Kiss My Jagged Face

by Isabetta Andolini

Francine is caught between two worlds: one in which she feels at home but stunted and one in which she feels dominant but distant, all the while balancing her precariously regimented mental health.

A wild child living in 1970s London, manic-depressive Francine must prove to herself and the watchful eyes of her father and psychiatrists that she is capable of more in order to attain the stimulating lifestyle she desires. She finally lands a job in New York and makes the jump only to find out she is pregnant by her rock-and-roll ex-boyfriend back in London. The New York life she idolized is fast and moneyed, but Francine quickly realizes that escape is not necessarily a solution. Torn between American success, motherhood, and the life she left behind, Francine’s independence has never felt so costly.

Decades later, Francine’s daughter Margherita accompanies her architect father to the island of Mustique, where he oversees the development of a new resort while Margherita plans an ambitious project of her own. Unable to mend her fraught relationship with Francine, Margherita adopts her dictum: “don’t let anyone make you feel small.” Eager to embody her fierce spirit, she heads to Italy’s Ligurian coast to revitalize a dilapidated villa and turn it into a chic, seaside hotel. When the project—and Marghe’s tenacity—begin to splinter, she finds herself retracing Francine’s steps from London to Big Sur, in search of the one person whose opinion and guidance means the most. How does one learn to be close to a loved one from their past while also growing boldly away from them?

Kiss My Jagged Face, the second work of fiction in the ITALIAN LESSONS series, shines a spotlight on self-control, the art of finding home, and explores the yin to courage's yang: facing the fear that comes with it.

Genres: Fiction

538 pages, Paperback

First published January 14, 2023

Reviews

[Adrianela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book (just like Italian Lessons) is beautifully written. I loved how there are two points of view and it’s told across time. I also loved how music plays such a big role in the book and how relatable the characters were (even the flawed ones). There are also multiple locations and settings in the book and the writer does an amazing job of explaining all the little details to make you feel like you’re actually there. I really hope there’s a third book, just absolutely loved it.

[Laura Frattaroli · Rating 5 out of 5]

You did it again!! What a magical ride this was. Couldn’t put it down. Loved all the characters and their complexities. I need more!!

[Ruthann Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. The first book wasn't good imo, but this one surprised me.

The prose is *so* aesthetically pleasing, and now I want to go revisit- nay- LIVE in London. The way Andolini set the story in some of the most beautiful places in the world (Carmel, Big Sur CA, Italy, NYC, London, etc) and THEN had a perfect storyline to support it? *chef's kiss*

The characters are far more nuanced, likeable, and impressive than they were in the first novel. Our main character, Margherita, actually has complex thoughts and is self-aware (and has to deal with her consequences), so that was refreshing. The story also uncovers why she was such a pick-me in the first book (spoiler: trauma).

I definitely stayed up reading this one. It was a bit long but I didn't really have a problem with it because it was a summer read that let me vicariously visit all of my favorite travel destinations.

Oh! Also there were a *lot* of Fleetwood Mac references, which was a delight to read.

[Courtney B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Italian Lessons so when I learned of this “sequel” I couldn’t hit “Buy Now” fast enough.

Isabetta’s writing immediately transports you - whether to the 70’s, or London, or Italy, or Mystique or somewhere deep within the recesses of your brain and/or soul where you connect on a visceral level with one of more of her characters.

I wanted to devour this book as I did her first but also had to take my time as I never wanted it to end. I see she’s working on Book 3 and while I don’t want to rush genius I am counting the days to be back in her beautiful world again.

Brava!

[Jessica Galano · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Italian Lessons earlier this year and was overjoyed when I saw there was a sequel. Both are written soooo beautifully but Kiss My Jagged Face truly is amazing. Such a powerful story of mother and daughter - two intelligent women who feel so lost in their own way.

I really enjoyed all the little details that brought this story to life - the music, the attention to detail of all the different settings, the realistic family dynamics, and especially Margherita’s internal monologue.

I would love to see this made into a tv series!

