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A review by melstylensubstance
The Taste of Light by Giovanna Siniscalchi
5.0
Excuse me while I retrieve my jaw from the floor and collect my thoughts. While I was reading this novel, I would tell anyone who listened that this was the most adventurous romance novel I have ever read. I can’t even count how many times I stopped to google the definition of a word, both English and Portuguese words! To look at a map of Portugal and trace the route Pedro and Anne took on the yacht. To see the lighthouse at Navarre and learn about the waves. This book spoke to so so much more than just my romantic heart. I feel truly enriched.
This book was an adventure. There was political intrigue, blackmail, court drama, a pug, winemaking, horse talk and bull rings. But it wasn’t adventure for the sake of having a zany plot. The intricacies moved forward the central relationship between Anne and Pedro. There wasn’t one “oh my gosh I’m in love with you now” moment. There was minimal “I’m not good enough/not desirable/honorable” whatever BS often gets woven through romance books to create angst. There really was no need. These characters were developed and real. The outside actions of the plot created the situations which lead to developing emotions. It was a slow burn. The emotion and tension between them was so beautiful and real. And just HOW satisfying was it to see a character like Pedro turn to mush for Anne. He couldn’t deny it. And he tried. This was a romantic book in many senses of the word.
I’m no English lit major, so I rarely ever talk about the writing itself. I will attempt a clumsy explanation of why it was so beautiful. The writing really brought out one’s senses. What I mean is, the description was so vivid. I have a very clear picture in my minds eye what each location looks like. The sun over fields, reflecting off buildings, the sand, water,greenery, flowers. I can hear the guitar and soft lullabies being played, providing comfort. I can smell the salt air, the fragrance of lush flowers. I can feel the softness of Erebus’s mane, Pedro’s hair escaping its tie, his beard. Anne’s hair, the scar on her palms.
My only criticism came early, and that was that I found the prologue confusing. There were many people and relations introduced and I just couldn’t keep track. As the rest of the story unfolded, I cared less and less about these other people. I knew the prologue was important to set up shared experiences and the root of Pedro’s trauma but I couldn’t fully appreciate it. What I did appreciate, however, was the author choosing to include a heavy issue like the slave trade and colonialism. Showing yet another side to this piece of shared history.
I’ve rambled on enough - that’s how you know I really like a book when I can’t shut up about it!!
I can’t wait to read this whole series!!
This book was an adventure. There was political intrigue, blackmail, court drama, a pug, winemaking, horse talk and bull rings. But it wasn’t adventure for the sake of having a zany plot. The intricacies moved forward the central relationship between Anne and Pedro. There wasn’t one “oh my gosh I’m in love with you now” moment. There was minimal “I’m not good enough/not desirable/honorable” whatever BS often gets woven through romance books to create angst. There really was no need. These characters were developed and real. The outside actions of the plot created the situations which lead to developing emotions. It was a slow burn. The emotion and tension between them was so beautiful and real. And just HOW satisfying was it to see a character like Pedro turn to mush for Anne. He couldn’t deny it. And he tried. This was a romantic book in many senses of the word.
I’m no English lit major, so I rarely ever talk about the writing itself. I will attempt a clumsy explanation of why it was so beautiful. The writing really brought out one’s senses. What I mean is, the description was so vivid. I have a very clear picture in my minds eye what each location looks like. The sun over fields, reflecting off buildings, the sand, water,greenery, flowers. I can hear the guitar and soft lullabies being played, providing comfort. I can smell the salt air, the fragrance of lush flowers. I can feel the softness of Erebus’s mane, Pedro’s hair escaping its tie, his beard. Anne’s hair, the scar on her palms.
My only criticism came early, and that was that I found the prologue confusing. There were many people and relations introduced and I just couldn’t keep track. As the rest of the story unfolded, I cared less and less about these other people. I knew the prologue was important to set up shared experiences and the root of Pedro’s trauma but I couldn’t fully appreciate it. What I did appreciate, however, was the author choosing to include a heavy issue like the slave trade and colonialism. Showing yet another side to this piece of shared history.
I’ve rambled on enough - that’s how you know I really like a book when I can’t shut up about it!!
I can’t wait to read this whole series!!