When I began reading Dani Capello: Shadows of Men, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this mashup of genres: mob family, dead parents, kid reluctantly sent away to boarding school, etc. But I was quickly delighted as I was swept away by the story I could see unfolding, as if in a movie. The author skillfully develops each character through dialogue, resulting in a genuinely engrossing reading experience!
The overarching narrative focuses on the coming-of-age story about the main character discovering her authentic self. Family ties to the mob create a tension-filled backdrop, eventually leading to a riveting crescendo.
I would highly recommend this book if you enjoy whip-smart characters brandishing a wicked sense of humor and are brave enough to revisit the anxiety-inducing drama of high school social situations, replete with mean girls. I look forward to more writing by this debut author.