Surviving

In Surviving, a group of expatriate alcoholics navigates life in 1990s Rome, exploring themes of friendship, shame, and the complexities of human nature.

Set against the backdrop of 1990s Rome, Surviving explores the lives of a group of English-speaking expatriate alcoholics. Their tenuous existence is held together by a web of friendships that both support and complicate their lives. The narrative delves into the struggles of the main characters—Belinda, Kate, and Tom—each grappling with their pasts and the challenges of their present. Belinda, the heroine from Massie's earlier work, finds herself in a fleeting love affair, while Kate, a writer focused on criminal psychology, invites a controversial figure into her home, risking her own stability. Tom, a scriptwriter, battles his own demons, feeling increasingly lost as he faces the realities of his life.

The book is not a murder mystery, despite the presence of a crime that looms over the characters. Instead, Surviving emphasizes the emotional and psychological responses of individuals in the wake of tragedy. The rich and evocative atmosphere of Rome serves as a backdrop to the sharp and edgy dialogue, which reveals the complexities of human relationships. Massie masterfully dissects the lives of these expatriates, highlighting the difficulty of truly understanding others, even in intimate relationships.

Through its intelligent examination of human nature, Surviving invites readers to reflect on the moral ambiguities of life and the challenges of making judgments about others. With a deft touch, the author explores themes of shame, connection, and the intricate dance of friendship amidst personal turmoil.