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onecrab's review against another edition
5.0
I wasn't sure about this book for the first 50 pages or so. The lack of punctuation got to me (if that's a deal breaker now you know) a bit. But then I fell into the stories. I fell for the writing. It's beautiful. I love the historical fiction with a touch of magical realism almost? It was beautiful. The ties that bind us from stranger to family. And the power of found family. I wonder what has happened since they were published.
The audiobook is narrated by the author! It's a fantastic audiobook and her narration is almost hypnotic. Loved.
The audiobook is narrated by the author! It's a fantastic audiobook and her narration is almost hypnotic. Loved.
emilyb_1020's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
readwithchlo's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
triciadeann's review against another edition
3.0
I have not encountered a book with this writing style before. The unorthodox method of dialog threw me for a good portion of the book.
The story was lovely; interspersed with poetry, art, history and culture.
The flow of the story was easy and engaging, up until Evelyn's final chapter. That seemed to belong earlier in the novel to be more impact full to the story rather than something I slogged through to read the closing of the story.
The story was lovely; interspersed with poetry, art, history and culture.
The flow of the story was easy and engaging, up until Evelyn's final chapter. That seemed to belong earlier in the novel to be more impact full to the story rather than something I slogged through to read the closing of the story.
collettefdk's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
freddyfatbooks's review against another edition
5.0
Wow I finally finished this book! School starting back up stunted my reading for quite some time.
Review time! This book was so beautiful. I will say that it takes a second to really get into it, but when you realize that it’s simply a book about people and not about a journey or an adventure then you learn to appreciate it. Nothing has made me want to live a little life in Italy more than this book. I think this book also helped show me that life is all about the people that you meet and love, and how wonderful it can be :)
I think the writing was also really charming in the way it would put parentheses for things that happen afterwards or as if it was a storyteller interrupting the flow of events. It gives a certain closure for things that I really appreciated.
Here are a couple quotes I found really beautiful:
“There are no words, officer. Just me turning up and telling her how loved she is. And always will be.”
“Stay put, my sweet, and thrive… she’d keep that telegram all her life”
“I Do Love Nothing in the World So Well As You”
“Life’s but a walking shadow, Ulysses.”
“But when have women not sacrificed to live as they feel? Not all of us will embrace men, marriage, motherhood. Nor should we. We have one life, my dear Evelyn, one life and we must use it well.”
Review time! This book was so beautiful. I will say that it takes a second to really get into it, but when you realize that it’s simply a book about people and not about a journey or an adventure then you learn to appreciate it. Nothing has made me want to live a little life in Italy more than this book. I think this book also helped show me that life is all about the people that you meet and love, and how wonderful it can be :)
I think the writing was also really charming in the way it would put parentheses for things that happen afterwards or as if it was a storyteller interrupting the flow of events. It gives a certain closure for things that I really appreciated.
Here are a couple quotes I found really beautiful:
“There are no words, officer. Just me turning up and telling her how loved she is. And always will be.”
“Stay put, my sweet, and thrive… she’d keep that telegram all her life”
“I Do Love Nothing in the World So Well As You”
“Life’s but a walking shadow, Ulysses.”
“But when have women not sacrificed to live as they feel? Not all of us will embrace men, marriage, motherhood. Nor should we. We have one life, my dear Evelyn, one life and we must use it well.”
abornhoft's review against another edition
5.0
I first discovered this author from her book Tin Man - she creates such beautiful and heartbreakingly real characters. This book not only had a memorable cast of characters that are impossible not to fall in love with, but a really immersive description of 20th century Florence.
stehannigan's review against another edition
5.0
Hard to find the words to describe how this novel made me feel. The brief existence of life and the way we interact with people is brought into the open in this incredible journey through war, hardship, love and death. I’ve laughed and cried, sometimes at the same time and think I may need an Evelyn Skinner in my life!
taruanniina's review against another edition
5.0
Incredible book. It was hard for me to get into it in the first 10%, but kept going because someone with good taste had recommended this book. And then suddenly, I was hooked. Cried out loud like a baby for a full five minutes after I finished, then went back and reread the first chapter, now much more appreciative of its beauty. Absolutely gorgeous story of beauty and life and love, will probably reread one day.