I really couldn’t do this one. I found myself pushing through, but I wish I didn’t. I should’ve stopped halfway through when I realized I didn’t like it. It was too political for me and those parts were so long and serious. Don’t get me wrong, I like serious books as long as I am intrigued. But the subject matter was not doing it for me. This was absolutely not worth my time. From the blurb I expected more of a focus on the marriage. I enjoyed Scottie’s parts, and found myself dreading a Michael’s parts. I didn’t find the book to be funny like other readers did. I am soooo in the minority here so I will caution people to make their own decisions, all of my goodreads friends really enjoyed this book.

I thought this was an enchanting book to read! I am a big fan of Italy in general and reading about a love story based there in the 1950's? Right up my alley! I loved the newlywed aspect of the novel and the way the author wrote was eloquent. I already suggested it to my friends!

I have to be fair. I had a hard time getting into this book, I didn't finish it because of this. I guess it just wasn't my cup of tea. I put it down and read another book, in between. Then went back to give it a second chance. Sorry, wasn't for me.

THE ITALIAN PARTY is a celebration of finding love in marriage as well as a nod to the 1950's political climate in Italy and Europe.

With voices filled with youthful hope and idealism, Christina Lynch's newlyweds -- Scottie and Michael -- establish their new life together in a foreign country where Michael's job -- selling tractors to farmers -- has located them to Tuscany. Or so is his cover story to the public and to his bride. Secrets and lies abound with Scottie having more than a few of her own.

Set in the 50's, I consider this debut novel to be a charming period piece when life appeared to be more simple, innocent, and -- as a consequence -- ultra conservative.

An enjoyable read with vivid descriptions of Tuscany's landscape and its people




Sex, love and, intrigue set against the backdrop of the romantic Tuscan countryside. "The Italian Party" is a novel by author, Christina Lynch. A young and recently married couple take off for a dream vacation which tests their relationship and takes them on a mysterious adventure. A surprise ending? You decide.

In 1956, a newly married American couple arrive in Siena, Italy to set up a Ford tractor dealership. Being newly married without knowing each other for long, they each have secrets that they wish to remain secret.
I enjoyed reading this political thriller, full of espionage and social commentary. I lov d the descriptions of daily life in Siena.
But it didn't feel very serious , with important themes given a very light, cursory treatment.
Still, recommended for a light, yet intriguing read, especially for travel aficionados.

In April of 1956, newly wed Michael and Scottie head off to Siena, Italy to bring American business (in the form of a tractor dealership) to this country still set squarely in a post war climate. There were a lot of secrets and storylines wrapped up in each chapter, separated by mini sections within. Both characters seem like the classic innocents abroad in the beginning, but as the story moves along, the secrets within their marriage almost over take the story of Siena. Horse races, gossip, Italian lessons--Scottie proves to be very helpful to her husband in his new, secretive life. The specter of Communism is an everyday fact of life, and it was interesting to see how their feelings at the start of the Cold War played in to how they treated their Italian neighbors and how they fit in. I really enjoyed getting to know some of the citizens of Siena, and the mystery surrounding Scottie's teenage Italian teacher and the horse race was interesting. It wasn't quite the book I thought it would be, but I definitely wanted to read it to the end.

The Italian Party
Christina Lynch
St. Martin’s Press, March 2018
ISBN 978-1-250-14783-7
Hardcover

From the publisher—

Newly married, Scottie and Michael are seduced by Tuscany’s famous beauty. But the secrets they are keeping from each other force them beneath the splendid surface to a more complex view of ltaly, America and each other.

When Scottie’s Italian teacher―a teenager with secrets of his own―disappears, her search for him leads her to discover other, darker truths about herself, her husband and her country. Michael’s dedication to saving the world from communism crumbles as he begins to see that he is a pawn in a much different game. Driven apart by lies, Michael and Scottie must find their way through a maze of history, memory, hate and love to a new kind of complicated truth.

Scottie and Michael are children of their times, as they say, and those of us who remember the 1950’s will certainly recognize them. They scream “American” with their enormous, flashy Ford Fairlane, their marriage is something of a convenience and they barely know each other, and they’re much, much wealthier than the Italians they want to live among. Michael is undoubtedly the head of the household and Scottie is the demure wife who follows her husband’s lead; in fact, Michael appreciates that she knows how to be a good, supportive wife. After all, her education at Vassar led to her Mrs. degree and she upholds it beautifully.

