My Year With The Italian Girl- Blog Tour

 

Author: Linda Leuzzi 

Publisher:

Publishing Date: 28th July 2022

Many thanks to ZooLoos BT and the publishing team for my digital copy of the book and a spot on the tour

Blurb

It’s 1985. The Bellport Evening Star, a weekly community paper headed by its sassy editor Vivian Allegra, covers both the humorous and serious issues that regularly erupt in this small village. When she agrees to host a teen exchange student from Catania for a year, Francesca, who descriptively discusses her ancient home city and is hilarious in her observations of American life and who teams up with Black student Keisha with her beautiful Broadway dancer aunt for the upcoming Step competition, life starts taking off.

Actually it does for all of them. These are three strong women who in their own voices, fight to achieve their goals, which includes the community that helps them.

Add a burgeoning local environmental issue with alarming threats to Vivian, a bit of magical realism, and a handsome Brit neighbor who has his eye on recently divorced Vivian and things get pretty interesting.

Who’s mysteriously threatening Vivian? Will the Wiley property be saved? Will the Step Squad win the Regional competition? And will Vivian let down her guard with sweet Ian?

My Thoughts 

My first read from the author and I really enjoyed it. 

What took to me was a female led book. Which is always interesting in how strong the characters are especially when the story is told from all 3 POV. The chapters alternate between the  three women and their voices do come through strong.  I liked how the characters really were individuals and came with their own worries and strengths as it helped the development of each character and story. 

What I really like that the book didn't fall in to the sterotypical settings and really went to follow about friendships and the deep connections which can also be challenging at times.  The characters showed that being strong and resilient all the time isnt healthy as society makes us believe it is, you need to let your guard down and need some support. It did have some romance and humour in the book which was a nice touch but it didn't overpower the story and plot. 

The author did a good job in highlighting two different cultures, with both positives and challenges in their own respect. But how at the end human connection and soul searching is so important and here is where the strong female lead and a strong community links shone. 

Overall a heartwarming and lovely read! 

"The words just flew out of my mouth. No vacillating. No weighing the words"