, regions, cities and best value destinations The best new openings The best new places to stay The best new food experiences The best sustainable trips for families How to minimise your carbon footprint How to help local communities and businesses How to give back on your travels Hiking for meditation About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world's number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we've printed over 145 million guidebooks and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You'll also find our content online, on mobile, video and in 14 languages, 12 international magazines, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more. Important Notice: The digital edition of this book may not contain all of the images found in the physical edition.

Book Il Bel Centro

    Book Details:
  • Author : Michelle Damiani
  • Publisher : Rialto Press
  • Release : 2020-08-09
  • ISBN : 8835880866
  • Pages : 514 pages

Download or read book Il Bel Centro written by Michelle Damiani and published by Rialto Press. This book was released on 2020-08-09 with total page 514 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A witty and warm-hearted memoir of abandoning fast-paced American days in favor of discovering the Italian secrets of food, community, and life. Moving across the globe meant Michelle Damiani soon found herself untangling Italian customs, delighting in glorious regional cuisine (recipes included), and creating lasting friendships. From grandmothers eager to teach the ancient art of pasta making, to bakers tossing bread into fiery ovens with a song, to butchers extolling the benefits of pork fat, Il Bel Centro is rich with captivating characters and cultural insights. Throw in clinking glasses of Umbrian red with the local communists and a village all-nighter decorating the cobblestone streets with flower petals; as well as embarrassing language minefields and a serious summons to the mayor’s office, and you have all the ingredients for a spellbinding travel tale. Exquisitely observed, Il Bel Centro is an intimate celebration of small town Italy, as well as a thoughtful look at raising a family in a new culture and a fascinating story of finding a home. Ultimately though, this is a story about how travel can change you when you’re ready to let it. With laugh-out-loud situations and wanderlust-inspiring storytelling, Il Bel Centro is a joyous and life-affirming read that will have readers rushing to renew their passports. “This is one of the most beautiful book I’ve ever read.” “I absolutely couldn’t get enough of this book.” “This book made me want to pack my bags.” “I loved, loved this book. Fabulously written, engaging, and entertaining.” “A magical read.”

Book Harlequin Romance July 2021 Box Set

Download or read book Harlequin Romance July 2021 Box Set written by Sophie Pembroke and published by Harlequin. This book was released on 2021-06-29 with total page 256 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Harlequin Romance – July ‘21 – Box Set Harlequin® Romance brings you a collection of four new titles, available now! Experience the rush of falling in love! This Harlequin® Romance box set includes: #4763 THE PRINCESS AND THE REBEL BILLIONAIRE Billion-Dollar Matches By Sophie Pembroke Princess Isabella and race car driver Matteo are set up on a ‘perfect match’… but both know perfect doesn’t exist! Isabella is meant to marry for duty, and Matteo is busy living in the fast lane. But, as they let their guards down, can they ignore their hearts? #4764 HIS CINDERELLA NEXT DOOR By Cara Colter A mind-blowing kiss changed Molly and Oscar’s friendship – irrevocably. Six years later, Oscar’s asking to see her... As a wildlife photographer, Molly does scary things for a living. So why does reuniting with her ex-best friend feel like the scariest thing she’s ever done? #4765 WHISKED AWAY BY THE ITALIAN TYCOON The Casseveti Inheritance By Nina Milne Photographer Emily has learnt the hard way, that in life, you only have yourself. So, the impromptu arrival of Luca, has her guard up. Still, Emily can’t refuse his offer to shoot an ad campaign… and get her career back on track! But, can Emily stop herself falling for Luca? #4766 FROM BEST FRIEND TO FIANCEE By Ellie Darkins Jannes is a professional yachtsman – with a playboy reputation. scandals spook sponsors, so Jannes makes a proposal of mutual convenience to his commitment-phobe best friend Lara: pose as his girlfriend for PR purposes only… and he’ll help keep her chaotic family at bay.

