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Six Days in Rome
In this decadent, deeply evocative novel, a young artist travels to Rome to heal a broken heart, where she confronts loneliness and intimacy, rage and desire: “Sensorial as hell . . . A stunningly cool and stylish debut" (Paul Beatty, Man Booker Prize-winning author of The Sellout).
Emilia arrives in Rome reeling from heartbreak and reckoning with her past. What was supposed to be a romantic trip has, with the sudden end of a relationship, become a solitary one instead. As she wanders, music, art, food, and the beauty of Rome's wide piazzas and narrow streets color Emilia's dreamy, but weighty experience of the city. She considers the many facets of her life, drifting in and out of memory, following her train of thought wherever it leads.
While climbing a hill near Trastevere, she meets John, an American expat living a seemingly idyllic life. They are soon navigating an intriguing connection, one that brings pain they both hold into the light.
As their intimacy deepens, Emilia starts to see herself anew, both as a woman and as an artist. For the first time in her life, she confronts the ways in which she's been letting her father’s success as a musician overshadow her own. Forced to reckon with both her origins and the choices she's made, Emilia finds herself on a singular journey—and transformed in ways she never expected.
Equal parts visceral and cerebral, Six Days in Rome is an ode to the Eternal City, a celebration of art and creativity, and a meditation on self-discovery.
Emilia arrives in Rome reeling from heartbreak and reckoning with her past. What was supposed to be a romantic trip has, with the sudden end of a relationship, become a solitary one instead. As she wanders, music, art, food, and the beauty of Rome's wide piazzas and narrow streets color Emilia's dreamy, but weighty experience of the city. She considers the many facets of her life, drifting in and out of memory, following her train of thought wherever it leads.
While climbing a hill near Trastevere, she meets John, an American expat living a seemingly idyllic life. They are soon navigating an intriguing connection, one that brings pain they both hold into the light.
As their intimacy deepens, Emilia starts to see herself anew, both as a woman and as an artist. For the first time in her life, she confronts the ways in which she's been letting her father’s success as a musician overshadow her own. Forced to reckon with both her origins and the choices she's made, Emilia finds herself on a singular journey—and transformed in ways she never expected.
Equal parts visceral and cerebral, Six Days in Rome is an ode to the Eternal City, a celebration of art and creativity, and a meditation on self-discovery.
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First published May 3, 2022
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About the author
Francesca Giacco
1 book65 followersFrancesca Giacco is a graduate of Barnard College and the MFA program at Columbia University. She lives in New York. Six Days in Rome is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 350 reviews
September 27, 2022
the next must read in literary, sad girl in a city millennial fiction
the perfect summer release. Add it to your tbr’s girls
the perfect summer release. Add it to your tbr’s girls
February 8, 2024
I had the wonderful opportunity to travel to Europe years ago. One place on our tour stop, was Rome. The essence of the Eternal City was awe-inspiring.
So…
Why not take a trip again to this amazing city, through this book?
As this turns out…
This is not a rom-com beach read. It’s more like a thoughtful reflection.
Yet…
The marketing of this story on its side panel for the hardcover, makes it sound like a mushy Italian romance novel, with an “intriguing connection” between characters, Emilia and expat John.
And…
Speaking of Emilia…
She is a recently, heartbroken artist, who is dealing with a break-up, who happens to meet expat John on her journey.
So…
Is this a love story?
To me…
It felt more like a coming-of-age tale.
Where…
Emilia ventures off on her trip to Rome, sans former partner.
And…
As readers, we head out on this journey with her. We are privy to her thought process as she navigates her life that was supposed to be an adventure for her and her ex-partner.
The story will take us between present and past, so that we can get a better understanding of our travel partner, Emilia.
So…
As she ventures through Rome, instead of it being a carefree adventure, we see it as an opportunity for more meaningful personal growth and self-appraisal. Especially since the trip was planned and designed by her ex.
How will she overcome this?
And…
What about her and expat John?
Even when Emilia has the opportunity to form a closeness with expat John, it seems more like her growth as a person/character, and less about the budding relationship.
We…
Also get to experience the characters development as artists. Which adds a wonderful dimension to the story.
Especially…
When we come to recognize that Emilia’s father is an internationally famous singer/songwriter based on the real-life person, Leonard Cohen. (The author hints at his identity throughout the story.)
So…
Part of Emilia’s growth will also deal with daughter-daddy issues.
Along with…
The drama and trauma that expat John is attempting to overcome.
So…
Yes, this in my estimation, isn’t really a love story. There is more going on here between the pages.
The question really is…
What will happen next for these two?
The author is a talented writer. This story is beautiful, poetic and immersive. It transports readers, on a glorious journey through Rome, its history, immense beauty and art. We can’t help but be taken in by the author’s breath-taking descriptions.
But…
Will that be enough for readers?
3.5 stars rounded up.
So…
Why not take a trip again to this amazing city, through this book?
As this turns out…
This is not a rom-com beach read. It’s more like a thoughtful reflection.
Yet…
The marketing of this story on its side panel for the hardcover, makes it sound like a mushy Italian romance novel, with an “intriguing connection” between characters, Emilia and expat John.
And…
Speaking of Emilia…
She is a recently, heartbroken artist, who is dealing with a break-up, who happens to meet expat John on her journey.
So…
Is this a love story?
To me…
It felt more like a coming-of-age tale.
Where…
Emilia ventures off on her trip to Rome, sans former partner.
And…
As readers, we head out on this journey with her. We are privy to her thought process as she navigates her life that was supposed to be an adventure for her and her ex-partner.
