i’m not usually one for a romance but this has to be one of the best books i’ve read this year! perfect for a summer of delightful yearning, this story will transport you to a small italian town full of nostalgia, lovers & complete beauty. i can honestly say it was a pleasure learning about the complications of everyone’s lives & not one character felt underdeveloped or stuck, each one had their use to the narrative while also having their own lives which was so refreshing. 

another thing i appreciated was the inclusion of the italian language & culture. as someone who’s learning italian & is in love with the country, i felt that i was building a stronger connection to the setting, i only wish there was more of this. i also enjoyed reading the italian & realising i knew what it meant! 

now, the love story…one of the best i’ve read. both theo, magdalen & their relationship were so genuine that following the gradual growth felt so rewarding. the split narrative really added to how they are individual characters with different perspectives & backstories, connecting with each other not because they’re both perfect but because they have a mutual understanding. parallel to the main romantic narrative, there is almost a catalytic mystery that lingers along the chapters, causing this underlying tension that both shatters & envelopes the story to a satisfying & heartbreaking conclusion. you must read!!