The Rome Affair

“Rome is the city of echoes, the city of illusions, and the city of yearning.” – Giotto, from ‘The Rome Affair, by Karen Swan.

The only downside that I have picked up from reading books based in historic cities, is that I envy not being able to physically be there and experience it all. However, this author came very close, I would say, to describing the beauty of Rome.

Many who may have read the book before may describe the beginning of the book as ‘slow’. However, I see it as the complete opposite. The beginning built the foundation of the two main characters’, Elena and Francesca, relationship. Even before I came to the idea that this foundation was needed to form the rest of the story, it was quite nice to witness how two very different people could get along so well, and trust each other as well. Nonetheless, I think it’s fair to say that I was pulled in from the very beginning.

The characterization, in my opinion, was well-thought-out. Much detail was put into them, even into the smallest of things like the way each of the characters walk, or hold themselves; it added much depth to understanding each of the characters more. I absolutely loved the fact that the author was able to build such strong characters, especially the two main characters, and build up their stories all at once. Many authors rather stick to focusing on one major character, however, this was fascinating at the least to enter into a new style.tyle.yle.

My favourite part of the story was the fact that there were many twists and turns along the way. Just as you think that you are able to predict the next events, Swan drops a bomb and you’re left flabbergasted. There was a point towards the end of the book where I had to set it down for a few minutes to wrap my head around the whole idea.

However, I must highlight that I thought the author may have brought on too many turns, to the point where it may seem unreasonable. For instance, I believe that as the one ‘bomb’ was dropped, another shouldn’t as it makes it seem all the more ‘impossible’, if I may use that word.

The characterization, in my opinion, was well-thought out. Much detail was put into them, even into the smallest of things like the way each of the characters walk, or hold themselves; it added much depth to understanding each of the characters more. I absolutely loved the fact that the author was able to build such strong characters, especially the two main characters, and build up their stories all at once. Many authors rather stick to focusing on one major character, however, this was fascinating at the least to enter into a new style.tyle.yle.

Nevertheless, I quite enjoyed the novel on the whole, to the point where I believe that Karen Swan may just be my next favorite author!