Unlike the “Leave It to Beaver” scenario, these two are not exactly the salt of the earth but, perhaps more importantly, neither one has a clue who the other one is and major secrets begin to come out as soon as they get to their destination, Siena. On top of everything in their personal lives, Communism is nipping at their heels.

All of that sounds kind of dismal, doesn’t it? Yes, that’s true to an extent but the joy in this novel comes from watching this young couple come to terms with themselves and each other while they’re in the midst of a most unlikely spy story of their own and there are a lot of laughs to be had, the kind that make you think “caper” and “adventure”. All in all, this was totally fun and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes spies, international intrigue, comedy, romance, adventure, history, Italian food…you get the idea 😉

Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, April 2018.

Sex, love and, intrigue set against the backdrop of the romantic Tuscan countryside. "The Italian Party" is a novel by author, Christina Lynch. A young and recently married couple take off for a dream vacation which tests their relationship and takes them on a mysterious adventure. A surprise ending? You decide.

I didn't enjoy the book from the start and was unable to complete it. There will be no review. Just because I didn't like it, does not mean someone else will feel the same way.

Interesting historical novel set in 1956 Italy, where a young newlywed American couple - each with their own secrets - arrive to live in Siena. Not a setting I have previously read about, but the book really brought it to life. I found the character of the husband to be annoying (though perhaps the author intends that), but loved Scottie, the wife. Enjoyable book, very atmospheric.

The Italian Party is a fun, witty, and entertaining cinematic story that I really enjoyed reading. Jennifer who was reading this one with me pulled me into a coulee with her and I was really glad I decided to join her. What a nice pleasant change of pace this one was. Without her, I would have missed out on such a fun read done on the lighter side with some serious subjects to make this an interesting story.

Christina Lynch does a great job creating interesting characters here with young American newlyweds Scottie and Michael. They arrive in Siena both carrying their own secrets from each other that complicated their relationship. I loved seeing things from Scottie’s innocent way of looking at the world and it was very refreshing. They are well developed and I enjoyed following along with them as they grow and learn more about themselves and each other.

Christina Lynch does a fanatic job adding depth to the story by adding some interesting subplots and interesting Italian characters that felt like I was in a coulee in Italy. I enjoyed this one from start to finish I highly recommend.

Publication date March 20, 2018

Thank you, NetGalley, St Martin’s Press and Christina Lynch for a copy to read and review.

Review is written and posted on our themed book blog Two Sisters Lost In A Coulee Reading.
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com
Coulee: a term applied rather loosely to different landforms, all of which refer to a kind of valley.

Sometimes I feel adventurous and I read books outside of my traditional review genres. I do this for a couple of reasons……sometimes its for my own pleasure, meaning something sounded interesting.

Other times it’s for my readers (and me too) so they are exposed to other books besides the normal preference. Then there are times when I’ve been deep in my usual review genre that I just need a break.

That’s what happened with this book. I had been reading so many historical mysteries and cozies that I felt like I needed something different with a little more meat.

Newly married, Scottie and Michael are seduced by Tuscany’s famous beauty. But the secrets they are keeping from each other force them beneath the splendid surface to a more complex view of ltaly, America and each other.

When Scottie’s Italian teacher—a teenager with secrets of his own—disappears, her search for him leads her to discover other, darker truths about herself, her husband and her country. Michael’s dedication to saving the world from communism crumbles as he begins to see that he is a pawn in a much different game. Driven apart by lies, Michael and Scottie must find their way through a maze of history, memory, hate and love to a new kind of complicated truth (summary from Goodreads).

So is this book historical fiction? In short, yes. But for me I would categorize it as a historical spy novel rather than just the generic historical fiction. I picked this book because I was interested in the post war period. My review genera tends to run from Regency to the end of WWII so anything after WWII I usually pass on just because it’s not really my era of interest. However, lately I’ve been interested in the rise of espionage and other government agencies and the Cold War. I saw a documentary and was intrigued so when this book came up, it was ripe for my reading pleasure.

I was surprised by this book. When I read the summary I thought it was going to be a bite more serious. The cover also made me think it was going to be more of a serious book. This was the book that I didn’t know I needed and here is why…..it wasn’t the serious piece of literature that I was expecting. It was a funny, romantic, book with spies. Was I expecting more of a book with a James Bond feel? Yes. Was I hoping for something with more history? Yes. However I found myself not minding that this book was more on the fun side.