The story will take us between present and past, so that we can get a better understanding of our travel partner, Emilia.
So…
As she ventures through Rome, instead of it being a carefree adventure, we see it as an opportunity for more meaningful personal growth and self-appraisal. Especially since the trip was planned and designed by her ex.
How will she overcome this?
And…
What about her and expat John?
Even when Emilia has the opportunity to form a closeness with expat John, it seems more like her growth as a person/character, and less about the budding relationship.
We…
Also get to experience the characters development as artists. Which adds a wonderful dimension to the story.
Especially…
When we come to recognize that Emilia’s father is an internationally famous singer/songwriter based on the real-life person, Leonard Cohen. (The author hints at his identity throughout the story.)
So…
Part of Emilia’s growth will also deal with daughter-daddy issues.
Along with…
The drama and trauma that expat John is attempting to overcome.
So…
Yes, this in my estimation, isn’t really a love story. There is more going on here between the pages.
The question really is…
What will happen next for these two?
The author is a talented writer. This story is beautiful, poetic and immersive. It transports readers, on a glorious journey through Rome, its history, immense beauty and art. We can’t help but be taken in by the author’s breath-taking descriptions.
But…
Will that be enough for readers?
3.5 stars rounded up.
June 7, 2023
Woman who constantly and unnaturally muses about her severely unoriginal Daddy Issues might be my least favorite literary trope to ever exist. You cannot be thinking about your dad this often for me to not worry about your psyche.
I’m also looking at you, Beach Read.
I’m also looking at you, Beach Read.
April 23, 2022
Sadly this was a DNF for me. I made it to page 150 before I just had to let it go.
Six days in Rome is a slow burn written in the form of stream of consciousness. This made the storyline hard to follow at times as the narrator would jump back in time to various points out of nowhere, or she would jump around as present actions were happening. For example, Emilia was on the phone with her brother having a conversation, then she is all of a sudden in a bookstore looking around without the author having ended their phone call.
Up to the point I read, most of the story had taken place in the past as Emilia reminisced about her ex-boyfriend, art and family. I felt like a lot of unnecessary information was given, and it ultimately detracted from the story and character development. By the time I hit page 150 nothing had happened and I wasn’t invested.
I did enjoy the setting and atmospheric writing. While following Emilia through Rome I felt that I was right there with her and it was a wonderful escape.
I’m thinking this book may be better as audio.
Thank you, Grand Central, for this gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
Six days in Rome is a slow burn written in the form of stream of consciousness. This made the storyline hard to follow at times as the narrator would jump back in time to various points out of nowhere, or she would jump around as present actions were happening. For example, Emilia was on the phone with her brother having a conversation, then she is all of a sudden in a bookstore looking around without the author having ended their phone call.
Up to the point I read, most of the story had taken place in the past as Emilia reminisced about her ex-boyfriend, art and family. I felt like a lot of unnecessary information was given, and it ultimately detracted from the story and character development. By the time I hit page 150 nothing had happened and I wasn’t invested.
I did enjoy the setting and atmospheric writing. While following Emilia through Rome I felt that I was right there with her and it was a wonderful escape.
I’m thinking this book may be better as audio.
Thank you, Grand Central, for this gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 7, 2023
“Шест дни в Рим” от Франческа Джако е бавен, поетичен и интелектуален роман, който прекрасно улавя безвремието, в което изпадаш след любовна раздяла. Бавното осъзнаване, че неща, които са ти се стрували чаровни, всъщност са били червен флаг. Опитите да лекуваш сърцето си, минавайки през петте фази на скръбта. Предполагам, че по-щастливи читатели биха я определили като претенциозна, за мен беше приятно литературна. Има определен тип книги, които поради липсата на по-добро жанрово определение, поместваме в категорията sad girl fiction. “Шест дни в Рим” е сред най-добрите ѝ представители.
Емилия е художничка, която се издържа като продава “естетични” принтове онлайн, семпли графики, които хората обичат да слагат по стените на апартаментите си като декор за снимки в инстаграм и да наричат “изкуство”. Самата Емилия е раздвоена в разбирането си за тези рисунки - да, те плащат сметките, но дали е истинско изкуство? Дали, баща ѝ не е прав, че е похабила таланта си и не е направила нищо смислено с него? Че не се е постарала достатъчно?... Емилия в Рим за шест дни - ваканция, която е планирала за Майкъл, когото е смятала за любовта на живота си. Майкъл е малко по-възрастен, успешен писател, малко претенциозен (достатъчно, че да изглежда като интелектуалец) и я кара да се чувства сепциална. Докато не се оказва, че това, което е мислила за връзка всъщност е било една по-дълга situationship, а Майкъл не само е посветил новата си книга на жена си, ами и смята да се върне при нея.
Така че Емилия си събира багажа, оставащите фази на скръбта и отива в Рим - любимия град на Майкъл. Спи в леглото, в което си е представяла, че ще правят любов, обикаля ресторантите, в които той е искал да се храни, опитва коктейли, вина и храни, които той обича. И се опитва да го преживее.
В протяжните римски разходки, Емилия се впуска и в пътешествие назад не само към връзката си с Майкъл, но и към спомените за семейството си. Баща ѝ е култов певец, музикант и поет (книгата е пълна с алюзии към Ленърд Коен), чийто талант е оставил дълбок отпечатък върху всеки в семейството. Тъгата на Емилия прилича на глава лук - след всяка свалена люспа изниква нова травма, докато не стигнем до сърцевината (което е спойлер, затова ще го спестя).
