'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Thursday 26 August 2010

Review: Roman Holiday



Title: Roman Holiday

Author: Kathy Buchanan

Publisher: Scholastic, $15.99 RRP

Publication Date: July 2010

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9781741693904

For ages: 8 - 12

Type: Novel

About: Natalie is attending an exclusive acting school in Rome for the summer. While she’s there she meets her new best friend, French girl Sandra, falls in love with a boy, and comes across her worst enemy and roommate, Veronica.

Veronica feels the world owes her. She talks her way out of doing her chores, bemoans the fact that the acting school isn’t in a perfectly beautiful building and is convinced the most gorgeous guy there is falling for her.

Natalie knows the summer is going to be hard, having to do extra work to pay her way, and there isn’t going to be much time for fun.

Veronica is sure this is going to be a breeze. How hard could a summer spent acting in Rome be? Especially for someone as beautiful and talented as she.

Both girls know exactly what’s in for them this summer. Or do they?

An enjoyable read, Roman Holiday is like a beginner chicklit novel. Written from the perspective of each of the two girls alternately, it is a book with great character and a life of its own, leading readers down a perhaps unexpected path with some twists and turns along the way.

Buchanan’s writing style is easy-to-read and, although the characters are a little too formulaic in parts, she tells a tried and tested novel in an appealing way.

This is a fun, light-hearted novel for girls.

This book is available online