Two Women in Rome: 'Beautifully atmospheric' Adele Parks

Lottie Archer arrives in Rome to take up a job as an archivist and discovers a valuable fifteenth-century painting. She unravels a tragic love story beset by the political turmoil of post-war Italy, and is brought up against a past that will shape her own future.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 12 May 2022
Publisher: Atlantic Books

In the enchanting city of Rome, where secrets have a way of finding their way to the light, Lottie Archer arrives with a sense of excitement and anticipation, newly married and eager to embrace a new chapter in her life as an archivist. Little does she know that the Eternal City holds a treasure trove of untold stories, waiting to be uncovered.

As Lottie delves into her work, she stumbles upon a valuable fifteenth-century painting that captures her attention. Intrigued by the mysterious woman depicted in the artwork, she sets out on a quest to learn more about her, determined to unravel the secrets that lie behind her enigmatic presence.

What begins as a simple curiosity soon turns into an obsession as Lottie delves deeper into Nina Lawrence's life. Nina appears to have led a fulfilling and purposeful existence, restoring Italian gardens to their former glory after the devastation of World War Two. However, the question remains: why did no one attend her funeral in 1978?

As Lottie embarks on her journey to uncover the truth, she uncovers a tragic love story intertwined with the political turmoil of post-war Italy. With each step, she draws closer to understanding Nina, and the city itself becomes a living, breathing entity, drawing her deeper into its mysterious embrace.

As Lottie confronts the past that haunts Nina and the city, she realizes that her own future is intertwined with the legacy of those who came before her. The lessons learned and the connections made will shape her in ways she could never have imagined, as she navigates the complexities of love, loss, and redemption in the enchanting world of Rome.

Elizabeth Buchan, a renowned and award-winning novelist, has crafted a beautifully atmospheric tale that transports readers to the heart of Rome. With her intricate plotting and exquisite writing, Buchan has once again delivered a gem of a book that will leave readers captivated and yearning for more.

Praise for Buchan's work has poured in from fellow authors and readers alike. Marian Keyes, renowned for her poignant and evocative storytelling, describes Buchan's writing as "a gem of a book... beautiful, elegant." Katie Fforde, another celebrated author, praises Buchan's intricate plotting and beautifully written prose, stating that the novel is "intricately plotted and beautifully written."

Laura Barnett, a reader, expresses her deep admiration for Buchan's novel, describing it as "an amazing, emotive, heartbreaking but also ultimately uplifting novel." Barnett praises the author's ability to create a story that is both tragic and uplifting, leaving readers with a sense of hope and inspiration.

Weight: 255g
Dimension: 199 x 131 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786495358
Edition number: Main