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peaknit's review
5.0
I listened to this book on audible.com. I loved the narration. Something about listening opens the book up so much, makes it so much more memorable somehow - and this narrator was wonderful. What a quiet and lovely story. I found the characters likable and rich with something...kindness, sadness, goodness. I want to say thank you to the author. :)
harronpeasley's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.75
jbabiarz's review
4.0
This book was beautiful. Written from the perspective of many characters, it took a while to understand how they all fit into the story. But once they all did, I really enjoyed it. I chose this book because I liked the idea of reading about an island in Italy in the 60s. It sounded romantic and interesting, and it delivered.
lindsayaunderwood's review
4.0
Wow loved this book. The first like 40% was pretty average but the last 60% was stellar. Props to the author for so many minor characters and side stories that end up being super touching. None of it felt forced abd, to me, thats the best kind of mystery and love story.
carliekw's review
4.0
I liked the scenery in this story, multiple settings described well. I did have some trouble following the time jumps bc I never pay that close of attention to the chapter headings. I like the way the stories intertwined; sort of a sad love story of all these people.
fbroom's review
3.0
I thought the book was sweet and I enjoyed listening to it. Every chapter tells a story and connects characters and events together.
Summary
In 1962 Dee, a beautiful american actress arrives in the town of Porto Vergogna. She meets Pasquale Tursi the owner of a small Inn. Pasquale hopes that one day he can make Porto Vergogna a tourist destination like all the famous Italian cities. Dee tells Pasquale that she is dying from cancer. The story switches to recent times in Hollywood. Claire is a graduate students who dropped out of school to get a job in Hollywood. She works as an assistant to Michael Dean. Though she is sick of all the crap she hears everyday from stupid show pitches to reading lame scripts, etc. Claire is also dating a guy for his good looks. Darrel is addicted to porn and strip clubs. The story goes back and forth between recent times in Hollywood, the sixties in Italy, Germany and Seattle. More characters are introduced and with every chapter you learn how two or more characters are related to each other.
Summary
In 1962 Dee, a beautiful american actress arrives in the town of Porto Vergogna. She meets Pasquale Tursi the owner of a small Inn. Pasquale hopes that one day he can make Porto Vergogna a tourist destination like all the famous Italian cities. Dee tells Pasquale that she is dying from cancer. The story switches to recent times in Hollywood. Claire is a graduate students who dropped out of school to get a job in Hollywood. She works as an assistant to Michael Dean. Though she is sick of all the crap she hears everyday from stupid show pitches to reading lame scripts, etc. Claire is also dating a guy for his good looks. Darrel is addicted to porn and strip clubs. The story goes back and forth between recent times in Hollywood, the sixties in Italy, Germany and Seattle. More characters are introduced and with every chapter you learn how two or more characters are related to each other.
sannedijckmans's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
nanlikesbooks14's review
4.0
I was surprised by how touching this was. Definitely more sincere and emotional than I thought it would be. I got a little sick of the sleazier, Hollywood-life elements though. It felt jarring against such a sweet love story! But otherwise, I liked it. It made me feel a little less cynical.