Delving into themes of love, independence, and mysticism, Linda Lappin’s THE ETRUSCAN is a haunting and atmospheric novel set in 1920s Italy. The story centers on Harriet Sackett, a bold and unconventional American photographer whose passion for adventure and self-discovery leads her to the heart of Etruria—where ancient tombs and ruins whisper forgotten secrets.

Harriet, known for defying societal norms, invites her cousin Stephen and his wife Sarah to join her for the holidays in Italy. Stephen, a reserved and somewhat priggish curator at the British Museum, disapproves of Harriet’s free-spirited lifestyle, while Sarah shares a deep bond with her forged in their youth. As secrets unravel and tensions escalate, Harriet’s unconventional path challenges the expectations of those around her.

Lappin excels in creating a vivid sense of place through descriptions that transport readers to the heart of Tuscany, from Etruscan ruins to Italian villages to the eerie countryside. Harriet’s letters detailing the ancient tombs evoke a sense of mystery that permeates the narrative and encapsulates the novel’s haunting allure through lines like this: “A house where time is not […] full of huge old mirrors and stone masks of Etruscan gods.” However, there are a few instances when the setting is so richly drawn that it overshadows the characters and plot, making the book feel more like a travelogue than a narrative-driven story. Also, the flow occasionally falters due to lengthy digressions and over-detailed exposition.

The third-person omniscient narration offers a window into the minds of multiple characters, enriching the story with diverse perspectives. This can be especially interesting in the latter parts of the book, when efforts are made to discover the reason behind Harriet’s worsening condition. While Stephen is critical of her independence, Sarah admires her daring spirit while struggling with jealousy and exclusion.

Indeed, the characters are the book’s greatest strength. Harriet is a standout, embodying the independent woman archetype with her photography, world travels, and defiance of societal norms. Her dynamic with Stephen and Sarah reveals complex interpersonal tensions that drive much of the conflict. Meanwhile, her relationship with an enigmatic Italian count (part archaeologist, part recluse) introduces a romantic subplot fraught with secrecy and obstacles. Her declaration of love is both poetic and melancholic, as she refers to the count as her “secret sun at midnight”—symbolizing the consuming yet shadowed nature of their bond.

Linda Lappin’s THE ETRUSCAN successfully immerses readers in a world of ancient ruins, complex relationships, and haunting beauty.

~Gabriella Harrison for IndieReader