Under the Rotunda “Under the Rotunda” is a novel about a group of people in Birmingham, England. Andrea is dating Tony. She hosts a dinner party and invites ex-boyfriend Bobby and his current girlfriend Lisa. The four have an eventful evening that shapes the rest of their lives. According to the description on the back of the book the reader is to expect a “chaotic mess” and “Lisa’s untimely death.” Rather than give the book away, this tragic foreshadowing makes the book a page-turner. The Rotunda referred to in the title and throughout the book is an historic structure in the city. It is also a metaphor for the circular nature of life. Sometimes you end up right back where you started. That doesn’t mean you should have stayed there from the beginning. It is the journey that makes you appreciate the starting point more when you return. The author takes us on this journey through the eyes of various characters. The story unfolds with chapters told from the points of view of each of the main characters, plus others such as Paul, Nanny, Martin, and Stella. Focusing on the present and dipping into the past, Bernardi creates a well-rounded story of love, loss, settling, and new beginnings. While occasionally veering on the edge of romance novel with soap opera twists, I was able to get past that and enjoy the serious topics of relationships. Humor kept the tone light and enjoyable, even during serious moments. I would recommend “Under the Rotunda” to those who enjoy a good quick read that pulls you into the daily dramas of Bernardi’s characters. Daily drama is something to which all readers can relate. The book was realistic and showcased the ups and downs and spirals that life can bring. The humorous moments balanced out the serious ones. Going into “Under the Rotunda” the reader is expecting the tragedy. It is the unexpected friendships formed, the bonds rejoined, the new steps taken, that delight the reader in the midst of tragedy. |
Quick Links
Sign up for email updates Services for authors
Literary awards and contests
PreViews
Inside Scoop Live
Stories by Meme
Reader Views Kids
Authors Access Forum
Book giveaway
Associates |
Along with our book reviews we offer affordable services to meet the needs of our authors in the growing book publishing industry. Our service packages are budget friendly, effective, and will assist the author in showcasing their book to the reading audience.
The annual literary awards honor writers who self-publish or have their books published by a small press or independent book publisher.
Watch quality video trailers of books that communicate the ambiance of the publication and help you make literary choices.
Inside Scoop Live is the leader in providing a vehicle for the author to talk to the reading audience and the audience to hear what the author has to say. Join in and listen to the most fascinating discussions with "cream-of-crop" writers about current and social issues, finances, self-improvement, romance, mortality and much more.
Cool Stories for Cool Kids! Kids can listen to stories, read by Meme, on their computer or download mp3 files.
Reader Views Kids provides book reviews, by kids, for kids. This site is geared toward children's books and majority of the reviews are by children. 
Authors Access is a joint project with Loving Healing Press. Each week we bring insightful interviews from people around the world who can help you get your work published, and if already published, noticed. The show is podcast on Authors View Radio. 
Each month Reader Views, in partnership with publishers and authors, are having a book giveaway.
