When in Rome by Nicky Pellegrino
Reviewed by Elizabeth Marrow, Branch Librarian
Eltham-Kaponga | South Taranaki District Council
Mario Lanza – iconic movie star and singer of the 1950’s. When Serrafina discovers he is coming to Rome she decides she will do anything to try and meet him; her sister Carmella is sure if he hears her sing he will want her to be in the movie he is in Rome to film. Neither is prepared for how he will influence their future and how their lives will all be changed because of it….
Serrafina is naïve and very much in awe of the whole Lanza clan becoming rapidly absorbed into their orbit. The tale is told from Serrafina’s viewpoint and also from the distance of isolation and many years.
Nicky Pellegrino writes beautifully – Rome breathes on the page. This is a book for true Summer Reading; take it to the beach, enjoy with a coffee and a pastry in a little street -side café, it’s up to you. La dolce vita – life is sweet – enjoy it.