Title: Belladonna
Author: Anbara Salam
Publisher: Berkley
Publication date: June 9, 2020
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Summary
Bridget and Isabella are best friends. Isabella is the popular girl in their small Catholic school in Connecticut, while Bridget keeps to herself. They’ve formed an unlikely bond that lasts a lifetime.
When the two graduate in 1957, they land spots at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Pentila in Northern Italy. It’s a well-known art history school set in the grounds of a silent convent. Here, Bridget finds that she can reinvent herself to be whatever she wants. Since she’s no longer confined to the small town that saw her and her mother as outsides, she can be whoever she wants to be.
But discovering herself will test one of her longest friendships.
Review: Belladonna
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for sending me an ARC of this to review! This isn’t something that’s necessarily in my wheelhouse, but it sounded interesting enough. It’s essentially a coming of age story, set in the backdrop of 1950s Italy. Since I don’t know many historical fiction novels set in Italy, I thought I’d give it a whirl!
Those looking for a plot driven story definitely won’t find it in this book. Belladonna is definitely a character and setting driven story. And the characters aren’t always likable. However, there is a lot of substance there, and Salam draws you in slowly to this world she’s created. The theme of obsession is reflected in the style the book is written in.
However, the book does move a bit too slowly for me at times. I wish I could have gotten a bit more about what was happening outside of the school, to give a little more historical context. Despite that, Salam has a knack for description, easily pulling you into this school in Northern Italy.
If you’re looking for a book with strong characters, theme, and setting, this is definitely the book for you! Historical fiction fans won’t be disappointed.
3.5/5 stars