Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Book: The Almafi Curse
Author: Sarah Penner
Number of pages: 325
Genre: Nautical fiction, Paranormal fiction, Magical realism, Historical fiction,
Thriller, Supernatural fiction, Fantasy, Romance
Attended Audience Age: Mature adult
Medium Type (physical, digital, audio): physical
Book rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Summary:
Haven Ambrose is a nautical archaeologist visiting Positano, Italy to investigate a mysterious shipwreck along the Amalfi Coast. With her heart set on her fathers last wishes, Haven is determined to locate the remains of the ship. The tale dates back to 1821 followed by Mari and Holmes, whose fantastic story circles back to the present.
Qualities:
Prose: The novel uses a unique form of language that feels fantastical but grounded. The use of present and past tense is written is different forms that elicit historical fiction and realism. Italian verses are expressed and aid in the novels uniqueness and believability.
Character Development: The three main characters development expands primarily through certain events that require them to open up with others, survive treacherous terrain, and rely on those they care for. Character development relies heavily on the plot.
World Building: The world building is expansive as it reviews present and past experiences and places like Positano and the Almafi Coast. The characters aid in the world building as they travel often and showcase the world around them.
Recommendation:
I highly recommend this novel to anyone who interested in a unique and original book filled with themes centered around a fantastic oceanic adventure, thrill, mystery, supernatural happenings, and a hint of love. The novel is also a great stepping stone to learn more about oceanic archeology and archives. The plot is well thought out and the characters have unique rolls that make you either root or boo for them.
Notable Quotes:
- “I’ve been to many archives before, but I had to admit, this felt a bit foreign: I was surrounded by documents in a language I didn’t know, tied to a database I couldn’t understand, with a single unfriendly employee I wasn’t keen to ask for help” (p. 199).
- “‘The Pale Mountains,’ Holmes said. ‘I’ve met men who have climbed them.’ A falling star shot across the sky, then seemed to plunge into the sea. ‘Let me take you away. We’ll travel there and see the mountains together’” (p. 206).
- “But the sea was here long before us, and it will remain long after we are gone” (p. 324).
Related Music:
- Blue by Billie Eilish
- I See You by Northwest Stories
- Serenata by Serena Brancale and Alessandra Amoroso
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