Review by Skye Hancock
When I first started reading this book I was immediately sucked in by the main character, her life and her way of thinking.
I did not want to stop reading because I wanted to know what she was going to do next. I almost found her analysis’s and reactions throughout the book, hypnotising.
Leone’s writing style is detailed, quick and to the point. It is written as though she is re-calling facts, leaving me constantly guessing as to whether they were actual events. She is so clever that I was so drawn into this book that it wasn’t until the end that I realised there were no names mentioned, not once.
What interested me about this story in the beginning was the fact that this recently divorced 40 year old woman, mother of four, was travelling to a foreign continent on her own for six weeks. A realistic, relatable story in today’s society.
As she begins her voyage she starts to also reflect on her past. She thinks about her marriage, children, relationship with her mother, relationships with men and other numerous past events to which all have helped mould the person she is and led her to this point in her life. With time and distance between herself and her family, she slowly begins to see her life from a different perspective and there begins her journey of self-discovery and self-love, finally finding her way to freedom.
There were times in the book where I did feel as though I was getting a little bored of her re-call of past events because I was desperate to find out more about her Europe trip. I also found the main character’s selfish ways and rebellious behaviour completely irritating at times. I know in the end, this helped concrete the purpose of the book and kept me interested in waiting for her to reach her maturity. Having said that, it was the stories of her past, her struggles within and battles along the way that intrigued me the most, forcing me to reflect on my own life, leaving me in tears.
The climax to the end of the book was fantastic. I loved the last four pages the most and the characters analysis and new found perspective on life were eye-opening.
In the end I think the book came together really well. I would recommend this book to anyone currently on their own soul-searching journey, or in need of a little woman empowerment inspiration!
ISBN: 978-0-9925601-6-4
Published by: www.cilentopublishing.com
Available in paperback and ebook from Amazon.
