Vaughan tells the intriguing and somewhat infuriating story of Ada, who, after losing her father and stately home at a young age, spends her life desperately trying to squeeze herself into a lifestyle she seemingly does not belong in. On a study trip to Italy, she forces her way into a group of wealthier, extravagant teens and their luxurious life, with disastrous and life-altering consequences.
I was first attracted to this novel by its Italian setting, and this did not disappoint! The scenery of the first half of the novel was beautifully written and took me on a much-needed mid-pandemic holiday!
But it takes more than that to keep me going and this story was full of twists and turns, all fantastically interwoven and completely unforeseen! It also helped that the narrator and supporting characters were written in an incredibly believable way: Ada’s voice is both desperate and insecure, interlaced with a cynicism that means for a long time I couldn’t decide whether I loved or hated her!
My only issue with the narrative was that it covered a long period of time - not an issue in itself, but at one point Vaughan moves haphazardly through approximately 10 years with a strange summary that moves back and forth slightly confusingly.
I was first attracted to this novel by its Italian setting, and this did not disappoint! The scenery of the first half of the novel was beautifully written and took me on a much-needed mid-pandemic holiday!
But it takes more than that to keep me going and this story was full of twists and turns, all fantastically interwoven and completely unforeseen! It also helped that the narrator and supporting characters were written in an incredibly believable way: Ada’s voice is both desperate and insecure, interlaced with a cynicism that means for a long time I couldn’t decide whether I loved or hated her!
My only issue with the narrative was that it covered a long period of time - not an issue in itself, but at one point Vaughan moves haphazardly through approximately 10 years with a strange summary that moves back and forth slightly confusingly.