Upon reflection, I changed my rating to four stars, because this is one HELL of a perfect psychological study of parenting. And it's short, at just over 100 pages. AND it takes place in lovely, picturesque Florence.

Your child has suffered brain damage, of which she is unaware -- but you are fully aware of her truncated chance for a happy, fulfilled life. When she falls in love with a boy who clearly loves her in return, what do you do? To what lengths will you go to secure her happiness? And to what lengths will you go to relieve your own burdens?

An amazing little book that packs a punch. ( )

Three novellas set in Italy which deal with how Italy, its weather and its architecture, its general beauty affects the relationships of the people who visit it.

The title story was absolutely captivating, presenting a moral dilemma of a holiday romance complicated by innocent secrets and ulterior motives. The other two I found unfocused and unwieldy. ( )

I'll admit it: I am on an Elizabeth Spencer jag. One of the most pleasure a reader can have is to find an author who has fallen from favor or from print and discover a trove of amazing books and stories. Spencer was first published in 1948 and she's still writing. This is probably her most famous work, as it was made into a very popular Broadway musical. It's a simple story of a complicated circumstance: a mother and her daughter travel to Florence, where young Clara and a man fall in love. So what's the problem? Clara is not in any way mentally mature due to a childhood accident; yet she gives the physical appearance of a typical young woman abroad. The story is told by Clara's mother, an incredible woman who is able to puzzle through the awkward situation and make the impossible decisions. The reader must judge right or wrong. At only 110 pages, it is the slenderest of tales packing the greatest of wallops. Highest recommendation. ( )

A short story, rather than a novel, I think. During a prolonged visit in Florence, the prospect of love and a fuller life is offered to brain-damaged, but beautifully child-like Clara. Her mother becomes aware of the possibility and finally decides to allow and encourage it. Late twist towards the end concerning the young man's father's intentions. Ends quite abruptly and unsatisfactorily. Seems there was more that could have been concluded. ( )

A very odd subject. A young woman (blond and very pretty) was kicked in the head by a colt when she (the young woman) was just a colt herself. Her mother has, naturally, been very protective of her developmentally challenged daughter. So they go to Italy for a vacation, where the young woman behaves like all the other Italian women, fits right in and lands a rich husband. What this implies about the IQ of the Italian people, I'd rather not explore. ( )