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kyrstin_p1989's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I thought this was well—written and interesting. I love the time-travel element in her books that isn’t super science-fictiony. I couldn’t connect with the characters as much as I would’ve liked, primarily I think because this is a story about a woman who has such a deep, abiding love for and affectionate relationship with her mother. As someone who has a difficult mother/daughter relationship I couldn’t imagine what this would be like — it almost seemed like fantasy. I did enjoy the setting of the novel and how the imagery brings to life Positano for the reader. I also liked that there were some parts that were real (the hotel and the people who work there). It is the type of book you don’t want to put down, however, which I love.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Infidelity, Terminal illness, Grief, Death of parent, and Abandonment
theonlybaillie's review
emotional
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.75
There were so many parts of this book that I loved and so many that I really did not like. I loved the setting and descriptions of food/vibes. I enjoyed how the author wrote about emotions. I didn't enjoy the characters, unfortunately. I just found myself being incredibly annoyed by our MC and the lack of consequences for the things that she does in this book.
Spoiler opinions:
I hate a cheating trope. And I hate that there were no consequences for doing that. Her husband did not deserve that. He was nothing but supportive during her grieving, and he gave her the space she needed. He 100% deserves to know the truth. But it conveniently happened during the *magic period* so it apparently doesn't count to our MC. Okay.
So we will do an average of 3 stars.
Spoiler opinions:
So we will do an average of 3 stars.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Sexual content, Terminal illness, Abandonment, and Alcohol
taylorbrooke's review
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
khymihr's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death of parent
Moderate: Terminal illness
Minor: Abandonment
theinstabookworm's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Was the MC's relationship with her mother questionable at BEST? Yes.
But, I also think that some of the story does portray grief accurately. Especially when a loved one dies young.
However, Serle took it too far when this story could have been an exploration of grief in adults who learn to navigate through the world without their parents.
Lauren Graham narrates the audiobook, and, as a big Gilmore Girls fan, I loved that. I also didn't see the twist coming.
But does Katy need therapy, both grief counseling and other? Yes, yes she does.
But, I also think that some of the story does portray grief accurately. Especially when a loved one dies young.
However, Serle took it too far when this story could have been an exploration of grief in adults who learn to navigate through the world without their parents.
Lauren Graham narrates the audiobook, and, as a big Gilmore Girls fan, I loved that. I also didn't see the twist coming.
But does Katy need therapy, both grief counseling and other? Yes, yes she does.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Grief, and Death of parent
laurenalippincott's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
wcndereads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
I love how Serle paints the world, but the characters felt too detailed after given no point to their own progression and especially not to the FMC's progression through to the end of the book. Lauren Graham was a perfect narrator.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
jhansell's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death of parent
Moderate: Terminal illness
oceanelle's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
4.0
At first, One Italian Summer really wasn't my cup of tea, not least of all because I don't think I could've related less to the protagonist or her relationship with her mother, and I wondered if I should just DNF it and keep it moving. I ended up being glad I didn't—the protagonist's arrival to herself in and of itself was worth it, not to mention the lush setting and the fact that tears were streaming down my face by the end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death of parent
Moderate: Sexual content
ninubean's review against another edition
2.5
It's an easy enough read so I did finish it. My favorite parts were the descriptions of Italy and the food, though they were repetitive and ended up feeling more like an obnoxiously American travel blog.
The more I read, the more I became aware that Katy is more than slightly unhinged and not in a good way. Her view of her mother is obsessive and toxic. I know grief is strange and life-altering, but good god, girl - GET A GRIP. Katy's inner monologue constantly gave me the ick, like how are you going to act like this at your big age... no accountability over her own decisions and so bafflingly self-centered. Her interactions with her mom were honestly kind of creepy sometimes, not sentimental like I think the author wanted. Not to mention the fact shejumped on the first hunk that showed interest in her. Am I supposed to sympathize with her while she's cheating on her nice husband? It was nauseating how callously they treated the situation. While we're at it, Adam never really stopped her advances when she was drunk or CLEARLY emotionally distraught? Such big red flags on both sides.
I understood the sentiments this book aimed for. It did make me think about my mom as a woman before she had me and made me miss her even though she is still here. I do think Italy is a magical place where magical things happen. I wish the book lingered more in that atmosphere. Katy's character ruined this concept. She is straight-up loathsome.
The more I read, the more I became aware that Katy is more than slightly unhinged and not in a good way. Her view of her mother is obsessive and toxic. I know grief is strange and life-altering, but good god, girl - GET A GRIP. Katy's inner monologue constantly gave me the ick, like how are you going to act like this at your big age... no accountability over her own decisions and so bafflingly self-centered. Her interactions with her mom were honestly kind of creepy sometimes, not sentimental like I think the author wanted. Not to mention the fact she
I understood the sentiments this book aimed for. It did make me think about my mom as a woman before she had me and made me miss her even though she is still here. I do think Italy is a magical place where magical things happen. I wish the book lingered more in that atmosphere. Katy's character ruined this concept. She is straight-up loathsome.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Sexual content, and Grief