Page 23 - Journeys C1+ (Workbook)

Rumours 2

Writing

A. Discuss with a partner.
1. If there’s a film based on a book, do you prefer to see the film or read the book first?
2. What was the last book you read, and what did you enjoy about it?
3. Do you tend to stick to one genre when reading, or do you have quite eclectic tastes?

B. Answer the questions.

1. Which of the following features should a review include?
• a title
• subheadings for each paragraph
• a wide variety of adjectives
• a recommendation
• formal language
• contractions

• your personal opinion
2. When you write a review, who is your target audience?

A gripping adventure in southern Italy

The Book of Hidden Things is Italian author Francesco Dimitri’s first novel in English. It follows three
friends as they hunt to discover the whereabouts of the fourth member of their group, the eccentric
Art. As we dig deeper into the pasts of the four characters, we become mixed up with the Italian mafia,
stories of childhood abduction and long-buried secrets which come back to the surface.

The four main characters – Art, Mauro, Tony and Fabio – grew up together in the sleepy Italian village
of Casalfranco and were inseparable as youngsters. As they grew older, they went their separate ways,
but always promised to meet back in their hometown on the same night every year. This year, when
they arrive, the charismatic Art doesn’t show up. The mystery unfolds as they try to find their missing
buddy and discover he had started dealing drugs and had apparently cured a local girl of leukaemia.

One of my favourite things about the book is how it’s written from the different characters’ perspectives.
We start the novel from Fabio’s point of view, which gives us an insight into his take on events, before
switching to other characters in later sections. This adds a sense of realism to the plot as it’s written with
a first-person narrative which automatically engaged me as a reader.
I found some aspects of the plot a little unconvincing, particularly the relationships with some of
the secondary characters, and although at times I thought the actions of the main characters were
unrealistic, it all added to the development of this sun-drenched, Italian adventure.

If you want to step into the realm of the fantasy genre, but aren’t keen on tackling strange new worlds
and invented races, The Book of Hidden Things is a great starting point. It’s got action and twists to
keep you turning the pages, and it always feels like the answer to the mystery is just around the next
corner.

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