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Various Flavours of Coffee |
| submitted by Andrea Hunt 27/02/2010 |
The most enjoyable book i have read. Anthony is obviously a very gifted writer.
I enjoyed learning about the historical events aswell.
Thanks Anthony...i can't wait to read your The wedding officer next. |
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Can a man and a woman (unrelated otherwise), but working together, use one set of senses without arousing some others? |
| submitted by Jayanta (Jay) Sarkar 12/01/2010 |
Is that the way Nature created us and the coffee/cappuccino...Intrigues of Nature? You have really succeded exceedingly well (indeed, better than many spiritual gurus!) in proving, that in the course of growing up, one must realize the limitations of unfettered sensuality and hedonism!
Cheers, Jay! |
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Awaiting a brilliant sequel, based on the following recipe! |
| submitted by Jayanta (Jay) Sarkar 12/01/2010 |
And then, five years after the events I have written about here, Phil and I produced a blend of our own. It smelt intensely of vanilla and meringues, burnt cream and crusty bread, and that faint, far-off whiff of sex that perfumes all new born skin when it first emerges from the womb. She is absolutely perfect, and she rejoices in the name of, "Geraldine Emily Wallis." Perfect title for the next book!
Regards,
=Jay= |
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Various Flavors of Coffee |
| submitted by Hester Green 09/01/2010 |
| Thoroughly enjoyed this book! I only wished I was getting the whole range of flavors the Robert mentions in his descriptions of coffees when I drink my own coffee. anyway, I'm looking forward to reading your other books and ... will you be coming out with a sequel about Robert's life with "Frog"? |
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from author of Uncommon Grounds |
| submitted by Mark Pendergrast 15/11/2009 |
| Hello, Anthony Capella -- I'm not sure if you read these posts or not, but I wanted to be in touch. I wrote UNCOMMON GROUNDS, the history of coffee that you cited as having used for background in writing THE VARIOUS FLAVORS OF COFFEE. I picked up your novel because I thought I should look at it, but I got absorbed by the characters, the plot, the writing style, and the themes. Bravo! I just finished reading it. It was delightful on many levels. My only critique is that I couldn't figure out what years you were writing about in the last half of the book. Since you conflated a good deal of coffee history (including the current specialty movement and the burning of coffee during the Depression) into a time around the turn of the century, I suppose that's why you intentionally glided over dates. At any rate, it's a wonderful novel, it will educate people about coffee, and I will recommend it to others. |
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Powerful Potion |
| submitted by John Caluwaerts 29/10/2009 |
| A novel about coffee, coffee and sex, coffee and love, sex without love and love without sex, beans and 'bollocks' and the absence of them, set against 19th century fin-de-siècle politics and suffragette London and colonial Africa. And about the Stock Exchange. A powerful potion of human passions... |
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Various Flavours of Coffee |
| submitted by Faiza Naz 24/10/2009 |
| Mr.Capella! this book was sooooooo good. Just amazing. I don't know if I absolutely destest Robert, or if I am madly in love with him! |
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polish version |
| submitted by teresa novak 23/10/2009 |
| Is this book translated to polish by any chance? I want to recommend it to some polish friends of mine but I cannot find it on the polish market. |
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I am commissioned to translate this book |
| submitted by Soula Lo 29/09/2009 |
Hi Anthony,
I recently commissioned to translate "The various flavours of Coffee" into traditional Chinese (Taiwan). I only read some pages so far but kept thinking about how to translate the quote from Marcus Aurelius: Yesterday a drop of semen, tomorrow a handful of spice or ashes.
I assume that this is talking about life begins from a drop of semen and end as ashes. What I don't understand is that why "spice=ashes"? does it related to ancient Rome adding a handful of spice to the dead body?
This novel is full of sarcasm and witty conversation; quite hilarious to me. Especially what Robert's thoughts and behaviours are very different from what he acts in front of Emily, which reminds me of many men pretend to be agreeable in front of women just to impress them.
Hope to hear from you soon!
Soula
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Great |
| submitted by Ruja Yanova 08/09/2009 |
| Great book! I'm from Bulgaria and bought the book by chance, but what a great book!! Thank you, the story is very romantic and was told very very good |
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Scents, smells and various other aromas |
| submitted by Louis Anthony Woodbine 08/09/2009 |
| I was totally gripped by both your previous books and so reading something set in a completely different time and environment really intrigued me. I loved the way you describe the flavours and aromas of coffee, setting the heart aflutter, and forcing me to improve my style in my wine blog (http://louisanthonywoodbine.blogspot.com) I am looking forward to your next book very much. |
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delight |
| submitted by christinia 01/09/2009 |
| I work at a library and a patron had returned this book. I was intrigued because I hadn't seen it come out. I read it and loved it and I have enjoyed your other books. It makes me miss Italy |
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delirously content |
| submitted by Catherine Coetzer 10/08/2009 |
It is Women's Day today here in South Africa. I have just spent the entire day devouring The Various Flavours of Coffee. I made two pots of coffee, beans from Malawi - distinct chocolate flavour, full-bodied. The weather is inclement, perfect for being cuddled up and reading.
How apt to be taken down the history of suffragettes when on this day in 1956, more than 20,000 women marched to government buildings in Pretoria and presented a petition protesting laws that made African women carry special passes. Fortunately we are in a different place now.
The love Robert has for Emily resonates to my core, the love I have for my own Robert, that really is his name, yet unattainable. A love so deep yet will always be the most valued friendship and nothing more, ever. I have learnt to live with it, it scares me sometimes when I realise the depths of my feelings but actually it is the status quo and I am fine with it. His friendship is more valuable to me than not.
Thank you for my beautiful day! |
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Various Flavours of Coffee |
| submitted by jo devine 07/08/2009 |
| Have just finished reading this book, and what a delight to an avid coffee drinker. From start to finish it held me spell bound. The historical information was just right to weave its way through the story. |
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Richness of "Flavours" |
| submitted by Roberta Crownover 07/08/2009 |
| I have been touting this book to any who would listen. Indulgent and intelligent. Thank you. |
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impressed, i find myself a fan...... |
| submitted by Jamie Hendrickson Schreiber 01/08/2009 |
Looking for a good read, I stumbled upon your book at the library. The librarian had it on display. I picked it simply because I liked the title. I have never written to an author before, but wanted to let you know that I think it is one of the best books I have read in a very long time. I was quite impressed and am currently reading The Food of Love and planning on reading anything else you choose to write about. Being a foodie myself, I invite you to take a look at my Facebook Page. My husband and I are building a pizza oven and I look forward to trying out some of your recipes for woodburning ovens. I also used a line from your book on my profile page, of course I gave you full credit. Hoping I too may find it within myself to actually write a book not just read them. I have two very awesome pages, so far...... You are very talented and I am very impressed. It is not very easy to write a book, much less a good one.
Sincerely, Jamie |
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The love for this book |
| submitted by Marc Carter 30/07/2009 |
| This is the first book i have read and really understood all aspects of the writing and the story. It was fantastic and i have to say i was very moved and touched by all the characters. I would love to discuss more about this book with people and of course Mr Capella himself. After reading this book i have started on my journey of reading. Thanks. |
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Amazing |
| submitted by Ben Wilson 16/07/2009 |
| Hello Mr. Capella. Just finished The Various Flavours of Coffe. I liked the development of the characters and despite the book being started in first-person, how you were able to show the reader the feelings of also Emily, Kaku and some other people in the book. I also enjoyed how the book had this moral connection with people. I have to admit though that I would like to know the story of Robert Wallis and Philomena. My favourite line has to be "Oh no, I thought. Please no. Not that. Not again." Just has a personal connection. I really enjoyed this book and hope to see more in the future, either new ideas or continuations. Whichever it is, I am sure I will read it and ejoy it. |
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Delicious, Sensuous, and Stunning |
| submitted by Dewi Anggraeni 01/07/2009 |
| I don't judge the book by its cover, but sometimes I do judge the book by its title. As a great fan of coffee--one who never absence of drinking one to two mug a day--I decided to buy this book because I was hoping that I would find the art of coffee within the novel. In fact, I found a lot more than that. The scenes in Africa not only magical, exotic, and sensuously described, but also stunned me with the big issue of colonialism and how it effects global trading; the embryo of free trade and capitalism. I also like how the female characters in this book have strong character, especially Fikre. |
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A contender to Jane Austen 'Pride and Prejudice' |
| submitted by Valwynne Faulkner 23/06/2009 |
I am an avid reader and read during all my spare time, this week alone I have read 6 books but 'The various flavours of coffe' caught my eye in my local library. I have exams tomorrow but i could go another day without taking a glance, I have just read the first chapter and it was BREATHTAKING. I always thought the opening paragraph to 'Pride and Prejudice' was the best opening in English literature but after your astounding first chapter I am not too such if she still holds that title in my mind.
