I Wouldn't Leave Rome to Go to Heaven

Joie Davidow

After a disastrous mid-life romance, Francesca flees LA for Rome, where she learns to embrace the freedom and serenity of being single at fifty.

I Wouldn’t Leave Rome to Go to Heaven speaks to a new generation of single men and women as they face middle age.

After the collapse of her last big romance, fifty-three year-old Francesca flees Los Angeles for Rome, where she climbs the ladder from the depths of desperately searching for Mr. Right to the heights of joyously embracing the freedom of single life. She’s helped along by a colorful cast of friends: Margaret, who left her husband as soon as her son was grown and never looks back – until illness threatens her independence; ex-model Katja, still struggling to stay beautiful until her prince comes along; and the brilliant, eccentric Geekie, a gay man with his own set of problems. Together they fight a lonely middle age and win.

I have uploaded the first eight chapters. The book is complete and was self-published through Xlibris.
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david brett wrote 778 days ago

Not so much chick lit as bird lit! Very good. Real quality writing, full of texture - ROMAN TEXTURE, too. Your main character is first class, and the friends and side-issues are very well observed, with some malice. Altogether a book to back and to enjoy. DB ALL THESE ARE MEMORIES OF MY VOYAGE

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Barry Wenlock wrote 778 days ago

Hi Joie,
Good luck with this -- it should do well. I do hope so, as I really enjoyed my read, which surprised me as I'm not a great chick-lit fan.
Backed and recommended, Barry
Little Krisna and the Bihar Boys

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Barry Wenlock wrote 778 days ago

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Burgio wrote 778 days ago

This is a good story. Instead of your main character looking for a husband she learns to celebrate her single life. There are a lot of women (and men) out there who will be able to relate to Francesca and want to follow this to the end to see if she accomplishes her goal (because then maybe they can do that too). You've made her a very likable and sympathetic character, a good contrast to the friends she meets in Rome. It seems a shame you self-published this; I think if you could have found an agent, you have sold this. It's a good read. I'm adding this to my shelf. Burgio (Grain of Salt).

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lizjrnm wrote 779 days ago

I just turned fifty and would love to go to Rome so this book is right up my alley! BACKED with pleasure.

Liz
The Cheech Room

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Micki Attridge wrote 779 days ago

Hi Joie- first things first, congrats on the bold move to self-publish. I can see a big market for a book of this style and not just from women at a similar stage in life as Frankie. The descriptions of Rome will resonate with anyone who has been there and act as a draw to anyone who hasn't. The story is a universal for anyone who is making a change in their life, for whatever reason.

In terms of feedback- I personally found the chapters slightly long. This might be personal choice as I like shorter, punchier chapters as I find they keep me wanting more and reading on. I often think to myself, I'll read to the end of the next chapter which is great if it is a few pages but not so great if I then feel it slightly drags.

The only other thing I would mention is very, very minor but you mention a year (2005?) in the first chapter which might age the work. Straight afterward you mention that it was Frankie's 53rd summer, which is a beautiful turn of phrase and serves better than a year anyway.

Welcome to Authonomy and good luck!

Micki Attridge (Dear Sir or Madam)

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mariecapri wrote 779 days ago

Hello Joie. I think lots of women my age will relate to this well written story. The characters are engaging. Good luck, mariecapri. (Cosmic Linx)

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