The Rome Affair

I’ve been reading a lot of books set in Italy this year, mainly through chance, but I’m loving this country more and more. Where else can you get the delights of fantastic food, la dolce vita, romance and ancient history? Karen Swan introduces the reader to the modern Roman life in The Rome Affair through the eyes of Cesca, transplanted from London with a determination for an easier life. She’s a fun heroine to read about, with impassioned principles, a talent for detail and a vintage wardrobe that could be classed as odd or quirky. It’s the kind of read that makes you want to actively seek reading time just so you can learn more about the characters and the mystery surrounding them!

Cesca hides a secret as she pounds the show more pavement as a tourist guide – one that made her desert her career and leave England. She doesn’t want to talk about it, she just wants to move on. Life in Rome is tight moneywise, but oh so wonderful when it comes to friends and food. (There are quite a few descriptions of lovely Italian meals – from pasta to gelato). But emptying her rubbish one night, she finds a designer handbag in the bin. Looking through it for identifying signs of the owner, she finds an envelope addressed to ‘Elena’. Elena turns out to be no less than the principessa of the enormous palazzo across the square. Cesca’s first meeting with Elena has her intrigued, but her neighbours tell her to stay away. Unfortunately Cesca has no choice but to become Elena’s biographer after she loses her job. At first, it’s enjoyable as she sifts through photographs and memories of the young Laney Valentine, luckiest little girl in America. But how did Laney become Elena and what secrets is Elena hiding as she tries to rewrite history? Meanwhile, there’s plenty to keep Cesca entertained with a sinkhole and her love-hate relationship with Nico…

If I had to describe The Rome Affair in a single word, it would be captivating. The plot is thick with lies, secrets, misunderstandings, wealth, romance and mystery. There are so many secrets and lies, but it’s not difficult to keep track of them thanks to the way the story is told from Cesca’s point of view in the present and Elena’s stories of the (real) past. There’s a lot of contrast between the stories Elena tells Cesca and what really happened. At first, I felt sorry for Elena, then I gradually came to wonder how much I really liked Elena’s character. Her past really doesn’t hide anything! But the events of the finale made me realise that underneath it all, she did have a heart. Was she a victim or a champion of survival?

The mysteries of the palazzo were also entertaining. Who wouldn’t love to find a secret tunnel or wander through a 1000-room house? I loved Cesca’s take on it, as it was all so awe inspiring but she kept her head about it. Her principles too were something that drew me to her as the heroine – no matter how painful it was, she would draw out the truth. I felt that I could trust her more than I ever could Elena!

If you’re after a well written story with never a dull moment, please check out The Rome Affair! It’s the perfect read with a gelato or pizza!

Thanks to Pan Macmillan for the ARC. My review is honest.

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I heard about "The Rome Affair" by Karen Swan through Chelsea's channel @chelseadollingreads. Its book is the second of Karen Swan I read, and I have a penetration that she is becoming one of the writers I like and will read whatever she writes and has written.
Italy, and Rome, in particular, are places that I would love to visit someday. Italy is a country with a lot of secret treasures, and each city, towns, and villages has its nook to try and find the history behind it.
Elena and (Fran)Cesca are two main characters, are trying to forsake their past lives with secrets that are hard to exist with those feelings. Through stories, photos, and a palace full of history.
In the beginning, I had a little trouble with the stories of Elena's show more life and weddings. Only at the end of the book, you understand the reason the author to write it like that.
I enjoy very much the way Karen Swan writes and narrates her stories. The writing style laced perfectly with emotions and tensions at the right and correct amount.
I like it when the plot and the characters are captivating. I read the book every morning with my espresso before commuting to work. An enjoyable book and ambiance with my morning coffee. show less

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4.5/5stars

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