Review: Four Hundred and Forty Steps to the Sea by Sara Alexander

In a richly romantic novel set in stunning Positano, Italy, Sara Alexander weaves a story of love, family loyalty, and sacrifice spanning five decades . . . Nestled into the cliffs in southern Italy's Amalfi coast, Positano is an artist's vision, with rows of brightly hued houses perched above the sea and picturesque staircases meandering up and down the hillside. Santina, still a striking woman despite old age and the illness that saps her last strength, is spending her final days at her home, Villa San Vito. The magnificent eighteenth-century palazzo is very different from the tiny house in which she grew up. And as she decides its fate, she must confront the choices that led her here so long ago . . .

In 1949, Positano is as yet undiscovered by tourists, a beautiful, secluded village shaking off the dust of war. Hoping to escape poverty, young Santina takes domestic work in London, ultimately becoming a housekeeper to a distinguished British major and his creative, impulsive wife, Adeline. When they move to Positano, Santina returns with them, raising their daughter as Adeline's mental health declines. With each passing year, Santina becomes more deeply enmeshed within the family, trying to navigate her complicated feelings for a man who is much more than an employer--while hiding secrets that could shatter the only home she knows . . .

Paperback, 416 pages

Expected publication: August 28th 2018 by Kensington Publishing Corporation

Terri's Thoughts

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher Kensington in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you!

I chose this story because I love a good book that spans over multiple generations.  I had a gut feeling that this would be one of those stories that would haunt me and I was proven correct.

I loved the character of Santini from the very beginning and wanted everything to work out for her.  Her quiet strength and sense of loyalty and selflessness made her a compelling character even when I wanted to slap her and tell her to wake up and choose a better life for herself.  I wish I could say the same for the men in her life as I had a dislike for all of them.

While I was not a fan of the romantic choice in the story I was still glued to the pages as it defined who Santini was and the decisions she made.  This would make an excellent selection for a book club because I could talk for hours about said men and how I felt all of them were controlling and held Santini down.  Without giving spoilers, her one true love was the worst one of all in my opinion.  I felt that he was asking too much of Santini and was controlling her life and I wasn't really rooting for the two of them together as I felt he was not worthy.

Lastly, if you love food, this would be a good choice for you.  There is a lot of time spent in the book describing the food and the preparations of it.  At first it made me hungry and I enjoyed it.  After a while, if I am being truly honest, it got a little old and repetitive and added unnecessary length to the book.  This is just my opinion, others may love it.  I recommend to read it on a full stomach.

All in all a really good read.