“Solitude is the profoundest fact of the human condition. Man is the only being who knows he is alone.”
After I read “The Light We Lost” I would blindly pick up any book by Santopolo. I loved the layered simplicity in her writing then and I enjoyed it as much now in “More Than Words”. The story takes you into the lives of New York’s elite society and with that explores the baggage that comes with being a famous New Yorker.
Nina is currently a speechwriter for the Mayoral candidate, Rafael. A very charming, intelligent man, someone very passionate about what he believes in. Nina is also an heiress to the luxurious Gregory Hotel, has grown up in Manhattan, very well knowing that she would be taking over her father’s role in the business one day. The hotel has been in the family for generations and the honour being passed down to Nina would be the obvious choice.
Nina is taking in every little moment of her job, before she takes the path her father has paved for her and has to step up to the inevitable throne she’s going to inherit. This is the life she has always known, there have always been expectations that have to be met, from her father and from the society. Being on her toes about always upholding the family’s reputation, Nina never had the time to find her true self. With this life of glitz and glamour, Nina always had a best friend and current boyfriend by her side, Tim. Together they were both perfect to take over the company one day and make it their own.
The day to run the corporation came sooner than anyone had expected, when her father passed away. This fatal moment brought its own baggage of decisions that Nina had to quickly make. She unravels secrets her father has been hiding from her all her life. Secrets she finds herself being more comfortable to talk to Rafael about than Tim, which felt unsettling and right at the same time.
I loved how all the characters were drawn out and so are endearing. Though the characters may not be as relatable, their rollercoaster of emotions surely were. I can definitely say I had a few favourites by the time the book ended. How Caro, Tim’s mother played such a significant role in Nina’s life. Nina’s best friend, Leslie, their relationship reminded me of how me and a few of my closest friends. Rafael’s character was portrayed with such warmth, which brought out a whole new side to Nina. And I especially liked how New York City plays a character on its own, and is explored in a completely different manner with the all the jazz and glitter shining so bright, allowing a lot of the secrets to be hidden in the shadows of its high rise skyline.
Santopolo has a knack of bringing out all matters of the heart to words so beautifully. She takes you to a whole new dimension and makes the characters a tad bit more real, which is what makes her books so warm and easy to read. Would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good love story. <3
“I love you”, he whispered into her hair.
“More than words”, she answered him."
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