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Fragile sparks

Francesca Ventura

Fragili scintille

Garzanti

Synopsis

You find a place to leave your heart only after you've lost yourself. It's a Japanese expression Bice whispers, to imprint it on her mind, just as the brush that touches her is coloring her scars gold. No one at university would say Bice is lost. To others, she appears haughty, unreachable, sullen. Yet, someone has glimpsed her fragility and entered her life suddenly, like rain on a summer day. A boy with a sunny smile and deep dark eyes named Kento. Bice knows she should stay away from him, but when Kento becomes her Japanese tutor, she is forced to show up to his classes. There, she doesn't just learn to write kanji by drawing cherry blossoms or to enjoy matcha tea. There, Kento speaks to her of the beauty of those wounds Bice desperately tries to hide and that he, now, is filling with gold. For the first time in a long time, Bice feels something akin to hope, but she also knows there's still the risk of losing herself forever. Because the secrets of her past are forks in the road that could lead her to happiness.

Reviews

Greta Pezzoli

De Amicis High School in Cuneo, class 4G

The novel addresses universal themes such as love, loneliness, self-discovery, and overcoming adversity in a delicate and sensitive manner. The characters are drawn with great depth, each with their own story. The author manages to bring them to life in an extraordinarily realistic way, creating a bond with the reader. The plot is compelling and keeps you glued to the pages, even if at times the pace is perhaps a little too slow. In conclusion, Fragile Sparks is a novel I would recommend to anyone seeking an authentic, touching, and thought-provoking story. Francesca Ventura has written a book that speaks to life and reminds us that, even in the darkest moments, we can find our spark of light.

Cecilia Damiano

De Amicis High School of Cuneo, class 2B

The story is about Bice, a seemingly cold and distant girl who actually harbors many
wounds within. When she meets Kento, her Japanese tutor, something changes: he sees
beyond her mask and teaches her that scars aren't something to hide, but parts
of ourselves that make us unique. The book addresses important themes such as bullying, toxic relationships, and
anxiety, but does so with delicacy and sensitivity. I loved how the author incorporated
Japanese culture into the story, especially the concept of kintsugi, the art of repairing broken ceramics
with gold, which becomes a beautiful metaphor for healing internal wounds. I recommend
this book to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and heartwarming read. It's a sweet and
profound story that reminds us how important it is to accept ourselves and our fragility.

Hilari Cila

De Amicis High School of Cuneo, class 2B

I liked it because it tells the story of how a girl hurt by bullying meets a young boy
who represents a healing process and this indicates hope.

Arianna Giraudo

De Amicis High School in Cuneo, class 3G

"Fragile Sparks" is a heartwarming book, inviting readers to reflect on their own personal growth and the importance of embracing their own fragility. With well-developed characters and an engaging plot, it's a recommended read for anyone seeking stories of hope and rebirth.

Irene Zamboni

De Amicis High School in Cuneo, class 3G

I liked "Fragile Sparks" because it describes in simple terms what it means to face difficult times and find the strength to get better. It's a story that makes you think and evokes real emotions. It's an easy read and leaves a lasting impression.

Greta Bottasso

De Amicis High School in Cuneo, class 3G

"Fragile Sparks" is a novel that struck me for its delicacy and depth. Bice's story makes us reflect on how difficult it is to accept ourselves when we've been hurt, but also on how important it is to find someone who helps us rediscover ourselves. The book teaches us that fragility isn't something to hide, but rather a precious part of our history. I also enjoyed the connection with Japanese culture.

Anna Bramardi

De Amicis High School in Cuneo, class 3G

Fragile Scintille is a work that explores the fragility of human existence through intimate and emotional reflections. The title suggests the delicate beauty of fleeting moments, like sparks that glow before fading. The author, with a sensitive and profound style, addresses themes of vulnerability, hope, and the search for meaning in everyday life. This work invites us to reflect on our transience and the value of experiences that, however brief, can leave a lasting impression.

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