A review by cloudedreads
Diavola by Jennifer Thorne

dark emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

This was one of those “hell is other people” type of horror books (I mean, it was also very much about ghosts, but that took a backseat for the first half of the book) that make me feel like whatever the characters had happening to them was somewhat deserved. Thus, I’d say this was a fun (to listen) story with a happy (for some) ending.

 

The story follows Anna, an American joining her family on a yearly vacation, this time in Tuscany, Italy. While everyone else in the family seems to enjoy one anothers’ company, Anna tries her best to stay out of conflicts and take in the culture and nature of the beautiful place they are staying at. The renovated villa seems lovely, but just like it is with the family, it appears to be just a facade, hiding something dark and rotten. As days go by, this shapes up to be a vacation none will soon be able to forget, least of all Anna.

 

I absolutely loved this book. The plot was set in Italy, and it wasn’t just used as a backdrop - there was clearly a lot of research done, and the details about places visited, about cultural specifics, about food and language and art and history. There were characters I loved to hate and intricate relationships, and personal growth after life changing events. The supernatural elements were smoothly merged with the real life horrors of being forced to spend time with people that deeply dislike you. The fact that there was a reference to “this is fine” meme. This book has it all! 

 

Literally the only thing in the story that sounded ridiculous to me was the fact that using duolingo somehow was enough to get semi-fluent in Italian. No other notes, it was great. 

 

And the narration was absolutely spot on for the main character; I cannot attest to the quality of Italian being spoken (as I don’t speak a lick myself), but it sounded really well, too.

 

All in all, this is just the right book for anyone looking for a solid, not too dark horror.

 

I received an advance review copy from Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.