Tomorrow after my exams I am going to rush home and stay up as long as possible to finish this beautiful piece of literature.
SORRY I TOOK UP YOUR TIME WITH THIS LONG COMMENT BUT I AM JUST TOO EXCITED. |
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| submitted by Susan Gaal 08/06/2009 |
It is a wounderful book. Beautifully written but easy read, interesting, educational, informative.
The ending isn't what you expect that made this book even better.
Excellent descriptions, I could feel and taste the different flavours of the coffee while I was reading it.
I can't wait to read more from this author.
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| submitted by Eugene Lew 31/05/2009 |
| thank you for this wonderful gift. It entertained me with a cast of warm, likeable characters, transported me to Africa on a magic carpet of high adventure, educated me in the enterprises of business, Victorian oscillators and suffragettes, seduced me with insights into the female libido, and delighted me with the aroma of coffee throughout. A totally satisfying work, masterful. |
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| submitted by Maria 09/04/2009 |
| I really enjoyed this book, although I must admit I was a bit disappointed by the ending! So many different themes are brought together, and I felt like I learnt a lot about the period of history that I didn't know before. I already buy fairtrade where possible, but reading this has reminded me of why that's so important! Also, Robert is a really likeable character, in my opinion. I felt like I got to know him and am a bit sad that I've finished reading about him now! |
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Delicious! |
| submitted by Margie Clark 09/02/2009 |
It's not just about coffee but about everything in life! I truly enjoyed reading this book (I never heard of you before this one and I'm sorry about it!). I can't wait to read The Food of Love and The Wedding Officer.
Keep writing! |
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fuss pot |
| submitted by Jess Boulton 02/02/2009 |
i loved this book
and I'm really fussy
Jess Boulton |
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i'll never drink instant again...! |
| submitted by Jim Brent 28/01/2009 |
must be one of the best books ive read this year, and probably the most enjoyable! one very minor point (not a criticsm) - its very unlikely that Fikre would have been allowed to wear pants or their equivalent, given the age, setting and her circumstances - any comment?
thanks for the great characters and the great plot. would liked to have seen more of The Frog. |
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Phenomanal |
| submitted by Amy Alkins 26/01/2009 |
| This is the first book of yours I've been privileged to read and I must say it is the most stimulating, scandalous, inspiring, and exhilaratingly book I have read. I'm a stay at home mom of 2 toddlers and this book is the most excitement I have had through out these cold winter months! Thank You Anthony Capella, you are truly talented. I have recommended your books to family and friends, as a must read for this winter! I fully intend on reading your other novels. |
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Good Read |
| submitted by H W 23/01/2009 |
| Our book discussion group will be discussing this novel on Monday, January 26, 2009. It is the second in a series featuring hot winter beverages (Three Cups of Tea, and Like Water for Chocolate). |
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caffine hit |
| submitted by lesley barker 19/01/2009 |
| Just finished reading and can liken it to a strong cup of coffee! Makes your heart race in places. Have learnt so much about suffergates like most people thought thyey marched and chained themselves to railings but never knew what horror they went through for the future generations.moved me to tears. |
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Novel as delicious as a great cup of coffee |
| submitted by Kat M 18/01/2009 |
| I loved this novel! I am a coffee fiend and really enjoyed all the descriptions of the various flavors of coffee. I would drink my morning coffee slowly and try to discern different flavors. What is ironic is I think I read a lot of this book sipping coffee in various coffee stores/restaurants! The coffee aspect was my favorite part of the book but the love stories were also fascinating. I am a very picky reader but would give 5 stars for this novel in a heartbeat. I am looking forward to reading the other two books by Cappella. I'm also looking forward to the next novel. How about the chocolate industry? |
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| submitted by Beryl Mackay 11/01/2009 |
The Various Flavours of Coffee.