It’s funny because a lot of other reviewers thought the book was more frills on the outside but had a lot more depth and I thought kind of the opposite. The cover says more serious to me while the book itself was about romance, friendships, relationships, a little history, and the fabulously rich Italian culture and countryside. Yes it had serious moments but this was more of an easy spring break read for me.

It was well written and I found the author built a world of believable characters set in an interesting period with interesting jobs, but that wasn’t the focus of the novel. Spies and history were part of the novel but not the focus. Toward the end, the novel became more serious which was a little disorienting especially when so much of the book had been more on the lighter side, but it worked so I can’t argue.

I loved how Lynch really brought the Italian countryside to life. Yes the characters were fun, and the story itself was original and enjoyable to read but what really made this book for me was the descriptions of the countryside and culture. I read this one during spring break when everyone I knew was posing all their exotic vacation pics all over my social media and I was getting rather sad that this year we didn’t go anywhere. But after reading this book, the descriptions and culture were so vivid that I felt like I was actually on an nice little Italian vacation.

This book was a surprise for me. I didn’t think I was going to like it as much as I did. It was a refreshing and different historical fiction book. It fell outside the classic periods that are popular in historical fiction and I think it worked well and set it apart from so many other books. If you are looking for something new and different but yet still historical fiction, pick this one up you won’t be disappointed!

Challenge/Book Summary:

Book: The Italian Party by Christina Lynch

Kindle Edition, 336 pages
Published March 27th 2018 by St. Martin’s Press
ASIN B075DB8XHR
Review copy provided by: Publisher/Author in exchange for an honest review.
This book counts toward: NA

Hosted by: NA
Books for Challenge Completed: NA
Recommendation: 4 out of 5

Genre: historical fiction, spy novel

Memorable lines/quotes:

A fun read that really puts you in the middle of post-war Italy. Scottie is a delightful character and her adventures are not exactly what you'd expect of a Vassar grad in the mid 1950's. The author's descriptions of Scottie around horses made me wish that she'd expanded that part of the book, but on the other hand, it was great that it didn't take the easy/predictable path.

Set in Sienna in the 1950’s, this book is a page-turner with political intrigue, secrets and adventure. I especially loved the character of Scottie, an innocent American who follows her husband to Sienna, believing him to be something he is not. She was captivating in her role in the sphere of romance, family drama and discovery within her new post-war world. A gem of a book with a few noteworthy twists.

From my blog: Always With a Book:

Sometimes I have to admit, I'm a sucker for a good cover...and this cover completely won me over. I was drawn to it, plus the title helped...and you know what - this book was just a good, fun read, full of intrigue and secrets and had me longing for more Prosecco than just the little bottle I bought for my Instagram photo (see below)!

I loved the way this book was set up, each chapter broken into little segments that alternated between Scottie and Michael's points of view. This really allowed us to get to know them and right away you find out they are keeping secrets from each other - well, consider me hooked! This newlywed couple has just moved to Siena, Italy, so Michael can open a business. It turns out, that is just a front for what he is really there to do, unbeknownst to his wife.

I fully admit, politics is not usually my area of interest, nor is pure history, but I really enjoyed this book. I found the way the story was told, with the good doses of humor and loads of references to food - OMG was I ever hungry while reading this! - to help tame the political references of communism and the upcoming election kept me engaged and things from being too heavy. I really had no idea that the US had any dealings in Italy and their elections - as I am assuming this is based in part in truth.

For a debut novel, this one had me captivated and engaged throughout. I found it fun and lively - those characters certainly made for some entertaining reading for sure! I will definitely be keeping an eye out for what comes next from Christina Lynch!

THE ITALIAN PARTY BY CHRISTINA LYNCH BOOK REVIEW
I, like many others, have a romanticized view of the Italian countryside, and I am a little obsessed. I have watched Stealing Beauty, Cinema Paradiso and Under the Tuscan Sun a thousand times. It was one of the reasons I fell in love with the second season of Master of None. Just recently I watched Call Me by Your Name, and I was in awe of the landscape. I think it is not just the beauty, but the lifestyle. Long lunches, late dinners, and an appreciation for language, art and relaxation are things that I feel I need to respect more here in America. A couple of years ago I read The House at The Edge of Night by Catherine Banner, and was totally lost in her fictional Italian Isle. Now The Italian Party has me yearning for a trip to Siena.

