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Title: The Villa
Author: Rosanna Ley
Narrator: Anna Bentinck
Format: Unabridged
Length: 15 hrs and 47 mins
Language: English
Release date: 03-06-14
Publisher: Quercus
Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 7 votes
Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit
Publisher's Summary:
When Tess Angel receives a solicitor's letter inviting her to claim her inheritance - the Villa Sirena, perched on a clifftop in Sicily - she is stunned. Her only link to the island is through her mother, Flavia, who left Sicily during World War II and cut all contact with her family.
Initially resistant to Tess going back to her roots, Flavia realises the secrets from her past are about to be revealed and decides to try to explain her actions. Meanwhile, Tess' teenage daughter Ginny is stressed by college, by her blooming sexuality, and filled with questions that she longs to ask her father, if only she knew where he was. Three women, all seeking answers. Will Villa Sirena bring them together - or drive them apart?
Critic Reviews:
"A warm and passionate story that is as beguiling as the aromatic tastes and scents of Sicily itself ... Richly written, always engrossing. The perfect summer read" (Kate Furnivall, author of The White Pearl)"Beautifully written, warm and romantic... The perfect holiday read" (Rachel Hore, author of A Gathering Storm)
Members Reviews:
Ok for a light holiday read..
After having read the blurb about the book I was looking forward to the story, it seemed to have it all, romance, mystery, sun drenched Sicily. The reality was a bit disappointing though. I felt the story dragged on in places and led you in directions that weren't relevant. I especially couldn't connect witht the character Ginny, and thought the whole concept of the 'ball' could have been left out.
I found the narration a little irritating in parts, the Italian male voices were a bit like a bad pasta advert and were distracting.
That aside it wasn't a bad mix of romance and intrigue, with evokative descriptions of Sicily and it's food - it would make a pleasant holiday read - ideal when you don't wnt to have to think to hard.
Looked forward to the end
The story itself was interesting the way the plot unfolded, the female characters were engaging and the descriptions of Scicily made me feel like I was there. The reading of the male characters was annoying. Would have made a great dramatization.
Great book to listen to.
What made the experience of listening to The Villa the most enjoyable?
I would love to have a villa some where like where this story takes place. A quiet little village by the sea.
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
A good laugh and it was touching.
So happy when it was over...
If this book wasnt for you, who do you think might enjoy it more?
Someone with more patience
Has The Villa put you off other books in this genre?
No
You didnt love this book--but did it have any redeeming qualities?
This book does have a great storyline but it is draged out. There are annoying repetitions 'slithering snakes' and the like and is very, very slow paced at many times. I did enjoy the story idea which is why I continued until the end but there was A LOT that could have been cut out!
A Waste of Time and Money
What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?
If it were a different book all together.
What was most disappointing about Rosanna Leys story?
Too predictable.
How did the narrator detract from the book?
Her male Italian voices were comical and very distracting.
You didnt love this book--but did it have any redeeming qualities?
No
