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This is a well-written, sophisticated, slow-building but intriguing soap opera about two well-heeled, literate couples (one with a child) on vacation in Italy. I think the lush descriptions of food and fashion will appeal to foodies and fashionistas. With a story told in alternating first-persons by the adult characters, the narrative is excellent; these voices have a quality similar to voiceovers in a movie. One major beef: there was huge plot transition missing toward the end.
Nevertheless, this is good “women’s fiction.” I particularly appreciate the understatement of the writing—unlike so many books in this genre that I have abandoned when the endless expression and explanation of every thought and feeling bogged me down.
That said, I went into my editor’s head reading this book. I am not a big fan of split first-person perspectives. It is a lot harder to write a single first person who reveals to the reader more about the other characters and truths about himself than he knows, but for me, this perspective has a focused power that a split perspective dissipates. And I found myself imagining this story written in the voice of the character I found most interesting because he had the most secrets—a feat that would have taken this out of the soap opera realm, increased the tension from page one, and made it more powerful—on a parallel in many ways with Herman Koch’s The Dinner, which I loved. But that would have been a completely different book, so my reaction is ridiculous. Plus, women’s fiction sells better than literary fiction and is a lot easier to market because most readers do not agree with me. Hence, Delia Ephron is one smart cookie to do what she’s done, and I’ll hit myself upside-the-head now and shut up.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Nevertheless, this is good “women’s fiction.” I particularly appreciate the understatement of the writing—unlike so many books in this genre that I have abandoned when the endless expression and explanation of every thought and feeling bogged me down.
That said, I went into my editor’s head reading this book. I am not a big fan of split first-person perspectives. It is a lot harder to write a single first person who reveals to the reader more about the other characters and truths about himself than he knows, but for me, this perspective has a focused power that a split perspective dissipates. And I found myself imagining this story written in the voice of the character I found most interesting because he had the most secrets—a feat that would have taken this out of the soap opera realm, increased the tension from page one, and made it more powerful—on a parallel in many ways with Herman Koch’s The Dinner, which I loved. But that would have been a completely different book, so my reaction is ridiculous. Plus, women’s fiction sells better than literary fiction and is a lot easier to market because most readers do not agree with me. Hence, Delia Ephron is one smart cookie to do what she’s done, and I’ll hit myself upside-the-head now and shut up.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.