[Christina Fattore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabetta does it again. Kiss My Jagged Face is all about Marghe exploring to find herself in the world. Now, a post pandemic world, Marghe is beginning to realize, she is no longer that twenty something lady, and it is a hard reality for her to accept. She's struggling between the idea of chasing adventure, while also looking for stability.

I was so encapsulated by Keith's and Francie's relationship. There was so much depth- love and hurt. Keith was Francie's stabilizer in her life- he was her drug that kept her living, until it became too much for him. Truly, heartbreaking.

Marghe and Nick- their relationship is complex. I love them together, but it's also so toxic. I wish they were able to communicate better and be more transparent. If anything, the men who re-appeared in this book from Italian Lessons, the main theme there is that men never change.

Kiss My Jagged Face is a book where you try to take your time, savor every page, every word, but it is impossible to put down. I'm patiently waiting for Isabetta's next piece :)

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to take on more of Isabetta Andolini's writing and was completely blown away by her second book. I savored every chapter, each better than the last. I thoroughly enjoy Isabetta's style of writing, as she poetically and creatively intertwines lives, eras, and moods. In Kiss My Jagged Face, I found myself understanding Francine in a stronger way and relating to her even more than Margherita. I am begging for the series to continue, per favore!!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so happy that I stumbled upon these books! Isabetta really made me feel like I was on this journey with both Francine and Margherita. I specifically enjoyed the going back and forth between timelines.

I really connected with Margherita. Her travels, her conversations with friends, the ups and downs of finding her “home”, the risky situations she put herself in, and her relationships with her family.

The end had me smiling and crying at the same time. As someone who lost a parent, it brings so much joy in my life when I get to hear my dad’s friends tell stories about their past. It’s a whole different side of your parents you get to experience. LOVED the meeting between Woody and Margherita and Benjamin.

Bellissima!!

[Tash · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to read the second novel in the series and wasn't disappointed. I read this book while travelling through Italy, so I felt fully immersed in the stunning scenery and beautiful setting. I loved how the novel was split into two points of view. It really helped me grasp the complexity and depth of the characters, keeping me hooked from start to finish!

[Britney Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautifully written, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book, Italian Lessons, but this was even better. I find it a breath of fresh air to read about characters who aren’t trying to be cool. They aren’t poor, they aren’t struggling systemically. They have privileges and flawed lives and I love them for it. Beautiful enough for a beach read, intelligent enough for a book club, delicious enough to be read in bed with a glass of wine just because.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect beach read! Absolutely devoured it adoring all of the bits of Hampstead and the London I call home while on holiday soaking up the flair of fun and the unknown to come. The mother daughter transition across storylines was well written and thought evoking.

[Samantha Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful. I didn’t want this book to end. I love Margherita and her mom, Francine so much. They are both bold and courageous and strong women. The scenery was gorgeous. She makes me want to fly to London right now. Her book makes me feel like I kinda did. She took me to Italy and Carmel and London.

[Charlotte Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book and finished it in record time (after already working my way through the first one)! Above all I was captivated by how interesting, unique and well developed all of the characters were. I loved how the book dealt with mental illness from the perspective of others and with finding a sense of self.

[Jules S · Rating 5 out of 5]

the thought of this book makes me shake with excitement. what a brilliant work.

[Bianca Carullo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A family saga I wish could have grown longer legs. I would have loved to read more about each of the characters and their own stories, more of their histories, more of their present day, but it would have been a very long book! This is the sort of thing that needs to be a TV series. There are so many directions to go, so many fantastic characters, so many gorgeous locations I now want to visit all over again. Italy, London, Carmel, Mustique.

The main character Margherita, first seen in ‘Italian Lessons’ is a few years older. In the first book, she sort of ‘shelves’ dealing with the loss of her mother and in this book it’s as if it has finally sunk in. Her grief has hit her and she is wading through it. There were moments when I could feel her longing for her mother so much, as the author is so great at descriptions and setting the scene, getting into the heads of the characters, that I had tears in my eyes. It wasn’t all traumatic… there is also the sarcasm and smart/fast text exchanges we saw in the first book. The author clearly knows how to banter. I don’t think I’ve ever read anyone with such great banter before. Throughout the story she has a few familiar faces and a few new ones that act as sort of ‘mentors’ or sounding boards, or in other words, friends, but with more life experience, and they are in some way each a stand-in for the mother she has lost.

