so-soFour dissimilar women come together for a holiday in a small castle in Italy. And find they have a lot more in common than they thought.
Very, very slow story, & very character focused. Not a lot happens, but the way the setting was described was so gorgeous I just had to keep reading. Very much of its time, but I appreciated how changing their surroundings helped each woman reevaluate their lives. 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑
"A funny thing about women and machines: the combination mace men curious. They seemed to think it had something to do with them." Rachel Kushner, The Flamethrowers
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pickThe author admits in the first chapter that fascism is difficult to define and that different characteristics will be emphasised depending on what definition one chooses. The characteristics he chooses to highlight have some uncomfortable resonances this year (2025) considering this book dates from 2014. ⬇
Haven't done much reading the last few weeks....not really a slump but just felt like doing some puzzles and such with my free time instead. Looking forward to spending the evening getting back into this book with a grilled cheese and some orange juice.
pickWhat a wonderful book. It does this book a disservice to call it a comedy or a tragedy or any one thing. It is a layered story with interesting and lovable characters. It has a perspective and, yes, it made me laugh. I cannot recommend this book enough.
A buddy read I‘m doing with a friend of mine!
I don‘t care too much for most of the characters, but the perfectly lyrical way Von Armin is describing the blooming of the flowers, the scent of the ocean on the wind, makes me want to book a flight to Italy immediately. 💖
#SundayFunday If you celebrate Easter, I hope it‘s a happy one! And everybody else have a wonderful day and don‘t forget to tag me!
Rome turns 2778 years old on April 21. Not part of Italy‘s Jubilee celebrations but definitely part of #foodandlit‘s all year celebration of all things Italian. #Jubilee. Throw a Roman birthday party this Monday!
More info here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIcFUz5MA9b/?igsh=ZzFvM2d0MTV2dGk5
pickThe Thief Lord, by Cornelia Funke (2000, transl. 2002)
Premise: A lovable gang of orphans living in an abandoned theatre in Venice undertake the theft of a mysterious object connected to the city‘s magical lore.
Review: This was a wonderfully enjoyable middle grade novel, featuring easy-to-root-for characters and lots of mystery and adventure. Cont.