В Рим Емилия среща Джон - мъж, който носи собствените си травми, но за разлика от нея, сякаш е точно на мястото си във Вечния град. Между двамата се ражда онази интимност, която може да съществува между двама непознати, които знаят, че рано или късно времето, което имат ще изтече.
Далеч съм от мисълта, че книга като тази допада на всеки - в нея няма хаотично изброяване на забелижителности, нито пък щастлив край в класическия му смисъл. Но в един друг, по-различен, по-вечен, щастливият край е там
Емилия е художничка, която се издържа като продава “естетични” принтове онлайн, семпли графики, които хората обичат да слагат по стените на апартаментите си като декор за снимки в инстаграм и да наричат “изкуство”. Самата Емилия е раздвоена в разбирането си за тези рисунки - да, те плащат сметките, но дали е истинско изкуство? Дали, баща ѝ не е прав, че е похабила таланта си и не е направила нищо смислено с него? Че не се е постарала достатъчно?... Емилия в Рим за шест дни - ваканция, която е планирала за Майкъл, когото е смятала за любовта на живота си. Майкъл е малко по-възрастен, успешен писател, малко претенциозен (достатъчно, че да изглежда като интелектуалец) и я кара да се чувства сепциална. Докато не се оказва, че това, което е мислила за връзка всъщност е било една по-дълга situationship, а Майкъл не само е посветил новата си книга на жена си, ами и смята да се върне при нея.
Така че Емилия си събира багажа, оставащите фази на скръбта и отива в Рим - любимия град на Майкъл. Спи в леглото, в което си е представяла, че ще правят любов, обикаля ресторантите, в които той е искал да се храни, опитва коктейли, вина и храни, които той обича. И се опитва да го преживее.
В протяжните римски разходки, Емилия се впуска и в пътешествие назад не само към връзката си с Майкъл, но и към спомените за семейството си. Баща ѝ е култов певец, музикант и поет (книгата е пълна с алюзии към Ленърд Коен), чийто талант е оставил дълбок отпечатък върху всеки в семейството. Тъгата на Емилия прилича на глава лук - след всяка свалена люспа изниква нова травма, докато не стигнем до сърцевината (което е спойлер, затова ще го спестя).
В Рим Емилия среща Джон - мъж, който носи собствените си травми, но за разлика от нея, сякаш е точно на мястото си във Вечния град. Между двамата се ражда онази интимност, която може да съществува между двама непознати, които знаят, че рано или късно времето, което имат ще изтече.
Далеч съм от мисълта, че книга като тази допада на всеки - в нея няма хаотично изброяване на забелижителности, нито пък щастлив край в класическия му смисъл. Но в един друг, по-различен, по-вечен, щастливият край е там
May 21, 2022
Emilia and her now ex-beau planned a trip to Rome together, for six days, but then Michael informed her, after many months of dating, that he was breaking up with her, because he was (and had been) married. The heartbreaking duplicity fit right in with her father’s behavior and profession—a Tom Waits-y, Leonard Cohen-ish famous songwriter and singer who cheated on Emilia’s mother many times. He even stole lyrics that Emilia wrote when she was seven, and made it into his most famous and signature song. Now thirty-one (and beautiful), she feels unlovely as she makes her way to Rome by herself, a place she hasn’t visited since childhood. As betrayed as Emilia feels, she yet inhabits Rome in the most sensuous and sensual ways imaginable, gifting the reader with her natural charm and buoyancy, which readily flickers through her despondency.
It's Emilia’a voice--both intimate and remote simultaneously. How? She’s artless and candid, a warm presence on the pages. She comes in layers, and we watch them peel away gradually as she walks the streets and piazzas of Rome. It’s been almost a decade since I visited Rome, and Emilia vividly brings it all back to me, so effortless does it seem.
Francesca Giacco pumps fresh breath into this ancient city, blending the hills, paths, restaurants, shimmering sun and stone streets of Rome with the personal history of the protagonist, evoking magic and reverence. Emilia’s sorrows are delicately and stunningly rendered, her memories sharp and soft, paced and timed flawlessly. Her desultory moods and thoughts are also seamless images and perspectives.
Emilia is a successful social media artist, while her mother paints pictures she never sells or gives away. Her brother, Jack, makes lots of money in a glass high-rise. Emilia’s life is given to us in poignant snaps and dips and tender shallows, all of it elegantly shattering. I could read this book again and again and cry in different places, and smile at the buttery sun, feel deepened by the magnificent sex. You will fall in love with her, it’s a love song to Emilia, and Giacco captures that ineffable essence of Rome.
“The Tiber is a welcome sight. I grip a lamppost for a moment, extra stability, and stare at Saint Peter’s. Lit to glow, to suggest it never sleeps, gears of faith forever turning. I feel a weight could slowly be lifting, so gradually it seems there’s no movement at all.”
It's Emilia’a voice--both intimate and remote simultaneously. How? She’s artless and candid, a warm presence on the pages. She comes in layers, and we watch them peel away gradually as she walks the streets and piazzas of Rome. It’s been almost a decade since I visited Rome, and Emilia vividly brings it all back to me, so effortless does it seem.
Francesca Giacco pumps fresh breath into this ancient city, blending the hills, paths, restaurants, shimmering sun and stone streets of Rome with the personal history of the protagonist, evoking magic and reverence. Emilia’s sorrows are delicately and stunningly rendered, her memories sharp and soft, paced and timed flawlessly. Her desultory moods and thoughts are also seamless images and perspectives.
