Two Women in Rome

Reviews

WhatCathyReadNext

And in a country where family is everything, the power of blood ties to influence events should never be underestimated or ignored. Nina’s part of the story, revealed through her journal and other papers, features a particularly turbulent time in Italy’s political history – the late 1970s – a period I’ve not seen featured in historical fiction before.

I really enjoyed it and a return trip to Rome is definitely going on my wishlist. Regular followers of my blog will know I’m not a great fan of the narrative device of the secret journal, finding it rather artificial. Add in the element of mystery and a touch of romance, and you have a book that deserves to have a wide appeal.

As Lottie discovers, the devious machinations of government officials and those employed by the Vatican during Nina’s time in Rome continue into the present day. ‘The jars of goats’ cheeses in oil, black olives in cream earthenware bowls and salamis hanging from ceiling hooks like stalactites. In the case of Lottie, it’s her passion for documenting and preserving the records of past lives.