The other main character (this is told from two points of view), is her mother Francine. We first meet her in the mid 70s, which I loved. I loved the music, the clothes, the setting of 1970s London. It was a brilliant new direction for the second book. Francine is an incredibly sympathetic character. She is diagnosed with bi-polar disorder at a formative age and fights against it, eager to make her own way in the world despite the diagnosis. I loved her attitude, her feistiness, her strength, but also her realness. She had to deal with being a mother and balancing motherhood with the big career she had always wanted. I think many ambitious, working mothers will find this book very relatable. Her feelings of guilt, of selfishness, and then guilt again… well, it’s the stuff of working moms.

There is so much to unpack in this book. Mental illness, grief, a very complicated mother-daughter relationship, a very complicated brother-sister relationship, guilt from all sides, fantastic music, beautiful settings, feelings of inadequacy, the yearning for something ‘other’ with the inability to articulate what that other is…. It’s a great book. Really well done.

[Casey Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

How I LOVED this book. I read it back to back after the first, Italian Lessons. I couldn’t wait to get back into it with the characters I had come to feel so close to in the first book. Surprisingly, we do not begin in Italy nor New York. We are in the Caribbean. I loved this. The author is incredibly talented at setting descriptions. Everywhere she describes, it’s as if you are walking through the scene with her. I loved the change of pace for the main character Margherita, and how we got to know more of her relationship with her dad, more of his world as well. Then we move on to Italy, and then Carmel, and a little New York, and then to London. The story of the mother is interwoven; it flips back and forth between the mother Francine’s world and the daughter. Francine is also in London, the Caribbean, and New York. It’s as if the two are living in parallel universes… a few decades apart.

I absolutely loved the cast of characters in this book. Between Francine and her friends and Margherita’s new friends (and one or two old) it was very entertaining. I went to work thinking about them, thinking how great it would be to have lunch with Thayer or Keith one day. The author really brings them to life and they are all so likeable. Francine as a character was sensational. Courageous, tormented, wild, stuck, so sure of herself, so unsure of her decisions sometimes… all too real. This would be an incredible part for an actress if this were ever to be made for the screen.

I don’t have any knowledge of bi-polar disorder but I feel I learned a lot about it from this book. I am now curious to learn more, especially of its history and how it was treated.

The family dynamics were fantastic. I found myself rolling my eyes sometimes at Margherita and sometimes at her brother. This is an author with a high EQ; she knows how different personalities are going to express some of the hardest things to discuss with other human beings… how some people simply ‘can’t’ or ‘can’t’ in a way that translates to the other. Everyone deals with life’s tragic events so differently. Everyone deals with divorce so differently. Or depression. Or coping with a friend’s misfortunes. On and on. This is a book I could definitely re-read.

[Michael Leibowitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 2nd installment ‘Kiss My Jagged Face’ ( the 1st Italian lessons is also an absolute must) from the brilliant young writer Isabetta Andolini , delves even deeper into the characters lives and multilayered personalities, that leaves the reader hoping for novel # 3!

I don’t like when a review gives plot details so this review will contain none of that.

‘Jagged’ picks right back up where Italian Lessons left off and takes you on a journey over 500 pages with sophisticated , witty banter, and continued development of similar, yet interwoven, complicated relationships and themes. There is such diverse array of characters that are so layered and developed and memorable long after the last page is finished.

In many ways it’s a coming of age with so many different perspectives, valuable thoughts and life lessons.

This novel ( both novels) will be greatly appreciated by any lover of travel. It is very apparent that the author is not an arm chair traveler. This is again a skill carried over from the first novel that the author has the ability to articulate and conjure up images wherever her protagonist’s ventures take them. Her unique ability to describe in nuanced, descriptive detail the many exquisitely beautiful gardens in London or Villa Durazzo in the unique, under appreciated Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy(iykyk) is really a true talent.

