Each month, we celebrate a writer whose work inspires, challenges, and captivates. From rising voices to literary legends, our Author of the Month spotlight highlights the storytellers shaping the world one page at a time.
Gennaro Contaldo
Non-Fiction Author of the Month
If you love Italian food — and honestly, who doesn't? — chances are Gennaro Contaldo has already made your life better. One of the UK's most-loved chefs, Gennaro is famous for being a mentor to Jamie Oliver and, alongside the late, great Antonio Carluccio, teaching Jamie everything he knows about Italian cooking. Together, Gennaro and Carluccio also starred in the much-loved BBC series Two Greedy Italians, which basically encapsulates everything we love about them. A regular face on BBC Saturday Kitchen, Gennaro also has his own YouTube food channel and is an ambassador for Citalia, Parmigiano Reggiano and Birra Moretti — a trio of gigs that were basically made for him. He lives in east London with his wife and twin daughters, and we like to think his kitchen smells incredible at all times.
Robinson Crusoe when I was about 14 years old. I was fascinated by the idea of living on a desert island and all the adventures I could have.
What I ate in one year, by Stanley Tucci
I love it as no matter what he’s doing or how busy he is, he places meals as a very important part of his day, enjoys eating well and has the deepest respect for food and ingredients always.
Italy – I love the markets to see what local produce is available and the small family-run trattorie where I’ve eaten some of the best meals. This is food I love to eat and enjoy recreating at home for my books.
Never waste food!! Leftovers can be made into some wonderful unexpected meals.
I wish I had paid more attention at school and continued with my studies!! My schooling was minimal and through life I have had to learn the hard way!!
