Rome’s Last Noble Palace by Kimberly Sullivan is a captivating work of fiction rooted in the enchanting city of Italy. In this narrative, we follow Sophie Nouri, who, after a lengthy twelve-year absence, bravely confronts the ghosts that have barred her from Rome, her former home. Accompanied by her son from Vermont for a conference engagement at the Palazzo Brancaccio—the museum that not only served as her previous workplace but also as her residence—Sophie’s journey stirs a cascade of personal recollections. These memories intertwine with the history of another inhabitant of the palazzo from over a century ago. In 1896, this noble estate was rocked by a dark misfortune. The story teases us with a question: Will Sophie uncover the truth about the mysterious woman who once resided in the attic room of the palazzo?

The book’s narrative structure is particularly compelling, weaving between the present-day experiences of Sophie and the life of Isabelle in the late 19th century. As a reader who appreciates both contemporary and period narratives, I found the alternating chapters between the two time periods to be an effective technique for maintaining my engagement. The suspense built around the outcomes of these parallel lives, separated by more than a hundred years yet connected by shared geography, is a strong narrative hook.

The contrasting depictions of Rome’s evolution from the 1800s to the present are vividly rendered, allowing one to traverse time through Sullivan’s evocative scenery. The friendship dynamics—between Sophie and Martina and Isabelle and Stefania—add a heartfelt layer to the novel, culminating in a satisfying resolution to Sophie’s harrowing tribulations.

While the journey through the dual timelines was intriguing, a more intertwined revelation of their connection earlier in the novel could have enriched the reading experience. I enjoyed the story, but I thought specific segments of the narrative, particularly Isabelle’s discussions with Stefania’s cousin, Lamberto, might benefit from more variety to avoid repetitiveness. I felt that the debates over personal ambitions versus familial expectations, while essential to Isabelle’s character development, occasionally retread familiar ground.

Readers with an affinity for suspenseful historical fiction and evocative dual narratives will likely find Rome’s Last Noble Palace a rewarding read. The author has crafted a story that, while traversing through time, captures the essence of Rome and the perennial human struggle for self-determination.

Pages: 388 | ASIN : B0CJY89NQT