Beloved, by Patrizia Sarro

I love books about paranormal subjects, and Beloved adds a few extra dimensions to the already fascinating genre. The book's action begins in upstate New York in the ghetto, and moves to Paris.

The main character, Nena, has been studying French. When she gets a scholarship to Paris, she leaves behind her single mother, who is suffering from addiction. The descriptions of the city are gorgeous; I love Paris, and Sarro details the music, the smells, the tastes, and the sights of France.

In Paris, Nena begins to see sightings of Uri, a handsome and mysterious street artist. She recognizes him from her childhood and adolescence, but she always thought he was a figment of her imagination. Now, as she encounters him again and again in the exotic European setting, she is not so sure.

The relationship between Nena and Uri is nicely done. Uri is almost the opposite of characters like Edward from Twilight, but he is just as mysterious and intriguing.

Nena's ethnicity adds a nice touch as well. The fact of her troubled childhood and broken home give the story great layers of gritty reality that set off the fascinating fantasy portions of the book.

I read Beloved slowly, because I didn't want it to end. I fell in love with Sarro's characters and her setting. The end left me craving more. I hope a new book comes out soon!