SECRETS
The book opens with Michael and Scottie, newlyweds on the first day of their new life in post-war 1950’s Italy. Though they seem eager and innocent at first, we quickly learn that both are harboring secrets from each other. Michael, a Ford tractor salesman, is actually a spy for the CIA, fighting communism and promoting capitalism. He has another secret he is keeping from his seemingly innocent, naive wife as well. Scottie is young and gorgeous, with a biting sense of humor. She is keeping a big secret from her husband too. Both are in love with the idea of each other and the idea of marriage, but neither knows what it takes to be in a real relationship.

The plot thickens when a teenager, Robertino, friend and Italian language teacher of Scottie and local “informant” to Michael, disappears. The search for him and the discovery of each other had me mesmerized. The book was also surprisingly funny, and I found myself chuckling here and there. There are so many pieces to this story, and it is incredibly fun to continue uncovering secrets. This book is about the facade, the facade everyone puts up to hide. The facade that countries present to justify their actions. The thing is, it doesn’t take much for these covers to unravel if you pay attention.

THE VERDICT
I am Really Into The Italian Party by Christina Lynch. I love historical fiction, politics, gossip and the romance of the Italian countryside, and this book had them all. Lynch had me never wanting to leave her world of 1950’s Siena, and I found myself looking up pictures of the city at that time to further immerse myself in the culture. It is an important look at America’s war on communism and its relationship with other countries. This book was fun, sexy, romantic, mysterious and I couldn’t put it down. I just regret not sitting in the Italian Countryside while drinking cappuccino (only before noon) while I read it.

Special thanks to Christina Lynch, St. Martin’s Press & Netgalley for providing my copy in exchange for an honest & fair review.

The Italian Party tells the story of newly married Scottie and Michael as they start their new life together in post war Siena. What neither realise is that the other has secrets, and hasn’t been honest about the marriage, their lives or, in Michael’s case, the reason for being in Italy. The narrative is told from both Scottie and Michael’s perspective, making the reader their confidant and voyeur ; we are the only ones to see the whole picture.

1956 Siena and its population is the polar opposite to the glamour we associate with 1950’s America. America saw their culture and politics as an example to follow, the case of living the dream and wanted to set an example to the rest of Europe; improved roads, mechanical advances in industrial machinery and cars, employment opportunity. the advent of fast food and most of all consumerism. This book certainly gives us food for thought in that the gulf of difference and lack of progression in Italy may not be a bad thing, maybe the American’s didn’t have it all right after all; their is a lot to be said for the more simple way of life, farming the land by hand and employing local people, making fresh food from what is in season and the importance of community: values we are coming back to .

Scottie and Michael are newly married, very naive and don’t know much about each other; marriage is an escape for them both from their lives before. It’s not so much that they lie to each other, its more about omissions and lack of questions asked. I loved Scottie as a character, her naivety of how the world operates, and her acceptation of life at face value make her even more likeable. She is well educated, went to the best schools had a privileged lifestyle that was destroyed when her accountant father died and she realised that he had been stealing money from clients. Marriage is her way of maintaining respectability as she is pregnant by another man. Scottie shows compassion and understanding to everyone she meets, whatever their status; from Gina the prostitute to Carlo, a member of the nobility. She embraces Italian culture, it’s customs and people. Michael tries to stay American, in food and lifestyle, he is working for the CIA and trying to install American values and products into Italy. He is there to help sway the election against the Communist candidate for Mayor, and thus pave the way for American ideals and industry. As well as being a spy his other secret is his sexuality; homosexuality was seen as crime so he needed the mask of a marriage. What is endearing is how Scottie and Michael deal with these problems, support each other and ultimately work well as a team. There is also a wonderful cast of supporting characters, the eccentric Nonna Bea, Signor Bianchi and his grandson Robertino who teaches Scottie Italian and helps Michael in his quest for information, Tentnte Pisano, the local police officer who is distrusting of Americans and Carlo, the marquis.

Christina Lynch delves into the history of Siena, it’s Palio horse race, the art and architecture, the love of food and tradition. The descriptive writing really brings Italy and it’s populace to life. The Italian Party really has it all, a beautiful setting, secrets, lies, spies, espionage, love, politics and plenty of glamour; a captivating and seductive read.

“American tourists come here and they see only the happy, beautiful Italy they want to see, and that the Italians want them to see. The party. They don’t see the scars. The ongoing struggles. Why would they? They don’t see them at home, either.”

