I started this thinking it was going to be a light summer kind of read but it was just the opposite. Not exactly heavy but more introspective than what I would have liked at this time.
Giacomo was born in Sardinia but now lives in Marseille. His parents still live on the island and are very insular, like almost everyone else who lives there. Giacomo has returned as his grandmother is dying and he was very fond of her. He is a translator by profession and has brought his latest work with him to finish whilst on the island.
Giacomo is unsettled - he hasn't really got over his divorce, he feels claustrophobic in his home with his mother hovering over him and the constant squabbles between his mother and father which have fallen into a pattern but are continuous drives him batty. He is not at peace with himself at home, amidst the noise and seeks quiet outside much to the annoyance of his mother.
It finally transpires that his grandmother has no intention of dying and was pretending so as to keep the family on their toes. With that discovery the story of Giacomo gains pace (was quite slow till then) and then ends.
The book did not quite hold my interest though very descriptive of the countryside of Sardinia and very colourful personalities.
Sent by Hodder and Stoughton and through Netgalley for an unbiased review.
The setting sounds wonderful even if the book was a little too heavy for these difficult times.
ReplyDeleteThe cover sure is appealing and so is the setting, but I'm craving books a little lighter these days..
ReplyDeleteI love the cover. I'll have to check this book out.
ReplyDeleteThe setting sounds lovely. I'm sorry this one didn't hold your attention better.
ReplyDelete