An intelligent novel that fuses the dual narrative of two seemingly disparate women within a patchwork of history, religion, politics, espionage and love. Not necessarily in that order! A highly emotive novel, as we explore alongside our two protagonists, the complexities of their existences. And in our beleaguered times - an opportunity to vicariously enjoy Rome from different decades.
Lottie and Nina, neither of them native Italians, separated by time in the Eternal City. Secrets and questions decorate the timelines of both women. Buchan’s writing is considered and substantial. It’s a deceptive piece of work, for the reader can be carried along by merely the story itself yet there are numerous ideas and concepts of depth and intensity lurking with its chapters. The style is fluent with a well constructed plot that allows you to figure out some aspects, but not all.
The atmosphere of a 1970’s Rome is palpably created alongside a more contemporary Rome although there is almost a timelessness about these sections. And the unravelling of both womens’ lives is a measured and controlled affair. It’s not a a pacy book, rather it echoes the patience and attention to detail that is the meat of the archivist’s role, (Lottie is an archivist), and that of a landscape gardener, (Nina is a gardener - amongst other things - no spoilers here). The relationships of both women are dissected cerebrally by themselves and the author.
Italian art, too, comes under the microscope with an attention to detail that allows the reader to almost see the brushstrokes. And a function of art to tell a story is well explored in the novel.
It is not a book that tries to answer all the questions, it acknowledges the integrity of its readers to ponder some of the whys and wherefores, for example why does Lottie become so involved, so determined to explore every last detail of Nina’s life? And I think that once you ‘have’ the story there is much to revisit and consider.
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