The author even has down all the classic Brit witticisms, slang ie tosser, wanker, taking the piss, are all make an appearance and are well suited to the characters.

The other very pleasant surprise is the author is definitely an undeniable audiophile and I applaude the wide range of knowledge and taste. Equally comfortable with the Micks( Jagger & Fleetwood) to opining on the virtues of ‘ this Charming Man & Heaven knows I’m Miserable Now.

The bottom line: Run don’t walk to your nearest book store and buy’ Kiss my Jagged Face’ …. oh and while your at it pick up ‘Italian Lessons’ you will be very happy you did.

Highly recommended.

[Jillian Giornalle · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. If you appreciate music of the 1970s (and 80s too, but I prefer the 70s personally) you will enjoy it all the more. I read this book without reading Italian Lessons first, which I didn’t realize was the first book in the series. I was a young woman in the 1970s and it is clear the author did a lot of research on the state of the world at this time—I know she wasn’t alive then judging by her photo! The clothes, the concerts, the way we used the telephone… the nuances between my parents generation and my own. And then the difference between my generation and my grown kids’ age today. That is a hard task, to express them each in their era. The mother Francine was a highly sympathetic character. I was sad when her story was over… I would have liked more. I assume that will be a common longing with readers. She is the kind of complicated, vibrant character you become a little addicted to. The brother sister dynamic and the father daughter dynamic and the mother daughter dynamic- each so different as they always are, each one thread complicated by the other relationships… it was all told so accurately. This is the way families are or can be, especially with half siblings. I loved the scenery - every time I felt disappointed when one place was over or seemed to be over, the next setting was just as beautifully described you soon forget about what came before. I wish there was more of Francine and Keith but all in all I loved the book. It was something really different. Refreshing.

[Adam Jeselnick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Kiss my Jagged Face by Isabetta Andolini. The author tells a beautiful story of two magnetic women, mother and daughter, and their shared, complicated history across two different generations, continents, and cultural events. The mother's story starts in the halcyon days of the 1970s, with compelling details that make you want to step back in time and place to London, rock-and-roll after parties, and Caribbean island escapes. The daughter's story begins in the early pandemic year of 2020, and dances between New York, London, the Ligurian coast, and central California. I found myself rooting for the main characters, resenting the people who treat them poorly, and celebrating those moments when things fall into place.

Kiss my Jagged Face is a sequel to an earlier book, Italian Lessons, by the same author-but I'll admit I read this one first because of the scenes set in my town, Carmel-by-the-sea, and Big Sur. The poetic descriptions of this place are spot-on, colorful, and evocative of the ever-changing scenery along the coast. I also appreciated the detailed commentary on significant buildings and neighborhoods in each setting, and the interspersed text messages between friends and lovers that fill in more emotional background to the timeline. I can't wait to read the next book.

[Stephanie Reindl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to start this review with a preface: if you think about reading »kiss my jagged face« I would suggest reading the prequel, »Italian lessons« first. It’s perfectly fine to start jagged on it’s own, but purely to experience the development of the characters it’s worth it!

»kiss my jagged face« takes you to various glamorous places, to Mystique, Carmel, Italy and of course London. We go through different times here, as two stories are intertwined: we‘ll meet Magherita in her early 30s and look back at the story of her mother Francine. While »Italian Lessons« was very much focused on Magherita’s story living abroad in Italy, including romances and career developments, for me especially her development in jagged is noteworthy. I especially loved how relatable she still is, and how she’s still such a glamorous, intelligent and witty character despite going through life‘s ups and downs. Contrasted to this, Francine‘s story is that of a very intense woman, incredibly inspiring yet truly tragic.

Isabetta Andolini not only manages to captivate you through her way of storytelling, but also through very authentic descriptions of scenery and the sense of place that is beautifully created. It’s another book I couldn’t put down – and I am incredibly excited to read more.

