Sex-O-S; The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (Italian Teens, novel 2, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B Amman – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (The Italian Saga, #4)Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second novel in Gaia B Amman’s, ‘Italian Teens’ series, although a fictionalised series it is based on the authors life and she has written the series so it, “empowers girls and women to be their brave true selves”. The series of books are humorous and insightful novels for young adults which take place in Northern Italy. I felt fully immersed in the beautiful setting thanks to the authors wonderfully detailed descriptions. I also like how she has kept some Italian words in the narrative so as not to loose their meaning, mostly swear words, it does add to the immersive feeling.
It is Italy, in the 1990s, and we catch up with fierce, nerdy, independent Leda who is in high school, and hormones are raging. Leda’s biggest decision is, let lust take over or hold off till marriage. The object of her affections is best friend Nico. However Nico has become a bit of a bully and a player, can Leda trust him as she also battles her own emotions, confidence, guilt, parents, but mainly her desire.
This is an emotional read which is told with humour and honesty. The storyline deals with some sensitive issues, teen sex, eating disorders and teenage insecurities all of which are dealt with honestly and with sensitivity. The main issues for Leda in the story are around having sex for the first time and all the emotions that come with this, again the author writes about this openly and honestly but is also never vulgar. I fell in love with Leda again reading this story and think she is a great main character, thanks to the wonderful narrative I went on a emotional rollercoaster along with Leda as she entered into womanhood. An enjoyable book and also an original and empowering read.

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