I am finding it hard to put into words how much I loved this book! It is one of those rare gems that you accidentally stumble across and which ends up being your favourite book of the year. It has a bit of everything: deception, lies, a mystery (of sorts), humour, adventure, history, romance, and unforgettable, heart-warming characters that will stay with you long after the last page has been turned. Feel-good, charming and utterly captivating are just a few terms that instantly come to mind.

The book starts with newlyweds Scottie and Michael Messina arriving in Siena fresh off the boat from America and getting into a bit of a pickle as soon as they drive their Ford Fairlane into town. The way they react to the situation will set the tone for their actions for the rest of the story: Scottie laughs and waves to the people who stare at them from doorways, whilst Michael is angry of having embarrassed himself. Although husband and wife, the couple are virtual strangers, each carrying secrets which have the potential to destroy their marriage in a heartbeat. How will they be able to make a life for themselves here, without coming unstuck?

I simply adored Scottie. Her youthful, innocent and positive approach to every situation and everyone she encountered on her journey was faintly reminiscent of my own twenty year old self setting off full of excitement and optimism to the other side of the world to start a new life in a new land. Scottie drove this story for me. It is impossible not to be touched by her zest and joy for life, the way she embraces Italy, its culture and its people. Life would be simple if everyone had her can-do attitude and joyful nature. As soon as they arrive, Scottie is happy to embrace everything about their new home and immerse herself in the Italian culture and language. Unlike Michael, whose parents are emigrants from Sicily and who is able to speak Italian, but clings desperately to his American roots and customs, forcing Scottie to serve up American meals every night even though the Italian cuisine described in this book sounds to die for (don’t read this whilst you’re hungry!).

“She laughed a little, surprised. “Do you really see me as one of those corporate wives who lives in an English-only bubble and looks down on the ‘natives’? Bridge, shopping, tea, art history lectures, a barbecue on the Fourth of July and a turkey at Thanksgiving to keep the American spirit alive?”
“Yes”, he said, looking confused. “What’s wrong with that?”
“Nothing”, she said. Everything, she thought.

But then, Michael has not been completely truthful about his mission here, and has an altogether different agenda than just selling Ford tractors. He is sure that Scottie doesn’t suspect anything, which is another reason he feels so lucky to have married her:

“And the best part was, she wasn’t that smart. Because that’s what Michael wanted. What he needed. Someone who wasn’t too curious. Someone who would mistake his version of things for the truth.”

With her rich and atmospheric descriptions of Tuscany and the Sienese people, the author brings Italy to life for the reader. I wasn’t surprised to learn that she lived in Tuscany for four years, because her love for Italy, its people and its culture shines through every page and each one of the unforgettable characters she has created. This is armchair travel of the best kind, and one journey you don’t want to end. If you like books where a setting is so rich it is almost another character, then this is a must-read. I was sad when the book ended, and almost feel like I have a holiday hangover at the moment! Set in the 1950’s, during the period of the cold war, the historical background was interesting and lent additional depth to the book that will appeal to lovers of historical fiction but was introduced in a way that never bogged the story down.

Most of all, this book was such an all-around pleasure to read! If I had expected a light-hearted escapist travel story, I was in for a real treat, because it turned out to be so much more than that. There is a deeper message in Scottie and Michael’s story, which gives hope that love can prevail even in adversity. May I also briefly mention Ecco the dog, who added such humour to the story for me. We have a scruffy terrier just like him (even with Italian parentage) and some of the mannerisms and character were just so much like our dog it made me laugh out loud.

The Italian Party is a charming, delightful story of two young people who are trying to find their way in the world whilst staying true to themselves. The atmospheric Italian setting, the historical background and richly drawn characters make this a journey you will not want to end. It will easily make it on my all-time favourites list, to be revisited as a comfort read in the future. If you need a holiday, but don’t have the money or the time, do yourself a favour and pick up this wonderful read. I can’t wait to read more from this author!

Well, after reading this novel I just want to drink some wine and indulge in some lovely Italian pasta and fresh bread! Part historical and part lyrical, this book details newlyweds, Michael and Scottie's arrival in Italy as they navigate a country foreign to each of them. It's not only a fun romp, but it reveals the many secrets they keep from each other as they learn the ways of the world in 1956. Politics, friendships, indiscretions...it's all there to keep you on your toes! Now book me a flight!

In her debut, Lynch includes a little of everything I love: well-kept secrets; bits of historical fiction; mystery; politics; and complicated relationships, all with the whimsical, old Hollywood feel of a tromp through Italy in the 1950s. It's sharp, it's funny and, sometimes, a little dark; this is a perfect not-too-serious escape!