Surrendering to the Vibe

Forget the plot: “Villa Coco” by Andrew Sean Greer is an atmospheric immersion rather than a traditional novel. Designed as a self-described 'charm novel,' it envelops the reader in the lush, sun-drenched hills of Tuscany, but the experience largely depends on the expectations you bring to the table.

Entering this book without a roadmap is essential. Readers seeking a high-stakes, driving narrative may find themselves distracted, as I initially was, by the lack of traditional plot momentum. Once I recognized the author's intent—to create an experience built for savoring rather than solving—the book’s meandering, episodic nature shifted from a frustration to a feature.

Once you surrender that need for structure, the book’s true strengths emerge. Greer’s prose is witty and stylish, painting the Tuscan setting with a richness designed to feel like a warm hug. The cast is delightfully eccentric, with the Baronessa—known as Coco—serving as the mercurial, formidable heart of the story. Her verbal swordplay with our young narrator and the whimsical anecdotes they share reflect the author's sharp observational humor.

In the end, “Villa Coco” functions as an atmospheric 'vibe' rather than a fast-paced thriller. It is a sun-soaked meditation on life, love, and the beauty of place. For those prepared to set aside their preconceptions and simply surrender to the atmosphere, the result is a charming, subtly moving journey.

“Relax. It’s only a game.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

Thank you to Doubleday Books and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. #VillaCoco #NetGalley