Published: June 12th, 2012
Flirting In Italian
By: Lauren McBride
Delacorte Books For Young Readers
ISBN-13: 9780385741354
Four girls. One magical, and possibly dangerous Italian summer. Family mysteries, ancient castles, long hot nights of dancing under the stars . . . and, of course, plenty of gorgeous Italian boys!
Review
Eighteen year old Violet is getting ready to go to university in the fall, but there is something she needs to know before she leaves - whether or not she was adopted. After seeing a painting at the museum in which the girl is practically identical to her, Violet sets out on a quest to find out who the girl is. The trail leads Violet to Italy. For a cover story, she tells her Mum that she wants to learn Italian culture, art, history and language over the summer to prepare better for university. Signing up for a course that will be taught by an Italian woman at her Villa home in the Italian countryside, Violet sets off to discover who she really is. While there she befriends the other girls taking the course: two Americans, Kendra and Paige, and a fellow Brit, Kelly. The girls are initially at odds, but they bond over mutual dislike of their teacher Catia's bitchy, evil daughter Elisa. While trying to learn about the painting, Violet balances her studies, problems involving her new friends and the boy next door to the Villa, Luca. He is sending her very mixed signals romantically, but Violet can't help but be attracted to his volatile personality. But things may not be looking up, as it seems someone will stop at nothing to keep Violet from the truth of her birth - even if it means killing her... This book started out very promisingly. A light-hearted, summer adventure with mystery, romance and some good times with new friends. I got a lot of that, but the mystery of the painting really intrigued me as well. While being annoyed that Violet couldn't JUST ASK her Mum whether or not she was adopted, I did appreciate the need for it as a plot device. The part that pissed me off was that Henderson inserts a mystery, then ignores it for most of the book. Than, at the end of the novel, she gives a half-ass cop-out ending that hints at a rather unsatisfactory ending to the truth of Violet's roots. Plus, a book that could have ended well in one volume suddenly spawns a sequel. The idea of Violet belonging to the family that was insinuated REALLY pissed me off. It was unnecessary, unlikely and utterly disgusting to my sensibilities (this coming from someone who managed to stomach the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy!). Not recommended unless you love to be disappointed.
VERDICT: 2/5 Stars
*I received an Advanced Reading E-book Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. No money or favors were exchanged for this review. This book was published June 12, 2012.*
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