I’m announcing it right now: the book of the summer is The Amalfi Curse.
Tartlets, I devoured this new novel from Sarah Penner in a little over one day. I could not put it down, and I adored every page of this literary blockbuster.
What’s The Amalfi Curse about?
The Amalfi Curse introduces us to modern-day Haven, a nautical archaeologist (aka, a scuba diver who loves exploring shipwrecks) who’s sent on a diving expedition off the coast of Italy. Her father discovered buried treasure on his last deep-sea dive there, but he died before he could fully investigate the loot. Haven takes up where her father left off, though she eventually uncovers more than buried treasure and old ships on the Amalfi Coast.
Then, there’s Mari, a streghe del mare (aka, a sea witch!) who lived in Positano in the 1820s. She descends from a long line of Italian women with mystical powers over the sea. Mari’s story is interwoven with Haven’s as we learn about her “curse” of the sea, her forbidden romance, and her daring adventures with pirates that disrupt the peace of her beloved village.
Much like Penner’s debut novel The Lost Apothecary, The Amalfi Curse combines women’s fiction, historical fiction, suspense, romance, and magical realism. There’s also a wonderful international aspect since the whole thing takes place on the sun-drenched Amalfi Coast. Basically, The Amalfi Curse is everything you want in a summer escape read.
What I loved about The Amalfi Curse
I absolutely adored everything about The Amalfi Curse, though it did take me a few chapters to get sucked into the story. Haven’s storyline is what initially interested me, but I soon fell in love with Mari’s storyline, too. Penner’s writing is beautiful and descriptive without being flowery, and she brings you right into the moment with her vivacious characters who seem to leap right off the page.
As someone who once wanted to be a marine biologist, I loved Haven and her unique job that blends a love of the ocean and researching history. All the info about scuba diving and historical reseach was well-done. Penner gives you enough detail to understand what’s happening in the diving scenes, but nothing that will make your eyes glaze over. One of my favorite shows is Expedition Unknown, and a lot of Haven’s shipwreck dives reminded me of footage from the show.
The Amalfi Coast and all its magic
Not gonna lie – one of the best things about The Amalfi Curse is the setting. I’ve always wanted to visit Positano, Italy, and this book had me browsing airbnbs for a disturbing length of time one night. Penner transports you to the cliffside villas, sweeping vistas, and the sparkling sea in both Haven’s and Mari’s storylines. Whether weaving a magical water spell or searching underwater for treasure, The Amalfi Curse just makes you want to experience life on the Amalfi Coast.
Penner also did a great job of blending the magical components of Mari’s sea witch life into Haven’s modern, scientific world. Spells and enchantment move the plot along and even factor into a romance brewing between Haven and Italian dive boat captain Enzo. (Note: Anyone else picture Enzo as Marcello from Under the Tuscan Sun???)
Should you read The Amalfi Curse?
You should read The Amalfi Curse. It’s got a little something for everyone and will appeal to many different readers. This novel also reminded me a lot of Surviving Savannah, A True Account: Hannah Masury’s Sojourn Amongst the Pyrates, Written by Herself, and The Shark Club – all other books that I loved.
What’s the book-inspired recipe?
Check back in for the book-inspired recipe: Creamy Lemon Risotto
