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foldingthepage_kayleigh's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
The Villa read like a modern gothic, with the atmosphere oppressive, foreboding, with a stunningly described setting that makes you feel like you’re right there with the characters. Rachel Hawkins deftly explores complex friendships, toxic relationships, and creative tension in a way that was so engaging I just didn’t want to put it down. The twists had me absolutely gasping and the dual pov with shifting timelines just added to the dread and drama of each storyline.
Honestly, this book made me want to go back to Italy so badly! The setting is so well-depicted, it filled me with so much nostalgia for the Italian countryside. I actually studied abroad in a neighbouring province (Arezzo) to Orvieto and I can attest to the landscape and architecture is as described in this novel. And the photo I used is actually one I took a decade ago while on that trip, but on the island of Capri.
Thank you so much @stmartinspress and @netgalley for a gifted copy of this gem. I loved Reckless Girls by the same author, so I was delighted when my arc application was accepted for this one—and it did not disappoint!
*A note on the reading format: I did read this book half as an ebook and half on audio, and while both formats were good, I think I preferred it in ebook form, as I wasn’t a huge fan of Mari’s narrator. That being said, Julia Whelan is one of the narrators in this cast, so for those of you who are a fan of hers, you might want to pick up the audio version based on that alone.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Chronic illness, Drug use, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Murder, Pregnancy, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Terminal illness
onmalsshelf's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Thanks to the publisher, NetGalley, and LibroFM for eGalley and ALC.
Well I think this one will be best read in Italy with an aperol spritz in hand, but if that’s not possible inside with coffee will do just fine.
The plot started out slow, but once it started going it moved quickly. I liked the mix of present day and past set in the Villa as well as the inclusion of song and book excerpts from the 1970s setting.
Chess is a horrible friend so Chessie from Parent Trap is still the best Chess around.
Overall, if you like thrillers set on vacation, with books, friendship, and questionable motives: this one is for you.
Well I think this one will be best read in Italy with an aperol spritz in hand, but if that’s not possible inside with coffee will do just fine.
The plot started out slow, but once it started going it moved quickly. I liked the mix of present day and past set in the Villa as well as the inclusion of song and book excerpts from the 1970s setting.
Chess is a horrible friend so Chessie from Parent Trap is still the best Chess around.
Overall, if you like thrillers set on vacation, with books, friendship, and questionable motives: this one is for you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Chronic illness
Minor: Miscarriage
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