Book Dreaming of Italy

    Book Details:
  • Author : T.A. Williams
  • Publisher : Canelo
  • Release : 2020-05-04
  • ISBN : 1788639324
  • Pages : 305 pages

Download or read book Dreaming of Italy written by T.A. Williams and published by Canelo. This book was released on 2020-05-04 with total page 305 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Up for a dream promotion, Emma won’t let anything get in her way – not even love. Working for a major Hollywood film company isn’t all glitz and glam. But when Emma gets sent to tour around Italy to scout the perfect location for a new blockbuster movie, she’s not going to complain. Especially when it could make or break her career... Historical adviser Mark is a distraction that Emma does not need. As they explore the beauty of Italy, though, Emma starts to fall for the mysterious historian, finding herself torn between her job and her heart. From the wild, northern mountains of Piedmont, down the vibrant coast of Cinque Terre and through the rolling hills of Tuscany, Emma’s journey becomes one of self-discovery as she questions her priorities in life. This heartwarming story of romance and redemption is the perfect read for fans of Tilly Tennant, Holly Martin and Daisy James.

Book SymmetryBreakfast

    Book Details:
  • Author : Michael Zee
  • Publisher : Random House
  • Release : 2016-08-11
  • ISBN : 1473542154
  • Pages : 273 pages

Download or read book SymmetryBreakfast written by Michael Zee and published by Random House. This book was released on 2016-08-11 with total page 273 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 'One of the 20 best food books of 2016' The Guardian SymmetryBreakfast is a beautiful cookbook for foodies and feeders who wonder why breakfast has to be out of a box. It's for people who love exploring diverse foods, those who get a kick out of hosting friends and family, and those who like making food look pretty on the plate. Through inspirational food and gorgeous photography, it explores what breakfast is and what it means to people around the world. From Hawaiian Loco Moco and Russian blinis, to Spanish churros and New York bagels, it surprises with the foreign and delights with the familiar. With over 90 delicious recipes and cocktails for perfectly plated breakfasts, more complex dishes for seasoned cooks and recipes with a great story behind them, SymmetryBreakfast will make you hungry, cheer you up and change the way you think about breakfast.

Book Around the World in 80 Days

Download or read book Around the World in 80 Days written by Jules Verne and published by Library of Alexandria. This book was released on 2004 with total page 356 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Book Michelin Green Guide Spain

    Book Details:
  • Author : Michelin Travel & Lifestyle
  • Publisher : Michelin Travel & Lifestyle
  • Release : 2012-01-01
  • ISBN : 2067182528
  • Pages : 608 pages

Download or read book Michelin Green Guide Spain written by Michelin Travel & Lifestyle and published by Michelin Travel & Lifestyle. This book was released on 2012-01-01 with total page 608 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This eBook version of the Green Guide Spain reveals a land renowned for its culture, heritage and geographical diversity. Spain's beaches and mountains mix effortlessly with dynamic cities packed with world-class museums, superb dining and fantastic shopping. Visit a Rioja winery, admire Barcelona’s Modernist architecture, or island-hop across the Canaries. New regional introductions, Michelin's celebrated star-rating system, walking and driving tours, detailed maps, and suggested restaurants and hotels for a variety of budgets allow travelers to plan their trip carefully, or to be spontaneous in their journey.

Book Barolo and Barbaresco

    Book Details:
  • Author : Kerin O Keefe
  • Publisher : Univ of California Press
  • Release : 2014-10-17
  • ISBN : 0520273265
  • Pages : 362 pages

Download or read book Barolo and Barbaresco written by Kerin O Keefe and published by Univ of California Press. This book was released on 2014-10-17 with total page 362 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Following on the success of her books on Brunello di Montalcino, renowned author and wine critic Kerin OÕKeefe takes readers on a historic and in-depth journey to discover Barolo and Barbaresco, two of ItalyÕs most fascinating and storied wines. In this groundbreaking new book, OÕKeefe gives a comprehensive overview of the stunning side-by-side growing areas of these two world-class wines that are separated only by the city of Alba and profiles a number of the fiercely individualistic winemakers who create structured yet elegant and complex wines of remarkable depth from ItalyÕs most noble grape, Nebbiolo. A masterful narrator of the aristocratic origins of winemaking in this region, OÕKeefe gives readers a clear picture of why Barolo is called both the King of Wines and the Wine of Kings. Profiles of key Barolo and Barbaresco villages include fascinating stories of the families, wine producers, and idiosyncratic personalities that have shaped the area and its wines and helped ignite the Quality Wine Revolution that eventually swept through all of Italy. The book also considers practical factors impacting winemaking in this region, including climate change, destructive use of harsh chemicals in the vineyards versus the gentler treatments used for centuries, the various schools of thought regarding vinification and aging, and expansion and zoning of vineyard areas. Readers will also appreciate a helpful vintage guide to Barolo and Barbaresco and a glossary of useful Italian wine terms.

