Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by coffeekitaab
I'll Look for You, Everywhere by Cameron Capello
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
3.5 stars rounded up.
Gosh I was so excited to read this book when it came out - the blurb just sang to me, two childhood friends who drift apart due to travel and reunite years later at their childhood home in Italy and bond over lost time
I listened to the book on audio and also followed alongside with my kindle arc and I really loved Magdalen's character - as flawed as she may be, raw, edgy, honest, vulnerable and emotional are all traits young women experience and I credit the authenticity of showcasing that side by the author. There is alot of compassion Magdalen also has for loved ones, her relationship with her father is evidence of this and a somewhat submissive one with her best friends, but she experiences joy when she is with them, an avenue to release her tensions where she doesn't have such liberty being overshadowed alot of the time, mostly by her brothers. Her unapologetic inner monologue felt relateable at times, especially as she is a people pleaser, but just to think from her POV and unpackaging that complex as the book went on made for an interesting read.
Theo took me longer to warm to, he definitely has skeletons in his closest. Although he champions and defends Magdalen wherever he can, unasked/unwanted and I sometimes read this as if he was imposing, insecure and genuinely not really practising what he was preaching, his own behaviour towards Magdalen and treatment of her felt unacceptable at times. Other than a physical attraction, I didn't understand how this couple worked together and though the ending of the story does explain his behaviour, it still doesn't excuse his treatment of Magdalen and I didn't find him very likeable sadly.
The premise of the book was still engaging, the description of Chivasso and exploration of the culture, architecture and ambience within the storyline made for a perfect summer read/escapism at its finest. The development of the story and ultimate ending was fitting for this for me personally and I definitely enjoyed the read more and more as it went on. A great debut! Thank you to Pan Pan Macmillan and Netgalley for the advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest unedited review.
Gosh I was so excited to read this book when it came out - the blurb just sang to me, two childhood friends who drift apart due to travel and reunite years later at their childhood home in Italy and bond over lost time
I listened to the book on audio and also followed alongside with my kindle arc and I really loved Magdalen's character - as flawed as she may be, raw, edgy, honest, vulnerable and emotional are all traits young women experience and I credit the authenticity of showcasing that side by the author. There is alot of compassion Magdalen also has for loved ones, her relationship with her father is evidence of this and a somewhat submissive one with her best friends, but she experiences joy when she is with them, an avenue to release her tensions where she doesn't have such liberty being overshadowed alot of the time, mostly by her brothers. Her unapologetic inner monologue felt relateable at times, especially as she is a people pleaser, but just to think from her POV and unpackaging that complex as the book went on made for an interesting read.
Theo took me longer to warm to, he definitely has skeletons in his closest. Although he champions and defends Magdalen wherever he can, unasked/unwanted and I sometimes read this as if he was imposing, insecure and genuinely not really practising what he was preaching, his own behaviour towards Magdalen and treatment of her felt unacceptable at times. Other than a physical attraction, I didn't understand how this couple worked together and though the ending of the story does explain his behaviour, it still doesn't excuse his treatment of Magdalen and I didn't find him very likeable sadly.
The premise of the book was still engaging, the description of Chivasso and exploration of the culture, architecture and ambience within the storyline made for a perfect summer read/escapism at its finest. The development of the story and ultimate ending was fitting for this for me personally and I definitely enjoyed the read more and more as it went on. A great debut! Thank you to Pan Pan Macmillan and Netgalley for the advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest unedited review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Sexual harassment