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Affecting. The story of two women- a mother and daughter, around the same age at one point, told in two different time periods. Each in search of self-discovery, one grieving, the other submerged in mental illness, and then both affected by life. At times it was comic and witty. Many times actually. But then it was suddenly heart wrenching and painful- as life is and can be. There were chunks of pages or passages or a whole entire page itself I screenshotted to savor or send to my sister. I felt like the author had each character so well drawn… each of their personal struggles so raw and relatable and each so challenged to ‘figure it out’ properly. The truth of it is, life isn’t to be ‘figured out.’ I absolutely devoured this book but also wanted to savor it. Gorgeously written. A tale of life itself. Passion, compassion, frustration, and that feeling of going five steps forward, two steps back, one step forward, and five steps back. Loved it!

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the first book, this was very different. I wasn't sure what to expect but I got very into the story and found myself equally invested in both narratives- mother and daughter. The mother's mental illness is very well-described... if you have ever come into contact with bi-polar disorder you will recognize the disease. Margherita is a 'flawed' character that I felt I could relate to on so many levels. Everything feels so real-life. I think that's why it gets under your skin, the vulnerability and relatability of the feelings and stages we have all been through in our thirties. The scenery is gorgeous and there are moments of humor that come in the nick of time.

[Josephina · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're a sucker for romance and travel, this ones for you! (Italy, London, NY - oh my!)

Isabetta has a way of taking you through a heartwarming journey of love, loss and every feeling one faces in the beauty of finding ones self.

As she mends two timelines of mother and daughter, one in the past and the later in the present, you gauge a deep understanding of a mother before motherhood and the effects on the love and life of present day Margherita.

The main character is so well developed and relatable - I found myself eager to know if the story was true and wanting befriend Margherita myself.

You can read this one on its own but its predecessor, Italian Lessons, is a must!

[Thaís Fontes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book! Parallel story of Margherita in post pandemic present and her mom back in the 70s, 80s and 90s set in London, Italy, NYC and Mustique. The way the author goes back and forth between present and past allows the story to mysteriously unwrap in the most delicate, deep and truthful way. The description of places are also done with such detail that you feel as if you traveled to that time and place (and there are so many amazing places). And wow!!! What a finale! I can’t wait for the third book!

[May Selby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this story told through an intriguing timeline, transitioning between two different eras - one of Francine who is the mother, and following her days surrounded by rock stars in London and also living in NYC (in the 1970s), and of her daughter Margherita during present day (2020s), coping during the pandemic and living between Mustique in the Caribbean and realizing her dream of opening a hotel in Liguria, Italy. And with the key figure of the husband to Francine/father to Margherita who lingers in both eras. I can personally relate to the connection of having lost my mother and wanting to know more about her, similar to Margherita in her quest to learn more about her late mother. Brava, Isabetta, on bringing these characters to life in her Italian Lessons series (this is the second book of three).

[Sandra Panerai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful reading, I loved every page. I read Italian Lessons first and this helped, as Jagged is the sequel, but you can also read it alone. Margherita is a strong young woman who needs to deal with her past and understand why it is still so important in her life. There's Italy in it, and London too, some California, a little NYC and a touch of exotic beaches. It was like travelling the world and I loved it very much :)

[Roxanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an enjoyable read.
Loved the writing

[Natalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kiss My Jagged Face is a bold and emotionally layered novel that grips from the first page. For readers of Italian Lessons, it offers a fascinating new angle: the spotlight shifts to Margherita’s young mother, giving insight into the family dynamics that shaped Margherita’s traits, choices, and emotional scars. It’s a perspective that explains, illuminates, and resonates deeply.

Andolini’s characters feel unapologetically real: complex, contradictory, and utterly human. You may not always agree with their choices, yet you recognise the truth in them, and the story lingers long after you close the book.

The novel’s sense of place is extraordinary. Andolini’s choice of settings, music, fashion, and atmosphere gives every scene a cinematic quality, as if each moment were a beautifully framed shot in a film. Style, culture, beauty, and mood are not just described; they’re lived. If this heartbreaking love story doesn’t make it to the screen, it would be a surprise.

Through it all, Andolini’s talent shines. Her prose is precise, emotionally intelligent, and fearless in exploring life’s ambiguity. Kiss My Jagged Face is a testament to a distinctive literary voice, one that is original, confident, and unforgettable.