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A review by bianca89279
Siracusa by Delia Ephron
5.0
Siracusa was almost a perfect novel.
Two American couples take a one week trip to Italy (who travels that far for only one week? I know Americans don't get many days of paid leave, still...).
Who are they? Michael Shapner and Lizzie Ross are New Yorkers, Michael is a Pulitzer winner who hasn't written anything in a long time, Lizzie is a free-lance writer. They're joined on the trip by Taylor and Finn Dolan, and their beautiful but extremely shy ten-year-old daughter, Snow. Finn is a successful restaurateur and Taylor works for Portland tourism agency.
They're affluent people, some more snobbish than others. On this trip, they do the usual, visit some tourist attractions, walk the streets and eat out.
Each adult gets to voice their views in alternating chapters and so we get to know all of them, warts and all. Under those polished, sophisticated appearances there are lots of warts. No two relationships are the same, as no two people are the same. The group dynamics change and shift. The seemingly angel-looking child is always present and connects the couples.
There's so much to sink your teeth into. Don't expect to fall in love with any of the characters, they're highly unlikeable, but also extremely realistic.
This is not a feel-good novel, but man, it's so good, so gritty and captivating, with a terrific twist and some fabulously perverse characters.
Highly recommend it.
I've received this novel via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Oneworld Publications for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
Two American couples take a one week trip to Italy (who travels that far for only one week? I know Americans don't get many days of paid leave, still...).
Who are they? Michael Shapner and Lizzie Ross are New Yorkers, Michael is a Pulitzer winner who hasn't written anything in a long time, Lizzie is a free-lance writer. They're joined on the trip by Taylor and Finn Dolan, and their beautiful but extremely shy ten-year-old daughter, Snow. Finn is a successful restaurateur and Taylor works for Portland tourism agency.
They're affluent people, some more snobbish than others. On this trip, they do the usual, visit some tourist attractions, walk the streets and eat out.
Each adult gets to voice their views in alternating chapters and so we get to know all of them, warts and all. Under those polished, sophisticated appearances there are lots of warts. No two relationships are the same, as no two people are the same. The group dynamics change and shift. The seemingly angel-looking child is always present and connects the couples.
There's so much to sink your teeth into. Don't expect to fall in love with any of the characters, they're highly unlikeable, but also extremely realistic.
This is not a feel-good novel, but man, it's so good, so gritty and captivating, with a terrific twist and some fabulously perverse characters.
Highly recommend it.
I've received this novel via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Oneworld Publications for the opportunity to read and review this novel.