52 pages • 1 hour read
Rachel HawkinsThe Villa
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Villa by Rachel Hawkins intertwines the lives of Emily Sheridan and her childhood friend Chess Chandler as they uncover the dark and mysterious story of Mari Godwick during their stay at Villa Aestas in Orvieto, Italy. The narrative alternates between the present-day dynamics of Emily and Chess and the 1970s events involving Mari, revealing themes of fame, creative work, and complex female relationships. The book contains material relating to death by suicide and references to miscarriage and abortion.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Rachel Hawkins' The Villa delivers an engaging plot with well-developed characters, enveloping readers in its atmospheric setting. Critics praise its blend of mystery and romance, though some feel the pacing drags in parts. Overall, the novel is seen as a captivating read with a few minor flaws that don't significantly detract from the experience.
Who Should Read The Villa?
Readers who enjoy atmospheric mysteries with a gothic twist will appreciate The Villa by Rachel Hawkins. Fans of Ruth Ware's The Woman in Cabin 10 or Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca will find the novel's blend of suspense, complex characters, and rich settings particularly engaging.