To Capri, with love

To Capri, with love

A debut novel by Laura Rose Ivy

Sacred Heart, College for Ladies in Ascot, Berkshire, is a prestigious Roman Catholic boarding school for girls set for a transformative year under its new principal, Fiona. In her mid thirties and of Indonesian and Scottish descent, Fiona brings a fresh and progressive image to the school. The novel follows two 14-year-olds who begin their year as new students at Sacred Heart - Capri from Charleston, South Carolina, and Amelia, a member of the British aristocracy. A romantic dreamer, Capri's relationship with her parents is complex. Her mother, Gloria, was born into upper-crust New York, and her father, Beau, descends from a storied Southern family. Her roommate Amelia, a passionate sustainability advocate, shares a special bond with her elder brother Alex, whose wild and liberal lifestyle challenges their conservative upbringing. Both girls come from affluent families, setting the stage for a clash between tradition and modernity, personal identity, and societal expectations.

As the school year begins, Capri and Amelia develop a close friendship with Ava, the head girl and their mentor. During a half-term break in Florence, their friendship deepens into an intimate relationship, leading to their ostracization when gossip spreads through the school. Ava, despite her own struggles with identity and feelings of attraction towards girls, reports their behaviour, resulting in a school-wide scandal. Winter brings additional challenges: Amelia's family, concerned about their reputation, seeks professional help for her, while Capri supports her emotionally distressed mother in Aspen. Beau grapples with his own conflicts, torn between his business ventures and responsibilities as a father. The spring break heightens tensions as both families are asked to withdraw their daughters from school.

The novel's major conflicts reach a resolution as the school year ends. Capri and Amelia, excluded from the annual yearbook photoshoot, share a bittersweet farewell and make plans to meet again in the future. Fiona and Ava reflect on their decisions, with Fiona realizing the impact of her choices on her career as well as the girls' lives. Capri encourages her mother's newfound independence, while Amelia decides to stand by her estranged brother Alex. In Italy, Capri reflects on the tumultuous events of the past year, writing heartfelt letters to herself, Amelia and Ava. Beau, in Cannes, sends Capri a message, signaling his desire to reconnect as she embarks on a gap year. The story concludes with Capri and Amelia looking forward to new adventures and possibilities, having grown from their experiences and ready to face the future.

Published by Cinnamon Art Publishing

Length: pages

Format: Paperback

Language: English

ISBN 978-981-18-1603-1

First published in 2024