Cassie McCullough

And she's still in this grinding poverty that Andrea has managed to elevate himself from.

Yes, and they speak Italian, whereas we learn Vittoria, when we meet her, speaks in dialect and has to choose to speak in Italian.

That's not naturally what she does.

Stephanie Smee, let's talk about Vittoria, because this comment sets Giovanna on a path,

It's almost like even the invocation of talking about Victoria and even uttering her name has set the path of the events that are about to unfold.

But it draws Giovanna to find Victoria and eventually we meet her.

What did you make of her?

Look, I'm going to put it right out there.

I think Victoria is one of the most amazing characters I've read in years.

I think she's absolutely brilliant.

I think she's a brilliant creation.

When finally they meet and Giovanna opens the door or sees her for the first time in her squalid flat,

She's sort of shocked by what she looks like, but she sees her as beautiful.

That's her initial reaction, which is so interesting, considering that she has been seen as ugly by the father.

And then we get different perceptions of Vittoria throughout the rest of the book.

Yes.

And Victoria, I disagree that Victoria doesn't offer her any love.

I think she is truly offering love.

I think out of all the characters in the book, she offers more love and passion and genuine understanding and care for Giovanna and what she might be than anyone else.

I think she's astounding.