Every Time We Say Goodbye by Natalie Jenner

 

Every Time We Say Goodbye by Natalie Jenner is a stand alone novel, but references her previous novels. I have not read her previous novels, but was easily able to follow. Vivien has moved to Italy to work as a script doctor in Rome at Cinecitta Studios in 1955. The play she just wrote and produced did not do well on the London stage, and she needs a fresh start. We walk with her during her time in Italy as she navigates the movie industry, tries to find out what really happened to her deceased fiancé during WWII, and explores who is she is.  

The setting of Rome, Italy post WWII was fascinating. The book weaves in themes of redemption, grief, and deciding who to love. I found myself wishing I could visit Vivien and walk the streets of Italy with her. There were many charters with different subplots that kept my interest. The story is in dual time periods that flow seamlessly.

In Every Time We Say Goodbye by Natalie Jenner, we follow Vivian on a journey of self-discovery in this beautifully written complex story with incredible historical details and endearing characters. I highly recommend.

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

NATALIE JENNER is the author of the instant international bestseller The Jane Austen Society and Bloomsbury Girls. A Goodreads Choice Award runner-up for historical fiction and finalist for best debut novel, The Jane Austen Society was a USA Today and #1 national bestseller and has been sold for translation in twenty countries. Born in England and raised in Canada, Natalie has been a corporate lawyer, career coach and, most recently, an independent bookstore owner in Oakville, Ontario, where she lives with her family and two rescue dogs. Visit her website to learn more.