Title: The Invitation
Author: Lucy Foley
First published August 2, 2016
432 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780316272902 (ISBN10: 0316272906)
Rating: 3.64
Overview
Lucy Foley, the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Apartment and The Guest List, brings you a fascinating tale of secrets and love in The Invitation. Set in the beautiful Italian Riviera, this novel tells the story of Hal, a journalist seeking redemption in Rome after the war.
One fateful evening, he meets Stella, a mysterious woman from a world he never knew existed. Despite their differences, Hal and Stella connect instantly and share a magical night together.
However, fate has other plans, and they are separated, leaving Hal to believe they will never meet again. A year later, Hal receives an invitation he cannot resist, leading him to a yacht trip with the most famous artists and movie stars of the day.
Among them is Stella, the only one who holds Hal in thrall. As they travel along the Italian coast towards the Cannes film festival, Hal becomes obsessed with uncovering Stella’s secrets and bringing back the girl she once was.
The Invitation is an atmospheric novel that takes you on a journey through the world’s most glamorous locales, where the past is never far behind.
About the Author
London is my current residence, but I have a deep passion for exploring new places, whether in person or through literature. This love of travel is evident in my writing, as I often incorporate exotic locations into my stories.
My most recent work is titled The Invitation, which takes place in the glamorous film industry of 1950s Italy. I am also proud of my debut novel, The Book of Lost & Found, which was published in 2015.
If you’re interested in staying updated on my writing journey, you can visit my Facebook page or follow me on Twitter (@lucyfoleytweets).
Editoral Review
The Invitation, written by Lucy Foley and first published in August 2016, is a novel in the mystery and thriller genre that explores themes of secrets, family, and manipulation. This is Foley’s third published novel, following her successful debut with The Book of Lost and Found.
Set in the idyllic countryside of the French Alps, The Invitation tells the story of a group of old college friends reuniting at a luxurious and remote chateau for a weekend. The seemingly perfect setting quickly reveals itself to be anything but as tensions and secrets come to the surface, ultimately leading to a shocking conclusion.
Foley expertly crafts a cast of intriguing and complex characters, from Miranda, the beautiful and manipulative host, to Katie, the quiet and observant artist. The novel’s setting is also a character in itself, with Foley’s beautiful descriptions of the scenic landscape and the imposing chateau that looms over the characters.
One of the strengths of The Invitation is its pacing, with Foley keeping the reader engaged through concise chapters that build suspense and tension throughout the novel. The plot structure allows for both mystery and character development, giving readers insight into the individual motivations and secrets of each character.
However, some readers may find the ending to be predictable, with the shocking twist feeling somewhat forced and unearned. Additionally, some of Foley’s characters feel a bit one-dimensional, such as the simple-minded but lovable Jake.
Despite these minor flaws, The Invitation is an engaging and thrilling read that will appeal to fans of the genre. Foley’s beautiful writing and knack for weaving a complex web of secrets and lies will keep readers engaged until the very end.
Overall, The Invitation deserves a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. Readers who enjoy mystery and thriller novels that are well-paced and character-driven will find much to love in Foley’s latest work.
