Summer reading is well underway for this book addict, and I’m happy to say that Saudade was exactly the wonderful beginning to this summer that I had expected it to be!

I won’t give too much away, because I really do encourage my readers to check out the book and experience it for themselves.

Let me just say, that I did not see the twist coming! Perhaps it was because I was entirely wrapped up in the beauty of the story and its setting. I’ve never been to Pico, but I have been to Santa Maria and Sao Miguel a few times, and I can say that Miriam Winthrop absolutely captured what it is like to be in the Azores. I could see Santa Maria in my mind’s eye as I was reading, and now I really, really want to go to Pico as well.

Throughout this wonderful book, there is a struggle between the facts right in front of our eyes, and our inner sentimentality. Ann is in near constant conflict with herself, but when she finally allows herself to feel again, and to be affected by the beauty of Pico and the warm generosity of those she encounters, it’s just as joyous an experience for the reader as it is for her.

I eagerly await Winthrop’s next project, not only as an American of Azorean heritage, but as an avid and enthusiastic reader.

Next time: I would totally hang out with Mindy Kaling.