The Italian Girl by Lucinda Riley

First published nearly 2 decades ago as “Aria” under the name of Lucinda Edmonds, the book has been re-written and re-published under the title of “The Italian Girl”.
This book is a story of obsessive passions, extraordinary talents and shows how dangerous all consuming love can be.
Rosanna Menici is only 11 years old when she meets family friend Roberto Rossini who is an up and coming star at the music school attached to the famous Italian Opera house La Scala. In Rosanna he recognises a talent – the talent of being able to sing beautifully.
Many years later the worlds of Roberto and Rosanna collide again bound together by their devotion to the world of Opera. It is only when these 2 lives collide do they both realise the power of obsessive love. Not only does this obsessive love affect them but all those around them.
From the humble beginnings in a backstreet Naples café – Rosanna’s talent takes her on an extraordinary journey which is beyond the wildest dreams of most.
This book was a fantastic read. The journey that Rosanna takes – one of love, betrayal and self-discovery will stay with you forever.