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3.16 AVERAGE
3.16 AVERAGE
What’s the point of this book? I just don’t care enough about the characters
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was $1 at one of my favorite used bookstores, and for $1, I thought why not read some frothy historical fiction that allows me to contemplate Assad Zaman in period clothing for an extended time? Unfortunately, upon closer examination, the author bio and copyright info smacks of book packaging: I don't believe this was a novel adapted into the show, as it wants you to think ("Coming to PBS in 2022!"), but rather a sloppy novelization of the show's scripts. From what I recall, it's pretty much scene-for-scene, with little added detail or character nuance, and in fact, the show's overabundance of characters are even more ill-used on the page when there's even less to make them stand out.
1.5 stars because it's still like...brainlessly mid if you read it while taking a bath, and because Nish and Gianluca get one (1) extra kiss, and Nish is described as smelling very good.
1.5 stars because it's still like...brainlessly mid if you read it while taking a bath, and because Nish and Gianluca get one (1) extra kiss, and Nish is described as smelling very good.
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
For a quick read it’s fine. For in depth historical fiction like Downton Abbey (like all the review bait says) it’s a disappointment.
They forgot to write an ending for this book. So anything can happen in the TV series. Mad I read the whole book thinking it would resolve and have a conclusion.
POV switches are inconsistent and sometimes distracting. The script was clearly written and turned into this book.
Several exposition chapters are buried at the end of the book, so after 300 pages you finally get some historical context for reference.
Every female character “padded” across the room.
They forgot to write an ending for this book. So anything can happen in the TV series. Mad I read the whole book thinking it would resolve and have a conclusion.
POV switches are inconsistent and sometimes distracting. The script was clearly written and turned into this book.
Several exposition chapters are buried at the end of the book, so after 300 pages you finally get some historical context for reference.
Every female character “padded” across the room.
I liked the story, but it felt like the author was trying to do too much at the same time. Pick a genre, slim down the number of characters, and it becomes a better book. That being said, I can definitely see it working well as movie or miniseries. My understanding is the book is based off the miniseries, rather than the other way around, so that could explain why the book feels so unfocused.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Hotel Portofino is set in Italy, after the Great War, and revolves around the family who own and operate it , and the guests who frequent the hotel over the summer. I found myself drawn into the drama immediately. I listened straight through because the story was addictive, if a bit on the lighter side. There is a wide variety of topics in this book: class distinction, Fascists, LGBTQ situation, love issues, money issues, and marriage difficulties. I was never bored while reading.
Very enjoyable historical drama though of course everyone is much more broadminded than they would have been in that time period. It made me feel as though I were in Italy and I love that. I started it because of the TV show and it turns out the show is very much true to the book
Did not like at all. Too many characters and too slow