jaxdux's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
susieoakley33's review against another edition
3.0
A fairly good read but lacked excitement/anything to keep you wanting to come back for more. Some of the characters seemed superfluous to the story.
annaroosvw's review against another edition
5.0
The immersive, exotic ambiance of this book takes you away from the hectic here and now. I was surprised as I usually don't like family mysteries, but this one really did it for me. The descriptions are very lifelike and the characters very interesting. It gets better after the first few chapters and the ending is very satisfying. A nice remider to the different shapes of 'love' that are always worth it even if they don't last for a lifetime.
oliviaalice's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
saarahn's review against another edition
3.0
I read this book and felt outward by its charming story. The storyline was emotive and the cautious tale of love was beautiful.
kirstie_22's review against another edition
Started off very interesting but a predictable plot ‘twist’ towards the end made me stop reading.
tellmeastoryxx's review against another edition
5.0
I am utterly astounded at how Montefiore can transport you to a different place entirely. Reading this book I could feel the sun on my face, the fresh sea breeze filling my lungs, the strong smell of espresso’s being drunk by ageing Italian men. This was truly a lovely read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The novel is based around Luca, half Italian, businessman, divorcee. To which he seems to be stuck in a rut. Enter Cosima, a woman who is surrounded by misery and despair, and you’ll have to read the book to know the rest! The characters in this story a remarkable in their own way, to whom you grow ever so fond of. Montefiore is an expert at capturing each characters unique personality, which is key for a good book. This really is a joy to read, set in the Italian coast it has everything for a perfect summer read.
The only criticism I do have is that the book does have a tendency to go from one character to the next quite quickly, you’ll be reading a lovely part about one character and then in the next sentence you are on the other side of Italy with a different character without a pause. But when the story is this good I didn’t mind so much.
The novel is based around Luca, half Italian, businessman, divorcee. To which he seems to be stuck in a rut. Enter Cosima, a woman who is surrounded by misery and despair, and you’ll have to read the book to know the rest! The characters in this story a remarkable in their own way, to whom you grow ever so fond of. Montefiore is an expert at capturing each characters unique personality, which is key for a good book. This really is a joy to read, set in the Italian coast it has everything for a perfect summer read.
The only criticism I do have is that the book does have a tendency to go from one character to the next quite quickly, you’ll be reading a lovely part about one character and then in the next sentence you are on the other side of Italy with a different character without a pause. But when the story is this good I didn’t mind so much.
folded_between_pages_of_books's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Grief, Infidelity, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Murder