“The most terrible violence is habit.”

Jean-Baptiste Andrea donosi nam priču o dvoje djece rođene istoga dana, iste godine, ali u potpuno različitim svjetovima. On — siromašni dječak Michelangelo Vitaliano, zvan Mimo, šegrt kod “ujaka” nakon smrti oca i borbe majke da preživi. Ona — Viola Orsini, aristokratkinja koja odbija ulogu koju joj je društvo nametnulo, odlučna pronaći vlastiti put.

Njihovo prijateljstvo, rođeno u djetinjstvu, traje desetljećima i nosi nevjerojatnu snagu. Mimo je lik pun mana, ali toliko drag i dobroćudan da mi se zavukao u srce — i vjerujem da će tamo još dugo ostati. Viola je snažna, hrabra i za svoje vrijeme iznimno inspirativna.

Andrea nas vodi kroz Italiju s početka 20. stoljeća, kroz siromaštvo i bogatstvo, politiku, rat i fašizam. Sve to ispisano je poetičnim stilom koji čini da petstotinjak stranica proleti u dahu.

Ovo je roman uz koji ćete odrastati, tugovati, veseliti se — i zasigurno barem malo zasuziti. Životna priča koja steže srce, ali i ostavlja trag.

Ako tražite knjigu za duga popodneva, onu uz koju ćete proživjeti nekoliko života, Bdijući nad njom je pravi izbor.

[english]

Watching Over Her – Jean-Baptiste Andrea

Jean-Baptiste Andrea brings us the story of two children born on the same day, in the same year, but in completely different worlds. He — a poor boy Michelangelo Vitaliano, called Mimo, apprenticed to his “uncle” after the death of his father and his mother’s struggle to survive. She — Viola Orsini, an aristocrat who rejects the role imposed on her by society, determined to find her own path.

Their friendship, born in childhood, lasts for decades and carries the incredible strength. Mimo is a character full of flaws, but so sweet and kind that he has slipped into my heart — and I believe he will remain there for a long time. Viola is strong, brave and, for her time, extremely inspiring.

Andrea takes us through Italy at the beginning of the 20th century, through poverty and wealth, politics, war and fascism. All of this is written in a poetic style that makes the five hundred or so pages fly by in a breath.

This is a novel that will make you grow up, grieve, rejoice — and certainly shed at least a few tears. A life story that tugs at the heartstrings but also leaves a mark.

If you’re looking for a book for long afternoons, one that will take you through several lifetimes, Watching Over Her is the right choice.