3.65 AVERAGE


3.5 ⭐️

Though originally published in 1970, "Last Summer in the City" still acutely captures what it means to be a young adult meandering about the world, unsure of where exactly to go next. Leo's job is unsatisfying. His romantic endeavors precipitate more frustration than fulfillment. And, despite all the friends and beauty and vibrancy in Rome, he feels alone.

I squirmed at the novel's repeated use of the f-slur, but I'll attribute it to something misaligned in the translation. If you're looking for something short and astute, check this one out!
reflective fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
challenging dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

A last “anything” is always bittersweet. Maybe tragic. While it does not have the most advanced prose (not the most important aspect in a written work), the simple timeline of events and charismatic cast of characters stay with you. Maybe it’s because I read six chapters in a day, but I’m still thinking about it.

The loudest thought I had in my head throughout the story: These Italian dudes, bro...

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

Unemployed guy doesn't do much of anything (although who am I to judge). I liked the vibes but there wasn't enough plot to keep me interested. 
emotional reflective sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

such beautiful writing but I feel like something was slightly missing
dark reflective slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

this guy loves old hem
challenging reflective sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes