world settings:
The setting of the story is well-established, with the Salvatore and Russo families living in a luxurious mansion surrounded by lush gardens and plantations. The descriptions of the mansion, as well as the characters' clothing and mannerisms, give a strong sense of the wealth and status of these families. Additionally, the presence of the Mafia and the ongoing feud between the two families adds depth and complexity to the world of the story.
One aspect of the worldbuilding that could be further developed is the cultural and historical context of the story. While there are hints of Italian heritage in the characters' names and the mention of traditional Italian meals, there is not much exploration of the cultural background of these families. Similarly, there is little mention of the time period in which the story takes place, which could be further elaborated upon to give more context to the characters' actions and decisions.
Another area where the worldbuilding could be improved is in the depiction of the Mafia. While the Mafia's presence is acknowledged and plays a significant role in the story, there is not much exploration of the inner workings of the organization or the specific roles and responsibilities of its members. This could be further fleshed out to give a more nuanced understanding of the world in which the characters operate.
Overall, the worldbuilding in these 16 chapters is solid, but there is room for further development and exploration of the cultural and historical context of the story, as well as the inner workings of the Mafia.
Character development:
The main character, Lilliana Russo, is introduced as a doctor who is dedicated to helping others, but is also hesitant to enter into a relationship due to the longstanding feud between the Salvatore and Russo families. As the story progresses, we see Lily become more entrenched in the Salvatore family and their Mafia dealings, and she is forced to confront the darker aspects of her own family's history.
One of the standout character developments is the transformation of Elena Salvatore, the matriarch of the Salvatore household. Initially, she is presented as a stubborn and demanding old woman, but as her health deteriorates and she becomes more reliant on Lily's medical care, we see a more vulnerable and human side to her. This transformation is particularly poignant as Elena begs Lily to marry her grandson and end the feud between the two families, showing her desire for peace and unity despite the years of tension between them.
The Salvatore men are also well-developed, with each one having distinct personalities and motivations. Enzo is the leader of the family and is known for his ruthlessness and decisive actions, which is demonstrated when he kills his own cousin, Marco, in a fit of anger. Leo is more level-headed and tries to act as a mediator between the two families, while Lucio and Luca provide some comic relief with their bickering and antics.
Overall, the character development in these 16 chapters has been well-crafted and engaging, with each character having depth and complexity.
Criticsm:
The grammar in these 16 chapters is generally well-written, with only a few minor errors such as missing commas or misused words. However, there are a few instances where the sentence structure feels a bit awkward or confusing, causing some disruptions in the flow of the story. In particular, the use of dialogue can sometimes be unclear or unrealistic, with characters speaking in unnatural or choppy ways.
The worldbuilding in these chapters is intriguing, with a clear focus on the Mafia and Italian culture. The descriptions of the Salvatore Mansion and the various family members add depth and authenticity to the story. However, there could be more development in terms of the history and dynamics of the Russo and Salvatore families, as well as the role of the Mafia in the larger society.
The character development in these chapters is strong, with each character having their own distinct personality and motivations. However, some characters feel a bit underdeveloped, such as Elena Salvatore and Roberto Russo, who are mentioned but not fully fleshed out. Additionally, some characters, such as Carolina Salvatore and Rosalina Russo, feel overly one-dimensional and could benefit from more complexity in their actions and motivations.
Psychological perspective:
it is clear that the main character, Lilliana Russo, struggles with feelings of guilt and shame. One quote that demonstrates this is when Elena Salvatore tells her, "I should apologize for the feud that had cost your uncle's life... It was all my fault, but I want to end our enmity. That's why I want you to marry my grandson." Lily reluctantly pulls her hand back and says, "I'm a Russo... I can't..." This demonstrates that Lily feels a sense of responsibility for the feud between the Salvatores and the Russos, and that she doesn't feel worthy of being a part of the Salvatore family because of the conflict.
Another quote that highlights Lily's psychological struggles is when Carolina accuses her of poisoning Elena, saying, "Isn't that right, Dr. Russo?" Lily's heart sinks at the accusation and she is about to defend herself when Enzo stands up and kills Marco, Carolina's son. This event leaves Lily in a state of shock and she is unable to speak or move as she watches Carolina wail over her son's body. This demonstrates that Lily is overwhelmed by the violence and conflict surrounding her, and that she feels helpless to change the situation.
Overall, these quotes show that Lily struggles with feelings of guilt and shame, and that she feels overwhelmed by the violence and conflict in her life.
Feedback:
area that could be improved is the worldbuilding. While the setting of the novel is clearly established as a Mafia-controlled Italian community, there is limited description of the surroundings and cultural elements that could further immerse the reader in the story. For example, it would be helpful to have more details about the architecture and layout of the Salvatore Mansion, as well as more information about the customs and traditions of the Italian community.
In terms of character development, it would be beneficial to delve deeper into the motivations and inner thoughts of the main characters. While there are hints of their personalities and backgrounds, there is room to explore their emotions and desires in greater depth. This could be achieved through the use of more internal monologue or through the inclusion of dialogue that reveals more about their personalities.
I strongly believe that consistency is key when it comes to writing a novel. By consistently uploading chapters and maintaining a steady pace in the story's progression, readers are able to fully immerse themselves in the world and follow the character's journey without feeling disjointed or lost. It's important to remember that a reader's engagement with a story can greatly impact their overall enjoyment of it, so keeping them hooked and invested is crucial. With that being said, I encourage you to continue your novel and strive to keep your uploads consistent.
Best wishes
- BishopsNemesis
