Five expats, all very different come together in a very poignant story of love, relationships and a sense of hope against many odds. Sandy tge owner of the bookshop, almost hell bent to make it fail. Sandy has a sad history and does not want to complicate it with love or even a mild flirtation. Moira her assistant, timid as a mouse and frightened to do anything independently until she decides that she is going to be more progressive. Bianca escaping her rat race of a life and then George her father, the very opposite, wanting and seeking the stability of a permanent job, things to do and the mundaneness of lists and “having a plan”. Finally the mousey lovelorn Harold, spurned by Alice the love of his life and now totally lost and wallowing in self pity.
The story was emotional, tense and humorous in stages. It pointed at all the frailties of human egos and how difficult it is to break old habits. However progressive and “modern” we may be, we have deep decades old beliefs drilled into us and those bonds are very difficult to break free from.
I enjoyed this book, and the beauty of Bologna and the food certainly added to the charm.
Sent by Lake Union Publishing for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.
This sounds interesting and has a lot more depth than I would have expected from the cover and title. Great review!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds really good.
ReplyDeleteI definitely want to read this one!
ReplyDeleteI am pleased to see this is on order at my library (you would think that the Boston Public Library, the first public library in the US, would be on top of things but they always place their orders late).
ReplyDeleteI was looking at this book about a week or two ago. I like the premise, 5 people with different issues in their lives coming together in a bookstore. And its kindle unlimited. Thanks for your review and I have downloaded a copy.
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