A Single to Rome by Sarah Duncan

A Single to Rome by Sarah Duncan
Buy A Single to Rome by Sarah Duncan at Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com
Category: Women's Fiction
Reviewer: Amy Taylor
Summary: An alright book for the girls to delve into with a bar of chocolate or some ice-cream when things get a bit down in life – love life that is. It is about Natalie who has just been dumped and is trying to pick up the pieces with the help of her friends.
Buy? Maybe	Borrow? Yes
Pages: 352	Date: November 2009
Publisher: Headline Review
ISBN: 978-0755345939
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Natalie is in love with Michael. They've been together for three years, but Michael wants some space. He hasn’t said he doesn’t love her, so there is still a chance he could come back… Then he goes and finds himself a new girlfriend. Devastated, Natalie consoles herself with the help of her friends, who persuade her to go speed dating. There she meets Guy, a friendly man, who like her is trying to get over someone – his new ex-wife Vanessa. But Guy is one of the nice ones, and before she knows it, he has been invited to her friend’s wedding as Natalie’s date. At least she won’t be going alone and Michael will be there. But her love life isn’t her only worry. Past actions have come to light that have put her career in danger. At a loss, Natalie turns to Guy for help, who offers her the use of his flat in Rome. A place to escape? Or a place to dwell?

This is a very busy novel, full of lots of characters and action, socializing and talking, just like the two roman cities (Bath and Rome) where it’s set. Natalie is supposed to be a fashionable, career driven woman who had everything she wanted. She is also supposed to change into someone different – someone who can go without. I wasn’t convinced. I found her annoying and unbelievable. Though, I think if I were in a similar situation (having just got dumped) I would find it reassuring to read such a book. It gives you the ‘girl power’ that you need for getting over someone. On the other hand, the character of Guy I warmed to quickly. He was believable and likable – the latter helping the former of the two, and I wanted to read more about him.

The style of writing is very chatty with similes scattered all over the place. Some are too forced and stick out while others flow naturally and give it a nice quality. The scenery is well portrayed – Rome in its full Italian glory with tourists, ruins, pasta and romance. I have been to Rome myself and liked the way the author captured the history of the place and the locals who live there, you can tell a lot of research has gone into it. But as a story I really wasn’t sure about it. In some places I found myself putting the book down without realizing it, and in others I couldn’t stop reading. It is jam packed with emotions and events. There is sex, love, suspense and even a ghost story, but I wanted more – perhaps less, just a little more focused.

I'd like to thank the publishers for sending a copy to The Bookbag.

For some more romance and new beginnings try Starting Over by Sue Moorcroft.

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You can read more book reviews or buy A Single to Rome by Sarah Duncan at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
You can read more book reviews or buy A Single to Rome by Sarah Duncan at Amazon.com.

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