Reviews

This was okay??

For a translated novel, I was very impressed with the nuance. I think that can sometimes get lost in translation (literally), and the writing can be a bit clunky. Fortunately the translator for this one did a fantastic job.

This is marketed as a historical fiction novel, but I didn’t feel like I learned much about 1930s Fascist Italy as I would have expected from a historical fiction piece. Yes, the setting was there and the names and locations were very old Italy. But I didn’t read too much detail about the political or social atmosphere of the setting itself. Thus, it felt more like a mystery/thriller with a litfic touch. It felt very lightweight to be considered historical fiction.

The plot itself was fast paced and enjoyable. I was invested in Francesca and Maddalena’s evolving friendship. However, the plot was also very standard. The themes of the novel communicated the difficulty of being believed as a woman and generalized ostracism. Did I enjoy reading? Sure. Will I remember it? Probably not.

respectyourshelves's review against another edition

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emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

I enjoyed this story! Maddalena is such an interesting character, and I loved seeing Francesca bloom into a strong young woman throughout the story. It was refreshing to read a story about two girls making their way in the world together, a world that was incredibly difficult to maneuver through.

rhr's review

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dark emotional sad tense 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

3.0

lorenare's review against another edition

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mysterious reflective sad

3.0

susiethebear's review

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Excellent book! Loistava kirja. Erityistä kirjassa olisi uskomattoman upea teksti, niin sujuvaa, mukaansatempaavaa, kuvailevaa, tunteikasta ja syvää. Kiitos kuuluu myös suomentajalle Leena Taavitsainen-Petäjälle.
Tarina oli myös samalla kammottava ja vetävä. Kirjan alku on todella loistava. ”ON TYÖN TAKANA nostaa kuollut ruumis päältään.”

Oli todella mielenkiintoista lukea 30luvun Italiasta.
Pakostakin mieleeni nousi Elena Ferranten Loistava ystäväni.
Pidin myös että kirjassa keskityttiin yhteen vuoteen napakasti.
Feministinen kasvutarina.

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