Emilia is a successful social media artist, while her mother paints pictures she never sells or gives away. Her brother, Jack, makes lots of money in a glass high-rise. Emilia’s life is given to us in poignant snaps and dips and tender shallows, all of it elegantly shattering. I could read this book again and again and cry in different places, and smile at the buttery sun, feel deepened by the magnificent sex. You will fall in love with her, it’s a love song to Emilia, and Giacco captures that ineffable essence of Rome.
“The Tiber is a welcome sight. I grip a lamppost for a moment, extra stability, and stare at Saint Peter’s. Lit to glow, to suggest it never sleeps, gears of faith forever turning. I feel a weight could slowly be lifting, so gradually it seems there’s no movement at all.”
Read
March 12, 2024“É um daqueles livros sem grande enredo. Sim, é certo que a determinado momento aparece um americano que mora em Roma, e com quem Emilia acaba a ter um caso, mas é uma narrativa muito mais centrada nas reflexões da personagem principal. Para mim, mais do que isso, *Six Days in Rome* é uma ode à cidade de Roma, uma espécie de guia não-turístico que consegue capturar muito bem a essência daquele local. Não posso dizer que seja memorável, mas já valeu a pena por me fazer viajar durante umas horas.”
Review completa em: https://ritadanova.blogs.sapo.pt/six-....
Review completa em: https://ritadanova.blogs.sapo.pt/six-....
March 23, 2022
After Emilia’s relationship suddenly ends, she decides to take the vacation to Rome that she’d planned with her ex as a solo traveler instead. Emilia acts as our deeply observant and self-reflective narrator as we experience the city with her. We weave in and out of her memories, emotions, personal relationships, and experiences of Italy. During her stay, she meets John, an expat she unexpectedly connects with who challenges her to face difficult memories and relationships from her past.
Giacco’s novel is proof that a book doesn’t require a flashy plot to carry enormous weight. Emilia grapples with her role as an artist, memories of her previous relationship, and what it means to love people in her life who perhaps do not deserve it. The characters are flawed and real and conclusions are not wrapped up tidily. This is a quiet exploration of heartbreak, art, freedom, memory, and new beginnings, made all the more powerful by the deftness with which Giacco reveals the characters to the reader and to each other.
Ever since visiting Rome myself more than a decade ago, I’ve searched for a depiction of the city that transported me back there without falling into cliche. Giacco gets it exactly right, down to the smallest detail. I wish I could keep living in this story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this ARC e-book in exchange for an honest review.
Giacco’s novel is proof that a book doesn’t require a flashy plot to carry enormous weight. Emilia grapples with her role as an artist, memories of her previous relationship, and what it means to love people in her life who perhaps do not deserve it. The characters are flawed and real and conclusions are not wrapped up tidily. This is a quiet exploration of heartbreak, art, freedom, memory, and new beginnings, made all the more powerful by the deftness with which Giacco reveals the characters to the reader and to each other.
Ever since visiting Rome myself more than a decade ago, I’ve searched for a depiction of the city that transported me back there without falling into cliche. Giacco gets it exactly right, down to the smallest detail. I wish I could keep living in this story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this ARC e-book in exchange for an honest review.
January 16, 2023
this book sucks so bad
beyond the insufferable narrator and complete lack of plot, the writing style itself is choppy and confusing. i kept waiting for literally anything to happen and nothing did.
i’m also not very critical of anything, like a book or movie can be objectively pretty bad but if i find it remotely entertaining it’s good — and even this was painful for me to get through. do not recommend.
beyond the insufferable narrator and complete lack of plot, the writing style itself is choppy and confusing. i kept waiting for literally anything to happen and nothing did.
i’m also not very critical of anything, like a book or movie can be objectively pretty bad but if i find it remotely entertaining it’s good — and even this was painful for me to get through. do not recommend.
May 23, 2022
Rome is my favorite city to visit, so I loved the parts of this novel that paid homage to its denizens, sights, sounds, tastes, and atmosphere.
The plot didn't do much for me: a privileged young woman who has been betrayed by her lover, goes to Rome alone to navel-gaze and experiences a "Freudian Epiphany" that anyone with Psych 101 could have seen coming.
The plot didn't do much for me: a privileged young woman who has been betrayed by her lover, goes to Rome alone to navel-gaze and experiences a "Freudian Epiphany" that anyone with Psych 101 could have seen coming.
October 18, 2022
yikes E, felt the daddy issues in this one profoundly
May 22, 2022
Started this book in the airport, physical copy.
Finished it while in Italy on a train, audiobook.
(I know, overkill, owning two different media types of the same book, but sue me! I get through audiobooks much faster and I could listen while actually walking through Rome!)
If you’re looking for a book dripping with the flavors and dolce vita feelings of Rome, well….. you sorta have it, sorta don’t with this one.
There are some really great escapism parts to this book. Some really lovely descriptions of Italian cuisine and the sweltering heat of Rome in July. These parts I drank up like an Aperol Spritz.
But… about half the book was flashbacks to the main character’s life in America.
BASIC PREMISE: girl gets dumped, goes to Rome for 6 days, heartbroken, trying to piece her life back together.
Honestly I was pretty pumped with that pitch! I, too, have been heartbroken in Italy, and it just hits different! I was looking forward to relating to this character!
Unfortunately I did not. Her life was just too cushy to feel relatable. Her father is a famous singer, she’s had many opportunities to travel, and she’s an artist who happens to be successful enough to make a living for herself in New York City (of all the expensive places!) with artwork that she basically calls easy doodles…. And I’m supposed to feel sorry for her? Just because she chose the wrong guy?
