Publishers Weekly
01/25/2021
Some of the spark is lost in translation in Moccia’s English-language debut, a trilogy-launching tale of star-crossed teen lovers in 1980s Rome. Wealthy, 18-year-old socialite Babi Gervasi is both intrigued and wary when she meets bad boy Stefano “Step” Mancini, a young man from the wrong side of the tracks. She disobeys her parents and ditches her high-society admirers to embark on a tumultuous relationship with the fiery Step. But can their love transcend their very different social circles and the disapproval of their families? Though the narrative is oddly flat, with banal characters and stiff dialogue, Moccia does capture the turbulent passion of teen love. Step and Babi’s affection for each other and excitement at rebelling against societal expectations is believable, and Babi’s inexperience with sex is realistic and respectfully handled. There’s disappointingly little scene setting, save references to Roman streets that will offer insight only to those already familiar with the city. The cultural references to the 1980s will play on readers’ nostalgia, but it is unclear why this is being marketed to adults rather than teens. Despite some heartfelt moments, this disappoints. Agent: Maria Cardona Serra, Pontas Agency. (Mar.)
From the Publisher
A deep, passionate romance that transcends time and age. Readers will appreciate this highly intense coming-of-age story that shows how much some are willing to risk for love. One Step to You has been aptly compared to the novels of Nicholas Sparks and John Green and will appeal to readers of those highly emotional tales.” —Booklist, starred review
"Capture[s] the turbulent passion of teen love.” —Publishers Weekly
"Federico Moccia is the romance king of the Mediterranean bestseller."—Woman (Spain)
"Federico Moccia is an author who writes about love, and he wins the hearts of a broad and diverse audience - the teenagers of today and the teenagers of yesteryear."—la Repubblica (Rome newspaper)
"Federico Moccia is a household name for millions of readers."—Revista Universitarios (Spain)
"Federico Moccia knows how to get straight to the heart of all young readers. His words always hit the right spot."—TTL (Italian newspaper)
"With his novels, the writer Federico Moccia has revolutionized young people."—Glamour
"The Roman writer has managed to connect with an audience who have become dedicated fans and who are eager to read his novels, great romances with vital teachings."—El Pais (Spain)
"His novels of young love are sold by millions around the world."—El Mundo (Spain)
"Federico Moccia has touched the romantic heart of a whole generation."—Il Giornale (Italian newspaper)
"Italian writer Federico Moccia brings the reader an updated version of the classic tale of star-crossed lovers, separated by differences in social class and learned attitudes. This tension also drives the novel's narrative, ensuring growing suspense. A tautly paced novel with intense action and unpredictable twists and turns."—5 o'Clock Books (Romanian TV show)
Kirkus Reviews
2020-12-15
A vintage Italian romance of two teenagers from different social spheres, translated into English for the first time.
Babi Gervasi is a well-off, well-liked 17-year-old in 1980s Rome. She's got good friends, is doing well in school, and gets on well with her family. When she meets Stefano “Step” Mancini, though, everything goes a little haywire. Step, a young hooligan (as Babi's mother would say), is all about living for the moment, partying with friends, and racing motorcycles. His best friend, Pollo, is dating Babi's best friend, Pallina, so despite Babi's best efforts, she keeps bumping into him. Annoyance turns to interest turns to love, and Babi and Step find themselves head over heels. School, Babi's mother, and the world in general, however, are determined to tear them apart. Moccia wrote this novel in 1992, and it has since been published in 15 languages and has at least two film adaptions. Reading it almost 30 years later, though, it comes off feeling incredibly dated, with the relationships being the most off-putting aspect. Step is cruel to Babi before they begin dating, harassing her and constantly pushing her boundaries. He's also incredibly violent, putting several people in the hospital over the course of the book. Even when he's doing things in order to help Babi, he goes about it in awful ways, especially in the case of one of her teachers. Current readers might find it hard to empathize with this love story, as issues that might have been more easily glossed over in the early '90s are harder to ignore these days.
A classic with all that entails—outdated morals and all.
