When in Rome by Nicky Pellegrino (Orion)
Down a narrow street in Rome, young Serafina lives in a tiny apartment with her mother and younger sisters. Squeezed by financial need, her mother has become a streetwalker, and the pressure is on for her eldest daughter to contribute to the family coffers.
In a strange turn of events, Serafina encounters the great film star and singer Mario Lanza, and becomes an indispensible member of his household.
But the glamour of Lanza’s life is soon seen to be a tattered charade, and Serafina realises that it may rest on her shoulders to hold the family together.
As the maestro declines, so Serafina must grow in strength and purpose, to save her family, herself and her dreams.
Nicky Pellagrino has created a believable and engaging version of the latter years of the great matinee idol’s life, as seen through the eyes of a naive girl.
Keen on reading this book? Buy your copy now.
Read this book yet? Tell us what you thought of the book in the comment box below.
Sign up for Women24 book club newsletter and stand a chance to win our top ten books from kalahari.com.