Romance in Tivoli: And a Skating Little Matchmaker

By: Balint Bodroghy

Narrated by: Emelle

Length: 21 mins

Publisher's Summary

A Swiss businessman, bored attending a conference in Tivoli, slips out for air and meets a little roller skater, who decides to act as matchmaker - with uncertain consequences.

©2019 Balint Bodroghy (P)2020 Balint Bodroghy

Reminded me of my visit to Italy

I visited Aviano Italy in 2011. This story reminded me of that time. The narrator had to have been to Italy or is Italian, because it sounded like the table talk that I heard every morning over my Espresso Americano at the local coffee shop. It brought back very fond memories.

My First Review

It's snowing here, so I made a cup of coffee and sat down to listen to this.
I'm glad I did.
The story was descriptive, but not so much that it interfered with the flow.
The narration was great and really gave the characters.life.

Such a great story!

I truly loved getting lost in this tale. The narrator, Emelle, has such a wonderful presence as she tells this wonderful tale of a man taking a chance and following an adventure (and potentially love!). The Italian accent was so much fun to listen too; I cannot wait to hear the next book. 5 stars for such a perfect read! Recommend any time, anywhere, and especially a great way to calm you down during traffic.

Engaging and Sweet!

This was a very sweet and quick listen. The narrator kept me engaged throughout the story, which was descriptive and made me want to travel to Italy! The ending also left me wanting more and wondering what will happen next!

Nice little story

Sweet little story well read with crisp descriptions that leaves you wanting more. Narration was easy to listen to with fully developed characters and vivid descriptions.

Outstanding!

The narrative of this tale was evocative and mesmerizing. I felt like I was right there with the businessman, walking down the road, following the skater. I didn't want the story to end. The narration kept me riveted and I made everyone around me be quiet so that I could enjoy the scenery depicted. Excellent story by this author and narrator. Give me more!

Charming Story

A very charming story. The narration is absolutely superb. Perfect pitch, perfect cadence and wonderful, full, vocal characterizations. The narrator really kept me with the story - quite talented!

Good short story and easy listening

I'm always hesitant to listen to short stories because I feel that the characters and plot are often underdeveloped. This short wasn't. I really liked the MC and the 'skating little matchmaker.' The description made me feel like I was there with the characters. Easy listening and the narration was excellent! My only complaint is that the businessman didn't meet 'her' (I don't want to spoil it for those who haven't read it). I would like to see more of that relationship and how it did or didn't turn out. It feels like a first chapter and a great starting point for a full novella.

Eager to hear more...

Enticing story, narrated with a soothing and melodic cadence. The descriptions of the setting transported me there. I was a little nervous about where this story was heading, but was left hoping there would be a next chapter to listen to.

Exquisitely written!

I wonder how many people in the Zoom dominance of this past year have dreamt of doing what the author did! Such a wonderful, sweet, gentle and evocative story - it transported me!

Intriguing story and wonderful character portrayal

An evocative and beautifully crafted tale of escapism. It took me back to many business meetings I’ve attended in exotic locations, wishing I could escape and instead explore the city and all it had to offer. The dreamy narration (and beautiful pronunciation of the various Tivoli locations!) perfectly fits the portrayal and transports us to this magical day of adventure and discovery. The descriptions of the busy streets are nothing short of poetic and I was left hungry to know what’s next for this intriguing character…?

A lovely story, there’s hope for love!

Fantastically written and narrated, the detail provides a space to imagine the story unfolding right in front of your eyes. A charming little story, let’s hope it ended well, the businessman finding love, or at least a friend to explore the city with!

Sequel please

While I couldn't quite suspend disbelief re: a 10 year old girl playing matchmaker for her mother with a complete stranger, I found charming the idea of a fastidious Swiss businessman escaping a boring meeting on a sudden impulse - and loved the reference to 'The Red Balloon' as he followed the red rollerskates.

Hoping there may be 'Romance in Tivoli: the sequel'

Lovely vivid story

This little story warms up your heart while it is winter outside. I can feel the warm Italian sunshine. This comes across so well as the narrator has a smooth voice and lively expression.

High pace but gentle

This Reminded me of Theodor Fontane’s “On Tangled Paths” in the balance of its gentleness & pace to show the courage of living while preserving subtle tenderness.

Listened a couple of times before bed in these days of Covid ....it was a greatly joyful distraction

Wistful romance, perhaps

A charming little story, beautifully read by 'emelle', about a middle-aged businessman bored in a tedious meeting in Tivoli, and uncharacteristically deciding to walk out - then stumbling upon a group of young children and becoming entangled in their life - with the prospect of an autumn romance within sight.....perhaps...

Like being there then

The story is beautifully written, surrounding the reader (or listener) with vivid images of the historic buildings and the behaviour of today’s people. One feels as if one had been there and then. And one hopes everything will turn out all right for both the central characters.

Gentle and atmospheric

Charming little story, should go down well on radio. Soothing enough for my age group (wrinklies)! Good for the poor sighted who rely on spoken books.