To Be Fair, the debut novel by Julieta Moss, kicks off the Illyrian Boy series with a refreshing blend of drama, romance, and self-discovery. Set in Italy in the late 1990s—a time when homosexuality was still illegal in the country—the novel weaves a simple but engaging narrative through short chapters, echoing the style of a classical epic. The story begins with James, a cruise ship host, disembarking in Italy after six months at sea. Alongside him is Berndt, a German ship officer, and soon we’re swept into a series of unplanned events that shake up James’s world. At first, James plans to meet up with his old flatmate Guido and Guido’s girlfriend, Alessia, before returning to England with Berndt. However, Berndt has his own agenda, and when James oversleeps and misses his flight, things quickly spiral. Stranded in Italy, James meets Bogdan, a Croatian refugee, and the story pivots toward the developing romance between them. As James starts to move on from Berndt, life throws a wrench into the mix when Berndt reappears, creating a complicated love triangle that keeps the tension high.

James is not the most likable character when we first meet him. He’s arrogant, egotistical, and quick to look down on others. Yet, as the story unfolds, we see deeper layers to him—his low self-esteem and self-loathing manifest in how he treats those around him. Moss does a fantastic job of developing James’s character, slowly revealing his flaws and vulnerabilities in a way that invites empathy, even if he’s difficult to root for at times. The supporting cast is equally well-crafted. Bogdan is James’s opposite—kind, patient, and loyal—and brings a sense of warmth to the story. Guido provides stability, a reliable friend in the chaos of James’s life, while Alessia’s free-spirited nature injects some much-needed unpredictability into the plot. Together, these characters create a dynamic mix that propels the narrative forward, keeping readers engaged in their personal dramas. While To Be Fair delivers on suspense and character depth, there are moments where the story could benefit from more vivid imagery and emotional nuance. Some scenes feel a bit abrupt, especially the ending, but given that this is the first book in a series, it makes sense that Moss leaves several plot threads open for further exploration.

To Be Fair is a strong debut that combines compelling characters with a suspenseful storyline. Moss’s storytelling ability shines through, making it a promising start to the series. If you’re looking for a character-driven tale that digs into complex emotions and relationships, To Be Fair is well worth adding to your reading list.

Pages: 308 | ISBN : 9798331403690