Turns out she has a lot more family problems that she needs unpacking as well. She meets an American living in Rome named John, and, what do you know? They hit it off.
There wasn’t really a plot to this book. Period.
It’s just a book that goes through each of the 6 days she spends in Rome, with a lot of flashbacks. I didn’t learn enough about her past lover to made me want to miss him the way she did. I got a lot more story about her parents, it seemed, and how she doesn’t seem to have a healthy relationship with any of the men in her life.
The main character is very observant, almost to the point of being critical, in my opinion. She seemed to overanalyze every conversation, make assumptions about everyone’s motives, scrutinize every encounter. To me, it felt like she was being a know-it-all. I wanted to scream at her, “Just let it be!”
The end of the book came, and I’m not sure what I’m supposed to assume. Again, there wasn’t really a plot to be invested in. So it just ended. And I’m not really bothered to know what might become of our main character. *shrug*
I wanted ugly, stabbing heartbreak with a beautiful Roman backdrop! (Pretty niche, I know) But I didn’t really get that. I got my Roman backdrop (which is what saved this book and secured it’s 3 star rating) but I didn’t relate to the main character or her pain or her new attachment to John.
So yeah… sorta conflicted!
Finished it while in Italy on a train, audiobook.
(I know, overkill, owning two different media types of the same book, but sue me! I get through audiobooks much faster and I could listen while actually walking through Rome!)
If you’re looking for a book dripping with the flavors and dolce vita feelings of Rome, well….. you sorta have it, sorta don’t with this one.
There are some really great escapism parts to this book. Some really lovely descriptions of Italian cuisine and the sweltering heat of Rome in July. These parts I drank up like an Aperol Spritz.
But… about half the book was flashbacks to the main character’s life in America.
BASIC PREMISE: girl gets dumped, goes to Rome for 6 days, heartbroken, trying to piece her life back together.
Honestly I was pretty pumped with that pitch! I, too, have been heartbroken in Italy, and it just hits different! I was looking forward to relating to this character!
Unfortunately I did not. Her life was just too cushy to feel relatable. Her father is a famous singer, she’s had many opportunities to travel, and she’s an artist who happens to be successful enough to make a living for herself in New York City (of all the expensive places!) with artwork that she basically calls easy doodles…. And I’m supposed to feel sorry for her? Just because she chose the wrong guy?
Turns out she has a lot more family problems that she needs unpacking as well. She meets an American living in Rome named John, and, what do you know? They hit it off.
There wasn’t really a plot to this book. Period.
It’s just a book that goes through each of the 6 days she spends in Rome, with a lot of flashbacks. I didn’t learn enough about her past lover to made me want to miss him the way she did. I got a lot more story about her parents, it seemed, and how she doesn’t seem to have a healthy relationship with any of the men in her life.
The main character is very observant, almost to the point of being critical, in my opinion. She seemed to overanalyze every conversation, make assumptions about everyone’s motives, scrutinize every encounter. To me, it felt like she was being a know-it-all. I wanted to scream at her, “Just let it be!”
The end of the book came, and I’m not sure what I’m supposed to assume. Again, there wasn’t really a plot to be invested in. So it just ended. And I’m not really bothered to know what might become of our main character. *shrug*
I wanted ugly, stabbing heartbreak with a beautiful Roman backdrop! (Pretty niche, I know) But I didn’t really get that. I got my Roman backdrop (which is what saved this book and secured it’s 3 star rating) but I didn’t relate to the main character or her pain or her new attachment to John.
So yeah… sorta conflicted!
August 7, 2023
Хубав роман, който имаше всички предпоставки да ми хареса - Рим, Ню-Йорк, изкуство, художничка, писател, разговори за литература. За жалост не успях да усетя нищо от случващото се в него.
Дали авторката пише дистанцирано или аз самата се дистанцирах от главната героиня, не мога да преценя. Има някаква стерилност в историята и героите, която ми е трудно да опиша, но усещах през цялото време, докато четях.
На кратко - Емилия (художничка) се разделя с Майкъл (писател) и заминава за Рим на почивка планирана за двама им. Вечеря, разхожда се и пие коктейли на места, в които е трябвало да бъдат двамата. Саморефлексиите и за отношенията им и развоя на връзката им се редуват със спомени от детството и живота и с родителите и, които също са хора на изкуството. По никакъв начин не успях да се свържа с Емилия. Беше ми напълно безразлична и не усетих и частица от емоциите, които авторката се опитваше да предаде.
От друга страна това изобщо не е типичната лековата история за жена, която бяга в Рим и снове из забележителностите на града, докато се налива с аперол. Има класа, литература и изтънченост, но аз не успях да я усетя и оценя подобаващо.
Дали авторката пише дистанцирано или аз самата се дистанцирах от главната героиня, не мога да преценя. Има някаква стерилност в историята и героите, която ми е трудно да опиша, но усещах през цялото време, докато четях.
На кратко - Емилия (художничка) се разделя с Майкъл (писател) и заминава за Рим на почивка планирана за двама им. Вечеря, разхожда се и пие коктейли на места, в които е трябвало да бъдат двамата. Саморефлексиите и за отношенията им и развоя на връзката им се редуват със спомени от детството и живота и с родителите и, които също са хора на изкуството. По никакъв начин не успях да се свържа с Емилия. Беше ми напълно безразлична и не усетих и частица от емоциите, които авторката се опитваше да предаде.
