About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when their teenager is processing the loss of a parent or struggling to connect with a distant or unknown family member. It is an ideal choice for the child who feels like an outsider in their own life or who is navigating the complex transition of moving to a new country or household during a time of grief. The story follows Lina as she honors her mother's dying wish by moving to Italy to live with a father she never knew. While there, she discovers her mother's old journal, which leads her on a journey of discovery about her family's hidden history. While the book handles the heavy reality of terminal illness and mourning, it balances these themes with a lighthearted romance, the vibrant atmosphere of Florence, and the healing power of food and new friendships. It is a sophisticated yet accessible contemporary novel that models how to find joy and self-identity even after a devastating life change.