Book Fodor s Essential Italy 2022

Download or read book Fodor s Essential Italy 2022 written by Fodor's Travel Guides and published by Fodor's Travel. This book was released on 2021-12-14 with total page 1253 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Whether you want to visit the Colosseum in Rome, go designer shopping in Milan, or hike the Cinque Terre, the local Fodor’s travel experts in Italy are here to help! Fodor’s Essential Italy 2022 guidebook is packed with maps, carefully curated recommendations, and everything else you need to simplify your trip-planning process and make the most of your time. This new edition has an easy-to-read layout, fresh information, and beautiful color photos. Fodor’s Essential Italy 2022 travel guide includes: AN ILLUSTRATED ULTIMATE EXPERIENCES GUIDE to the top things to see and do MULTIPLE ITINERARIES to effectively organize your days and maximize your time MORE THAN 80 DETAILED MAPS and a FREE PULL-OUT MAP to help you navigate confidently COLOR PHOTOS throughout to spark your wanderlust! HONEST RECOMMENDATIONS FROM LOCALS on the best sights, restaurants, hotels, nightlife, shopping, performing arts, activities, and more PHOTO-FILLED “BEST OF” FEATURES on “The Best Ancient Sites in Rome,” “Italy’s Best Beaches,” “Architectural Wonders in Venice,” “Hilltop Villages in Tuscany,” and more TRIP-PLANNING TOOLS AND PRACTICAL TIPS including when to go, getting around, beating the crowds, and saving time and money HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL INSIGHTS providing rich context on the local people, art, architecture, cuisine, wine, music, geography and more SPECIAL FEATURES on “The Sistine Chapel,” “Cruising the Grand Canal,” and “Who’s Who in Renaissance Art” LOCAL WRITERS to help you find the under-the-radar gems ITALIAN LANGUAGE PRIMER with useful words and essential phrases UP-TO-DATE COVERAGE ON: Rome, Vatican City, Venice, Milan, Lake Como, Florence, Tuscany, Pisa, Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, and more Planning on visiting nearby European countries? Check out Fodor’s Essential France, Fodor’s Essential Spain, and Fodor’s Essential Switzerland. *Important note for digital editions: The digital edition of this guide does not contain all the images or text included in the physical edition. ABOUT FODOR'S AUTHORS: Each Fodor's Travel Guide is researched and written by local experts. Fodor’s has been offering expert advice for all tastes and budgets for over 80 years. For more travel inspiration, you can sign up for our travel newsletter at fodors.com/newsletter/signup, or follow us @FodorsTravel on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We invite you to join our friendly community of travel experts at fodors.com/community to ask any other questions and share your experience with us!

Book Frances Mayes Always Italy

    Book Details:
  • Author : Frances Mayes
  • Publisher : National Geographic Society
  • Release : 2020
  • ISBN : 142622091X
  • Pages : 420 pages

Download or read book Frances Mayes Always Italy written by Frances Mayes and published by National Geographic Society. This book was released on 2020 with total page 420 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "This lush guide, featuring more than 350 glorious photographs from National Geographic, showcases the best Italy has to offer from the perspective of two women who have spent their lives reveling in its unique joys."--Publisher's description.

