Idolization

Charlotte’s borderline obsession with Luca at the beginning of the novel highlights the dangers of idolization. Instead of trying to change the bad behaviors of celebrities, many are willing to sweep it under the rug until it is too late.

At the beginning of Charlotte’s journey, she thinks that Luca Bruni is the greatest writer of her generation and the key to her success. This leads to her justifying his abusive personality and temper. During the first few weeks of Charlotte’s trip to Italy, she is unable to accept that Luca may not be as good of a person as she once thought. For example, when he snaps at Eliot for laughing when Katerina fell into the canal, Charlotte is initially stunned by Luca’s rage. However, she tells herself, “He used that rage to defend Katerina, and so while it scares her...