От друга страна това изобщо не е типичната лековата история за жена, която бяга в Рим и снове из забележителностите на града, докато се налива с аперол. Има класа, литература и изтънченост, но аз не успях да я усетя и оценя подобаващо.
July 1, 2022
DNF I couldn’t bare to read any more obsessive delusional and down right depressing thoughts. There was more about how she missed a cheating lovers kiss than the city itself. It should have been called something else because I felt like I was more in her depressive head than in this beautiful city.
Very disappointed and after reading reviews (after I decided to stop reading the book) I realised how so many felt the same way. It’s stripped me of my joys of Rome and left me in a dark abyss of negativity.
No more.
Very disappointed and after reading reviews (after I decided to stop reading the book) I realised how so many felt the same way. It’s stripped me of my joys of Rome and left me in a dark abyss of negativity.
No more.
Read
June 18, 2022Not my cup of tea. I liked all the descriptions of Rome. I didn’t care for the main character. The build up was very slow and I didn’t get the ending. This one was miss for me.
August 19, 2023
☀️"Тръгвам по уличка, носеща името ми, неспособна да избягам от жегата. В разгара на следобеда е, в разгара на лятото. Бугенвилията ще продължи да се вие около врати и прозорци и да се катери по стени още месеци наред.
🍕Тук съм само за няколко дни, сама.
Да бъда в Рим трябваше да бъде различно.
🍷Вървяла съм по Лъндън Бридж в силния студ на декемврийска вечер, докато вятърът изпразваше мозъка ми. Протягала съм крака в тревата край канал Сен-Мартен, отпивайки хладко розе от пластмасова чаша, улавяйки отминаващото късно лято.
🍊 Хвърляла съм поглед покрай разцъфнали портокалови дръвчета към извисяващата се Алхамбра в носещия се наоколо пушек от наргиле.
Всичко това сама."
"Шест дни в Рим"
Франческа Джако
🍕Тук съм само за няколко дни, сама.
Да бъда в Рим трябваше да бъде различно.
🍷Вървяла съм по Лъндън Бридж в силния студ на декемврийска вечер, докато вятърът изпразваше мозъка ми. Протягала съм крака в тревата край канал Сен-Мартен, отпивайки хладко розе от пластмасова чаша, улавяйки отминаващото късно лято.
🍊 Хвърляла съм поглед покрай разцъфнали портокалови дръвчета към извисяващата се Алхамбра в носещия се наоколо пушек от наргиле.
Всичко това сама."
"Шест дни в Рим"
Франческа Джако
June 26, 2022
This book wasn't for me. Based on the blurb I was lead to believe this would be a vacation story with some depth but I found the story line uninspiring and the main character unlikeable, boring and pretentious.
I was taken back to Rome with the imagery of familiar places but couldn't shake the knowledge that the main characters are Americans and if you've ever traveled in Europe and found yourself in the company of Americans they come off as loud and obnoxious... you can hear them from a mile away!
Her pining after Michael was annoying and the romance between Emilia and John was cringeworthy.
I thought the writing came off a bit too contrived. Would not recommend.
I was taken back to Rome with the imagery of familiar places but couldn't shake the knowledge that the main characters are Americans and if you've ever traveled in Europe and found yourself in the company of Americans they come off as loud and obnoxious... you can hear them from a mile away!
Her pining after Michael was annoying and the romance between Emilia and John was cringeworthy.
I thought the writing came off a bit too contrived. Would not recommend.
April 21, 2022
3.5 stars
A quiet, reflective stream of consciousness throughout Italy.
I liked this, but also wish that it were a bit more about the present tense and less about the past. There’s a lot of going back in time, and it felt like too much. I was more interested in what was happening in the now.
Also, one of my pet peeves in chapters is king chapters, and this book has loooooong chapters.
*special thanks to Grand Central pub for the gifted copy.
A quiet, reflective stream of consciousness throughout Italy.
I liked this, but also wish that it were a bit more about the present tense and less about the past. There’s a lot of going back in time, and it felt like too much. I was more interested in what was happening in the now.
Also, one of my pet peeves in chapters is king chapters, and this book has loooooong chapters.
*special thanks to Grand Central pub for the gifted copy.
March 12, 2022
Oh, my goodness. This book took me longer to read, but that was just because I wanted to immerse myself in the plot. Six Days in Rome is a beautiful piece of literature and a must read. Make sure to purchase this book when it comes out on May 3rd. Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this advanced copy.
September 15, 2022
I’ll give this two starts bc its set in rome and i cant help myself whennit comes to novels set in italy but this was so cringe, was really trying so hard to be profound but the dialogue was wanky and i hated all the characters
June 15, 2022
The stream of consciousness writing was not for me. Over 100 page chapters also not for me. I read this for a book review for a local website otherwise this would have been a dnf.
June 27, 2022
If you are looking for something different and a virtual trip to Europe, then this could well prove the ticket. Six Days in Rome is a unique piece of literature with this ancient city playing a major character. Don’t be deceived - this book is far from being a travel journal. It is a sublime reflection on relationships in all its various forms. For sure, there are wonderful descriptive passages on Roman cuisine, locales and the general ambiance. Yet it is equal parts a delve into the lead characters past and her life in America.
‘Is this how these six days are going to unfold? Circling strangers, overhearing hints of their lives, imagining what the rest might resemble? Wanting to know them? Not being able to?’
