" Regrettably, the main character and narrator of this book left me thoroughly unimpressed and, at times, downright irritated. The portrayal of a single, middle-aged woman who comes across as incessantly whiny, clingy, and needy is not only grating but also fails to offer any depth or nuance to her character.
Her involvement with a married man is painted in a way that goes beyond the complexities of human relationships, diving headfirst into a pool of lurid and constant desires that, frankly, add little substance to the narrative. Instead of exploring the complexities of the situation or delving into the character's inner world, the author seems content to dwell on the character's seemingly insatiable appetite for an unattainable relationship.
The comparison to works like "Eat, Pray, Love" and "Shirley Valentine" is unfortunately fitting, as our protagonist appears to follow in the footsteps of those late-in-life adventurers who discover their repressed sexuality and proceed to make fools of themselves. The narrative lacks the maturity and introspection needed to navigate such themes with sensitivity and insight, opting instead for a shallow and predictable exploration of the character's desires.
In essence, the character comes across as one-dimensional, and the narrative fails to rise above the clichés and pitfalls of similar tales. The constant focus on the character's clinginess and desperate desires overshadows any potential for a more profound exploration of her journey, resulting in a book that left me more frustrated than engaged. "
— Peppone, 11/14/2023