The Amalfi Curse

Enzo’s mother, Savina, lives in a villa that was built in the mid-1700s and needs extensive repairs. She warmly welcomes Haven to her home, and Haven marvels at the breathtaking view of the Amalfi Coast from the terrace. Savina shares that her husband died years ago, and she bluntly voices her hope that the yacht’s sinking will deter tourism to the area before “its charm will be altogether lost” (148).

Savina asks Enzo to repair a broken lock and gives Haven a tour of the villa’s olive grove. She tells Haven that Enzo’s twin sister, Bria, died last year. Savina’s hopes of having grandchildren have been all but extinguished because Enzo is 39 and hasn’t dated in years. She’s disappointed to learn that her son and Haven only met that morning, and she’s horrified when she discovers that they went diving around Li Galli. She tells her son that the archipelago is too dangerous. Haven feels awkward and is relieved when she and Enzo leave for dinner soon afterward.

The narrative moves back into the past. The village of Positano grieves for Leo’s death and the missing girls and women. Mari hides in Ami and Dante’s home.