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Villa Coco by Andrew Sean Greer review
The Pulitzer-winning author of Less has crafted a breezy confection of fish-out-of-water wit, insecurity and self-discovery set in an Italian paradise
TL;DR
- The novel is set at Villa Coco, a rundown estate near Florence, directed by the Santa Maddalena Foundation.
- The narrator, known as "our young man" or Gio, is hired as an "adjutant" to the 92-year-old Baronessa Lisabetta.
- His tasks include gardening, pest control, and cataloging the villa's contents, which are rumored to include priceless art.
- He interacts with a diverse cast including eccentric staff, bohemian neighbors, and the Baronessa's aristocratic friends and relatives.
- The narrator takes a vow of celibacy but is drawn into complicated relationships and situations.
- The Baronessa appears to have a hidden agenda for the narrator's stay at the villa.
- Greer aims to write a "charm novel" that is soothing, funny, and offers hope, though the reviewer finds it differs from his cited paragons like Nancy Mitford and Graham Greene.
- The book is praised for its descriptions of Italian landscapes and the Baronessa herself, who is depicted as a compelling character.