Book The Twenty Days of Turin  A Novel

Download or read book The Twenty Days of Turin A Novel written by Giorgio De Maria and published by Liveright Publishing. This book was released on 2017-02-07 with total page 119 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An NPR Best Book of the Year Written during the height of the 1970s Italian domestic terror, a cult novel, with distinct echoes of Lovecraft and Borges, makes its English-language debut. In the spare wing of a church-run sanatorium, some zealous youths create "the Library," a space where lonely citizens can read one another’s personal diaries and connect with like-minded souls in "dialogues across the ether." But when their scribblings devolve into the ugliest confessions of the macabre, the Library’s users learn too late that a malicious force has consumed their privacy and their sanity. As the city of Turin suffers a twenty-day "phenomenon of collective psychosis" culminating in nightly massacres that hundreds of witnesses cannot explain, the Library is shut down and erased from history. That is, until a lonely salaryman decides to investigate these mysterious events, which the citizenry of Turin fear to mention. Inevitably drawn into the city’s occult netherworld, he unearths the stuff of modern nightmares: what’s shared can never be unshared. An allegory inspired by the grisly neo-fascist campaigns of its day, The Twenty Days of Turin has enjoyed a fervent cult following in Italy for forty years. Now, in a fretful new age of "lone-wolf" terrorism fueled by social media, we can find uncanny resonances in Giorgio De Maria’s vision of mass fear: a mute, palpitating dread that seeps into every moment of daily existence. With its stunning anticipation of the Internet—and the apocalyptic repercussions of oversharing—this bleak, prescient story is more disturbingly pertinent than ever. Brilliantly translated into English for the first time by Ramon Glazov, The Twenty Days of Turin establishes De Maria’s place among the literary ranks of Italo Calvino and beside classic horror masters such as Edgar Allan Poe and H. P. Lovecraft. Hauntingly imaginative, with visceral prose that chills to the marrow, the novel is an eerily clairvoyant magnum opus, long overdue but ever timely.

Book Flawless  Inside the Largest Diamond Heist in History

Download or read book Flawless Inside the Largest Diamond Heist in History written by Scott Andrew Selby and published by Sterling Publishing. This book was released on 2010 with total page 397 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Tells the story with the gripping pace of a true-crime 'Ocean's Eleven.'" The New York Post • "Like a diamond, this true-life caper is clear, colorful, and brilliant." Publishers Weekly ★Starred Review★ The Antwerp Diamond Center was one of the most secure buildings in the world. With hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of diamonds stored in its subterranean vault, it had to be. Located in the heart of Belgium's ultra-secure Antwerp Diamond District, it benefited from two police stations, armed patrols, extensive video surveillance, and vehicle barriers securing an area where 80 percent of the world's diamonds traded hands. But on February 15, 2003, a band of skilled Italian thieves — fronted by the charming Leonardo Notarbartolo, who spent over two years clandestinely casing the building — subverted every one of the Diamond Center's defenses and made off with a record amount of loot. Experts estimate they got away with nearly half a billion dollars in diamonds, cash and other valuables. They'd pulled off the biggest heist in history--everybody loves diamonds and they now had more than any thief before them. The robbers did it with stealth and smarts; no one was hurt or even threatened during what was quickly labeled the largest diamond heist in history. The bandits — members of a group of professional thieves known as "The School of Turin" — used cunning in lieu of violence, successfully evading security cameras, thwarting an array of electronic sensors, and penetrating a vault protected by a double-locked foot-thick steel door. Even when the police zeroed in on who committed the crime, how it was done remained a mystery, like something out of a heist movie or TV show. Flawless is a fast-paced global scavenger hunt uncovering the truth behind the daring Valentine's Day weekend heist. Tracking clues, sources, and documents throughout Europe — from seedy cafés in Turin, Italy to sleek diamond offices in Antwerp, Belgium — authors Scott Selby and Greg Campbell retrace Notarbartolo's careful discovery of the building's security flaws. They recreate the heist and its aftermath — detailing how the thieves brilliantly neutralized each element of the security protecting the Diamond Center's vault while inviting the readers into the secretive world of diamonds and diamond dealing. The result is a thrilling ride through the better-than-fiction heist of the century. "Fans of caper books and movies will be in seventh heaven." Booklist ★Starred Review★