The Sonnet Lover

by: Carol Goodman

Published by: Ballantine Books

Reviewed by Diana Bocco

What if Shakespeare had a secret lover who was a poet herself? And what if her lost sonnets were so valuable that people were willing to die… and kill for them?

That’s the premise of The Sonnet Lover. As the book opens, Rose Asher, a comparative literature professor in New York City, finds herself thrown into the midst of it all when one of her students dies after having created a film about the mysterious sonnets.

The book comes alive, thanks to the writer’s great hand at description, especially as the plot moves to Italy. The story is so believable and so magical that I found myself wishing the poet really existed. Goodman is brilliant at creating atmosphere and mixing literature with intrigue, lust and original sonnets (which, incidentally, are originals written by her own husband).

Also, I was in Italy last summer, and the book captures the feeling of the country so much that it felt like I was reading about places I’ve seen with my own eyes.

This is a great book to read if you are looking for an intelligent mystery that goes beyond the classic whodunit.

Armchair Interviews says: If you love beautiful writing and a good story, check this out.