The Hourglass by Anne Welle

3.5 Stars

If this would have been a little longer I would have given it a solid 4 star rating.  This is a good quick read about an American Librarian named Mary and her “mission” to review a very old book that is owned by a wealthy Italian man, Emilio Vittorini. His  sensual tricks that he uses to give Mary very little glimpses of what is inside the book.  Mary can be described as normal and boring back in her life in America, but she allows a side of her that she didn’t know exist emerge during her allotted time with Emilio.  Emilio doesn’t speak English so he gets creative in expressing his demands on Mary.  He wants her submissive to his will and then he will allow her to view more of the coveted book. 

I liked this book because it showed that even if you speak a different language than someone else, for some acts being able to speak and understand the same language isn’t required because no explanation is needed.  I liked how Mary let go and accepted it like she had a feeling that he would never go over a certain line.  I wish it would have been a little longer so that we could see how Mary and Emilio’s agreement works out and if it is something that will be permanent or only temporary.