At one level you have Emilia who is dealing with the breakup of her relationship and a trip to Rome that is now solo rather than duo. Emilia is the conduit through which the reader observes and reflects on a plethora of sites, sounds and situations. Emilia takes you on a journey not only through Rome itself (which is wonderful) but also through her life and loves - a reflection on her life and a vast array of experiences from her past. Somewhat of a romance but I rather see some of her encounters as opportunities to challenge and face her past demons.
‘No one knows me here, and with that, certain things seem possible. Like I’m capable of strength or abandon on this side of the ocean that would be laughable at home. I'm someone else waiting for something new to happen.’
Francesca’s writing is something quite unique. There is no major plot going on here. Rather, this is a person who takes these six days for ambling introspection - her relationships, her family, her job, her future. This is messy and even in the end, nothing is boxed up neatly and placed away. Rather this is prose exploring art, freedoms, love and loss. I am somewhat torn by this book. On the one hand there is so much to relate to and embrace and yet …. it does jump around and go off on sudden tangents. It may be six days in Rome but there are a lot of days spent elsewhere.
‘This was a deal I made with myself before coming here: no communicating with anyone from my real life, within reason. The idea was to double down on solitude, in hopes it might teach me something. That maybe, with no outside interference, I could start to see more clearly.’
There is no escaping that this is a beautifully written book. This is a book that makes you pause and ponder, it is character based and one hundred percent reflective. I have many highlights that I will return to and contemplate. There is much on offer here to encourage you to spend Six Days in Rome.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
‘Is this how these six days are going to unfold? Circling strangers, overhearing hints of their lives, imagining what the rest might resemble? Wanting to know them? Not being able to?’
At one level you have Emilia who is dealing with the breakup of her relationship and a trip to Rome that is now solo rather than duo. Emilia is the conduit through which the reader observes and reflects on a plethora of sites, sounds and situations. Emilia takes you on a journey not only through Rome itself (which is wonderful) but also through her life and loves - a reflection on her life and a vast array of experiences from her past. Somewhat of a romance but I rather see some of her encounters as opportunities to challenge and face her past demons.
‘No one knows me here, and with that, certain things seem possible. Like I’m capable of strength or abandon on this side of the ocean that would be laughable at home. I'm someone else waiting for something new to happen.’
Francesca’s writing is something quite unique. There is no major plot going on here. Rather, this is a person who takes these six days for ambling introspection - her relationships, her family, her job, her future. This is messy and even in the end, nothing is boxed up neatly and placed away. Rather this is prose exploring art, freedoms, love and loss. I am somewhat torn by this book. On the one hand there is so much to relate to and embrace and yet …. it does jump around and go off on sudden tangents. It may be six days in Rome but there are a lot of days spent elsewhere.
‘This was a deal I made with myself before coming here: no communicating with anyone from my real life, within reason. The idea was to double down on solitude, in hopes it might teach me something. That maybe, with no outside interference, I could start to see more clearly.’
There is no escaping that this is a beautifully written book. This is a book that makes you pause and ponder, it is character based and one hundred percent reflective. I have many highlights that I will return to and contemplate. There is much on offer here to encourage you to spend Six Days in Rome.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
August 3, 2023
DNF on page 150. It was very slow and I think I was mislead by the summary, I thought it would be a fun and summery read. I did not like the stream of consciousness in this one, we don’t even know what we are reading about anymore. Unfortunately, this book was not for me I guess.
June 3, 2025
Tash’s bday book club 🎂⭐️📚 ….. call it 3.5 stars cause I can’t decide
April 7, 2022
I adored this story. The main character, Emilia, takes a solo trip to Rome, a trip that was supposed to be taken with her now ex-boyfriend. As she is in Rome for six days, she discovers her true self again.
I wish this book was longer!!!! The imagery and details were so profound that I truly felt like I was in Rome with Emilia. It was so powerful to watch Emilia find her way as an independent woman, doing what she wanted to do- not what society or anyone else was telling her to do.
Thank you @grandcentralpub for this gifted ARC (publication date: May 3, 2022). I definitely recommend picking up a copy once it is officially published!
I wish this book was longer!!!! The imagery and details were so profound that I truly felt like I was in Rome with Emilia. It was so powerful to watch Emilia find her way as an independent woman, doing what she wanted to do- not what society or anyone else was telling her to do.
Thank you @grandcentralpub for this gifted ARC (publication date: May 3, 2022). I definitely recommend picking up a copy once it is officially published!
September 3, 2022
Thank you #grandcentralpublishing for this #giftedcopy in exchange for my unbiased review. I am sorry to say this was almost a DNF for me. I recognize the hard work and dedication authors put into their work, but my honest opinion is that this novel just didn't catch my interest. It seemed a collection of random unremarkable ideas and a stream of consciousness that interrupted the flow of the story. I wasn't invested in the characters, didn't buy the new relationship, and it just felt disjointed and choppy with no real purpose or conclusion. I understand the journey to self-awareness and did enjoy the descriptions of Rome, Art and the Italian fare. I just think this book had so much more potential.
April 5, 2022
A lovely reflection on Rome, relationships, family, and the relationship you have with your own self (and, how to stay true to that self!)
I picked this book up because I've lived in Rome and wanted to revisit it. I got that, and much more. Although it was a bit slow at times, it was like going to Rome without purchasing a plane ticket. By the end, I felt like I knew her family and what it was like to walk around the city in her shoes.
Perfect for anyone who loves solo travel and going deep into a narrator's head.
