A book that started a bit slow, but soon I was fully engrossed in Naples, in the lives of their inhabitants. I haven't read many novels about young girls that are quite so bleak or un-flowery, and I loved that. I liked reading about these richly painted characters and their complicated friendship. It is a novel about a time, place, and characters, but I was self-reflective of my own friendships growing up as I read. I loved this book and I'm eager to read the rest of the series... it's been months since I read it but I haven't been able to shake Elena and Lila off yet. I'm so glad there's more to read.