A review by davidup_15
Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful sad tense fast-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

4.5

Melina Marchetta is amazing at writing compelling human relationships, and creating deeply relatable characters that you become extremely invested in. I didn't love this quite as much as Looking for Alibrandi, but it has the same warmth of family, friends, romance, and culture. I found Francesca and Will's romance a little strange, and I don't think Will is necessarily a good person, but I loved the friendship group formed, and the dynamic of the girls entering what was previously an all-boys' school. I also loved the exploration of mental health and illness, especially caring for family members suffering from it.