This was a slow paced novel and nothing really happening for the longest time, but nonetheless I was intrigued. All the action is in the last third of the novel, where everything sort of comes together. 

There were complex characters, which I liked even if I didn’t always like the characters themselves (and most of their choices).  Isabella and Bridget are both manipulative and Bridget is also a compulsive liar 🙈 I understand Bridget’s motivations which helped me not completely hate her but I wanted to shake her sometimes 😂 The one negative about the unlikeable qualities of the girls was that there was zero character development by the end. I don’t mind complex, unlikeable characters but I need character development to be a truly great read.

I loved the setting and the writing style! I don’t always enjoy character driven, slow paced novels but I really enjoyed this one. The writing kept my attention and despite the unlikeable characters, it was such an intriguing look at what someone will do to fit in and be loved by someone they idolize!

Bridget is half Egyptian but it’s not really discussed/explored which I would’ve liked to see more of considering the setting. I think it would have been interesting to see more done with Bridget’s character in that aspect! 

This book reminded me of a Sally Rooney novel (except better, sorry I’m not a Rooney girl). So for any Rooney fans I think you’ll appreciate the writing and complicated characters. Also recommend for anyone who enjoys slower paced, character driven stories! Finally let me just say: queer coming of age ft. lesbians in a 1950s Italian convent 🤌🏻  *chef’s kiss*