Run Away with Me by Brian Selznick is a novel that intertwines the lives of two teenagers who spend a transformative summer together. Sixteen-year-old Danny is sent to Rome after his mother takes a temporary job at a museum. She travels the world restoring old books, leaving Danny to explore the city alone and not having anywhere to call home. Bored and restless, Danny’s summer takes a turn when he hears someone calling his name. Following a series of clues, he meets another boy his age named Angelo.
Danny and Angelo quickly become inseparable, spending every moment together as Angelo introduces Danny to his beloved city. As they wander through Rome, Angelo shares stories about its history and culture, and gradually, their personal narratives begin to intertwine. A romantic bond forms between them, but both fear what will happen once summer ends.
The book started off fine, and I appreciated the early illustrations—they were beautifully done and added to the atmosphere. However, I ultimately found the story dull and slow-paced. It often felt like I was reading a textbook rather than a novel. Despite my efforts to stay engaged, I struggled to connect with the characters, who came across as one-dimensional. Although the book is relatively short, I ended up putting it down with about 50 pages left because it simply didn’t hold my interest. There were long stretches where very little happened, and although the story had two narrative threads, neither felt fully developed. Overall, the plot felt scattered and underwhelming.
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