Karen Swan's The Rome Affair is a glamorous dual‑timeline novel set against the backdrop of Rome. Francesca Hackett, a tour guide, discovers the hidden past of socialite Elena Damiani — a woman whose glittering life in the 1960s was filled with secrets, scandal, and heartbreak.
As Francesca unravels Elena's story, the novel weaves together themes of love, betrayal, and reinvention, offering readers a richly atmospheric escape into both modern and historic Rome. With over 7,000 Goodreads ratings (4.05 stars) and 700+ reviews, readers praise its "lush descriptions of Rome" and "addictive mix of glamour and mystery." Popular among fans of escapist fiction, often described as "perfect holiday reading" and "Karen Swan at her best."
