“Scopa is a card game played round kitchen tables and bars all over the south of Italy. The charm of the game is the ritual of friendly competition, and comradeship that goes with it. A bit of showmanship is needed. The cry of “Scopa!” must be made with a superior flourish; losing cards must be tossed on to the table with a flick of the wrist and a disinterested grunt!” Excerpt from Dear Francesca by Mary Contini