The first thing to draw me to this book (& to me, new Author), was the title. Loved every word & evocative perfumes of the coffe & the characters were wonderful Congratulations on the good references to various coffes & I will look now for your other books. Why was my cover different to that shown? Mine has a gorgeous English Coffee Cup on the cover, Love it, too. |
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Very inspiring story... |
| submitted by Erland Riis Lavsen 02/01/2009 |
| Thanks for the amusing story, which I for sure found very inspiring, especially the descriptions of the characters. The combo of sensuality, dramatic emotions and an interesting story seems like the perfect blend... |
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The Various Flavours of Coffee |
| submitted by Nicki Bourlioufas 01/01/2009 |
| I absolutely loved this book, and could not put it down - I fought off pregnancy hormones to stay awake at night to complete it as quickly as I could. The characters are so real, and so Mr Wallis so utterly entertaining. And the historical background fascinating - as a financial journalist I can finally make some sense of a futures contract, and as a woman, I'll make sure not to neglect my vote. As for the s treatment of Emily's 'hysteria', who would have believed such a thing possible? A great read, and now I'm determined to read the other two of Anthony Capella's books. I'll be happy to enjoy them half as much! As for my Lavazza machine, which I drink from daily, after I insert a pod, I'm wonering what Mr Walis would think? |
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Nicki B |
| submitted by Nicki Bourlioufas 01/01/2009 |
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The Various Flavours of Coffee |
| submitted by Pamela Lovatt 31/12/2008 |
| When I read the synopsis of this book I was not sure I wanted to read it as I had thoroughly enjoyed The Food of Love and The Wedding Officer which were both set in Italy. However, I did read it and what a roller coaster of a story. Fascinating insights into women's suffrage, business practices and the coffee trade, etc. Very different but interesting and believable characters whom you cared about. Keep up the good work and I look forward to your next novel |
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The Various Flavours of Coffee |
| submitted by collette clark 21/12/2008 |
I have been waiting to read this book for 6 months and have just finished it!!! I could not put it down, just like your other books. Thank you so much for this wonderful story. I cant wait until your next!!!!
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| submitted by Lily 07/12/2008 |
Well, I've enjoyed reading the various flavors of Coffee as I enjoy the smell of roasting beans!
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Thanks! |
| submitted by Fiona Thompson 07/12/2008 |
| I received a free copy of this book as thanks for taking part in the discussion to choose the cover for the paperback. I read it in almost one go and devoured every word. The best yet Anthony! |
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on reading |
| submitted by Lily 03/12/2008 |
| I am not yet finished reading it, but let me drop my opinion even so. Well as an Ethiopian, I'm learning about the way how the tribes were living their life back then in this story. It sounds very real and I think in many ways it's real. The rule of the jungle indeed seems very uncivilized for many, but in many ways it's very mellow or even peaceful. I love the adventure, the romance and the erotic in this book. I hope the last pages will be nice and surprising. Looking forward to read them. I'll get back here later. |
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SUPERB BOOK!! |
| submitted by JUDY GELUSO 01/12/2008 |
I LOVED THE VARIOUS FLAVORS OF COFFEE. I WAS NOT FAMILIAR WITH YOUR OTHER BOOKS BUT HAVE NOW ORDERED THEM.
YOUR BOOK KEPT MY INTEREST THROUGHOUT AND WAS BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN. |
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LOVED the book |
| submitted by natalie 14/11/2008 |
| The Various Flavours of Coffee is now my favourite of all your books! I cared so much about Robert and Emily, who are completely believable characters, and I loved the way you gradually built it from the romantic comedy at the beginning to the tragedy at the end - I needed several hankies before I reached the final page. Thank you, thank you! Please update your website soon so we know what you will be writing next! |
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Love of food and reading |
| submitted by Kyria 15/09/2008 |
Hi Anthony
I couldnt wait till your latest book was released in Australia so it has been the first book I've ordered online. Since discovering 'Food of Love' in a library I now have all my own copies. All your books are so delicious I have enjoyed every morsel - thankyou |
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the various flavors of coffee |
| submitted by phyllis emm 08/09/2008 |
| We are constantly trying new varieties, blends, sources, whole bean and ground. That is what attracted me to the book initially. The literacy, intelligence, and humor made me sorry to have to finish it so soon. I savored it as we savor our first morning cup. Acapella is good listening, and A. Capella is good reading. |
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love the new book! |
| submitted by Gemma Holden 07/09/2008 |
| Just wanted to say that I adored The Various Flavors of Coffee. I was a big fan of The Wedding Officer (and The food of Love) and I wasn't sure if you would be able to make it three in a row... but you did. Emily and Robert completely came alive for me and your descriptions of thier love affair as they taste coffees was just mouthwatering. Thank you and I can't wait for the next one. Best, Gemma |
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