I picked this book up because I've lived in Rome and wanted to revisit it. I got that, and much more. Although it was a bit slow at times, it was like going to Rome without purchasing a plane ticket. By the end, I felt like I knew her family and what it was like to walk around the city in her shoes.
Perfect for anyone who loves solo travel and going deep into a narrator's head.
July 12, 2022
Wow! Just, wow!
The writing, the food, the art, Italy in July.
This book is like reading a dream and is a literary marvel!
Thanks to my friend Paul for recommending this beauty!
The writing, the food, the art, Italy in July.
This book is like reading a dream and is a literary marvel!
Thanks to my friend Paul for recommending this beauty!
May 7, 2023
Personalmente, no me ga gustado nada. El libro constantemente está recordando cosas del pasado que de pronto vuelve al presente. Lo único bueno del libro es las descripciones de los lugares de Roma.
May 19, 2022
‘And, with a slight left, there it is. All this space suddenly, exhale. Butter yellow buildings, with their faded blue windows. Some apartments have flower boxes, some are bare. If it were a little darker, I’d be able to see inside. Spectacular things in Rome can just happen like this, with no warning. Around a non-descript building, a gorgeous slap in the face.’
Six Days in Rome by Francesca Giacco was published May 3rd with Headline Review and is described as ‘visceral, decadent and deeply evocative… a novel about reckoning with complex pasts and choices made – and finding what you didn’t know you were looking for.'
Six Days in Rome has brought me the much needed escapism I have been looking for in recent times. Having been lucky to travel to Rome twice in the past, this virtual trip there brought me right back to its unique beauty. Rome is Rome, a city that dances to its own tune and is one that once visited, leaves a permanent mark in your heart and soul.
Emilia is an artist who had visited Rome with her family some years previously. Now she visits alone. This trip that had been planned meticulously was supposed to have been for Emilia and her partner, Michael. It was one that she had been very excited about but their traumatic break-up has now resulted in a solo journey. Emilia decided to stick with the itinerary as originally planned but was unprepared for the impact her Roman adventure would have on her.
As Emilia travels around the ancient and new of this Italian city, she makes observations through a stream of consciousness describing the path and sights ahead of her. She criss-crosses the Tiber, making forays into the bohemian neighbourhood of Trastevere and wandering the streets near the Piazza Navona sipping espressos at the counter and drinking Italian specialties while watching the world go by. On her excursions she bumps into John, a fellow American who has made a new life for himself here in Rome. They have an instantaneous connection, one that neither was expecting. John sees life through a very different lens giving Emilia an alternative look as to how she has lived her life to date and the ofttimes fraught relationship she has with her family. Emilia grew up in a household where her father travelled a lot as a successful musician, leaving her mother in charge. Over the years Emilia has tried to forge her own unique path away from the constant shadow of her father but it has challenged her and has impacted her approach to living her life. With these six days in Rome she considers her life through someone else’s eyes, starting her on an unexpected journey of self-discovery.
Six Days in Rome is a sensuous novel, a reflection on life. Giacco takes the reader on a glorious journey set against the backdrop of this city, one with such an extraordinary history. Personal exploration and the complexities of the family dynamic are both key in this narrative, interwoven with Giacco’s breath-taking descriptions of the Eternal City with all its spectacular sights, sounds and smells. A completely immersive experience, Six Days in Rome is a dazzling debut and, as author Paul Beatty describes it, is ‘stunningly cool’.
Six Days in Rome by Francesca Giacco was published May 3rd with Headline Review and is described as ‘visceral, decadent and deeply evocative… a novel about reckoning with complex pasts and choices made – and finding what you didn’t know you were looking for.'
Six Days in Rome has brought me the much needed escapism I have been looking for in recent times. Having been lucky to travel to Rome twice in the past, this virtual trip there brought me right back to its unique beauty. Rome is Rome, a city that dances to its own tune and is one that once visited, leaves a permanent mark in your heart and soul.
Emilia is an artist who had visited Rome with her family some years previously. Now she visits alone. This trip that had been planned meticulously was supposed to have been for Emilia and her partner, Michael. It was one that she had been very excited about but their traumatic break-up has now resulted in a solo journey. Emilia decided to stick with the itinerary as originally planned but was unprepared for the impact her Roman adventure would have on her.
As Emilia travels around the ancient and new of this Italian city, she makes observations through a stream of consciousness describing the path and sights ahead of her. She criss-crosses the Tiber, making forays into the bohemian neighbourhood of Trastevere and wandering the streets near the Piazza Navona sipping espressos at the counter and drinking Italian specialties while watching the world go by. On her excursions she bumps into John, a fellow American who has made a new life for himself here in Rome. They have an instantaneous connection, one that neither was expecting. John sees life through a very different lens giving Emilia an alternative look as to how she has lived her life to date and the ofttimes fraught relationship she has with her family. Emilia grew up in a household where her father travelled a lot as a successful musician, leaving her mother in charge. Over the years Emilia has tried to forge her own unique path away from the constant shadow of her father but it has challenged her and has impacted her approach to living her life. With these six days in Rome she considers her life through someone else’s eyes, starting her on an unexpected journey of self-discovery.
Six Days in Rome is a sensuous novel, a reflection on life. Giacco takes the reader on a glorious journey set against the backdrop of this city, one with such an extraordinary history. Personal exploration and the complexities of the family dynamic are both key in this narrative, interwoven with Giacco’s breath-taking descriptions of the Eternal City with all its spectacular sights, sounds and smells. A completely immersive experience, Six Days in Rome is a dazzling debut and, as author Paul Beatty describes it, is ‘stunningly cool’.
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