THE WEB OF TIME- A BOOK REVIEW

The Web of Time by Flavia Brunetti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

📚 The Web of Time by Flavia Brunetti — A Lyrical Tapestry of Time, Art, and Courage 🌍🕰️
What happens when time begins to unravel? In The Web of Time, debut author Flavia Brunetti weaves a spellbinding tale that is as timely as it is timeless. This young adult fantasy transcends borders—both real and imagined—blending myth, memory, and magic into a story that pulses with purpose.

At the heart of the novel is Anna, a young girl with a writer’s soul, and Jack, a gifted artist. Together, they set out on a quest to restore the fragile balance of time. But this isn’t just another hero’s journey—it’s a deeply evocative voyage through ancient cities like Rome, Tunis, and Tripoli, guided by a constellation of deities who represent Kindness, Art, and Language.

As Anna and Jack race to reopen the Great Portals—sacred doors tied to human creativity and compassion—they learn that saving time is less about fixing the clock and more about rekindling connection, identity, and hope. Each portal becomes a metaphor for the forces that hold civilizations together. And in this delicate dance between mythology and modernity, The Web of Time shines.

Brunetti, a humanitarian and global storyteller, infuses each page with rich cultural textures and heart. Her lived experiences echo through the narrative, reminding us that stories shape worlds—and perhaps, even time itself.

If you love books that blend deep philosophy with vibrant fantasy, and tales that call young readers to imagine a better world, this one is for you.

✨ The Web of Time is not just a book—it’s an ode to resilience, creativity, and the power of language.

View all my reviews

THE WEB OF TIME - INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR

 

INTERVIEW

 

1. Do you have another profession besides writing?

I do. I’m also a humanitarian aid worker. Part of why I’ve traveled and lived in different countries over the years is because of that job, and those experiences are absorbed into my writing, sometimes not on purpose!

 

2. How do you balance your time as an author with your other work?

Balance is something that I often struggle with, not only dividing my time as an author and with a job, but also ensuring I make time to do other things that nourish me, like reading, or spending time with my friends, or taking a long walk along the Aurelian Walls here in Rome.

 

What works for me is making lists, because that helps me to get everything out of my head and onto a piece of paper, so I don’t feel I have to keep everything at the forefront of my mind. That list also includes things like, take a break, watch a show, finish reading that chapter, have a lovely dinner. And then I have a new rule about not giving myself a hard time when I can’t get through everything! If there are things I have to get through but that I’ll tend to drag my feet about, like editing, I use the advice I got from a friend some time ago: I just start, promising myself that I’ll do it for ten minutes to start with and that’ll be a win. Most of the time, getting started really is the hardest part, as trite as that sounds, and much more often than not once I’m in the swing of things I’ll keep working through it.

 

3. Writers often use a computer or laptop. Have you ever written parts of your book on paper?

I always have a notebook with me and I grew up scribbling, but these days, if I’m honest, I’ll often jot things down in my notes app on my phone because it’s so much faster. Then, I’ll move it to my laptop to expand on the idea. I’ll always read my last version out loud to myself because I think hearing things helps process differently. In all of this, I miss the paper element, and I think paper itself is the most powerful thing, but I have to admit I often fall into the “it’s so much faster to type” category. I do always keep a notebook still with me and my agenda is a physical one I write in, but I’ve even noticed recently my writing hand gets tired much faster these days because I’m less used to physical writing. So I have a commitment to change this back to writing, at least shorter pieces, more on paper!

 

4. What is your next project?

When WOT is out, you’ll find me hard at work on the sequel. The book can stand alone, because as a reader, I tend to love series that intertwine but also wrap up their individual storylines, but the world we’re meeting in this first book isn’t done with me yet, and I hope the readers will feel the same!

I’ll be sharing as I start to work on research for the second book (which, right now, is set to take place in Egypt, in a place we already see in this first book, but that’s all I can say!) You can find me on Substack and Instagram to talk WOT, places and how we define ourselves by them, cultural cross-pollination, and the occasional is-curly-hair-better-than-straight-hair convo.

 

5. Do you snack while writing? Favorite snack?

I snack all the time! I’m a big proponent of “a little treat”. I love sweets but have some blood sugar issues so I try to always pair protein with it, so my go-to snack is often a piece of parmigiano and some cookies to much on.

THE PERFECT MOTHER - INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR

INTERVIEW 

 

1. Can you talk a bit about the main themes of the novel?
At its core, "The Perfect Mother" delves into the complexities of motherhood and the indomitable spirit of a woman driven by love and desperation. It's also a story about secrets—the ones we keep to protect others and ourselves—and the inevitable consequences when those secrets are unearthed. Another key theme is identity, both lost and rediscovered, and how our past shapes our understanding of who we are.

2. How did you approach the research for this book?
I delved into articles, books, and documentaries on child abduction cases, focusing on the psychological aftermath for families and the investigative process. I also spoke with law enforcement professionals to ensure the procedural aspects were accurately portrayed. It was important for me to approach this sensitive topic with respect and authenticity.

3. Can you share a challenge you faced while writing this novel?
One of the biggest challenges was balancing the tension and suspense inherent to a thriller with the emotional depth and nuance of the characters’ journeys. I wanted to ensure the plot was compelling without overshadowing the characters' emotional development, which required a lot of rewriting and fine-tuning.

4. Was there a character or part of the book that was particularly meaningful to write?
Writing the interactions between Dawn and her son, Daniel, was both challenging and meaningful. Capturing the complexity of their relationship, marked by years of separation and misunderstanding, required a delicate balance. Their reunion scene was particularly powerful for me, symbolizing both loss and hope.

5: The relationship between Dawn and Evelyn is intricate and intense. How did you approach writing their dynamic?
Writing Dawn and Evelyn's relationship was a delicate balancing act. I wanted to capture the tension and unpredictability that comes with their situation, all while exploring the emotional depth and complexity of their characters. Their interactions are a dance of suspicion and intrigue, layered with moments of genuine connection that blur the lines between friend and foe.