A stand alone novel, the story depicts the lives of Juliet and her grand niece Caroline across two timelines. : The one shining light in this debacle, is that I get to talk about it with another Goodreads friend who also just finished it a day or two ago, that I get points in Bracket C in a challenge for having read this thing, and that I get to warn all of you. When he realizes that Shylock is within his lawful rights, Antonio is ready to fulfill the bargain he entered into to help Bassanio. A transplanted Brit, Bowen divides her time between California and Arizona. I really disliked and failed to understand the modern day character. Share some experiences, if so! To continue, please log in or create an account. This one is easy to follow as each chapter is headed up with the person, date and place. The only part I enjoyed was the setting of Venice. Comment should not be At this time Nerissa makes some very shrewd remarks by means of which she is able to provide some comfort to her mistress and soothe her troubled mind. We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Her books have been translated into many languages, and she has fans around the world. Get help and learn more about the design. Dressed for Death: Summary . (The story behind In Farleigh Field, another of my novels). Id rather have seen Caroline actually researching Letties history rather than just reading Letties diary. The Molly Murphy mysteries feature an Irish immigrant woman in turn-of-the-century New York City. See below for a full list of all the characters in The Merchant of Venice: DUKE OF VENICE PRINCE OF MOROCCO, PRINCE OF ARRAGON, Suitors to Portia ANTONIO, a Merchant of Venice BASSANIO, his Friend PORTIA, a rich Heiress NERISSA, her Waiting-maid GRATIANO, SALANIO, SALARINO, Friends to Antonio and Bassanio LORENZO, in love with Jessica Her books have been translated into many languages, and she has fans around the world. Key by key, Letties life of impossible love, loss, and courage unfolds. He takes her on a late night picnic, but they're caught by the innkeepers who tell Aunt Hortensia. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. The Venice Sketchbook by Rhys Bowen Format: eARC Source: supplied by publisher via NetGalley Formats available: hardcover, large print, paperback, ebook, audiobook Genres: historical fiction, historical romance, World War II Pages: 412 Published by Lake Union Publishing on April 13, 2021 This might be a fine author for other works, but I would not judge her based on this book, and I wouldn't bother picking this one up. The two World Wars of the 20th century threw up many scenarios which novelists have used to tell many stories. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Venice Sketchbook (Sketchbooks), Sammartini, Tudy at the best online prices at eBay! She's a mom, and her flighty, fashion designer ex-husband is in New York City living with a pop star. To access other site content, visit our homepage. It was my second and I am absolutely sure not the last book by Rhys Bowen that I have read, I would like to discover more books by her. The Venice sketchbook [large print] / Rhys Bowen. The very young son, Teddy, goes with him and so ensues a schism that may never heal. There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. He is Bassanio's wealthy, loyal, and anti-Semitic friend. I'm a book worm that craves fresh air, sunshine, and Jesus. For Caroline her time in Venice is valuable in so many ways, she comes to terms with the end of her marriage, she can see things from a different perspective, she has great admiration for her great-aunt Juliet and the lasting legacy she left behind. "The Venice Sketchbook is that rare book, both epic and personal, and utterly compelling. Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language. Caroline loves both women, but Lettie has been both her inspiration and her rock for all of her life, and now that support is gone. 'Bluebird of Happiness Hill' hosts the American Kestrels! It tells the story of a merchant called Antonio who owes some money to a spiteful moneylender, Shylock. Praying for you sweet friend. Un'ombra is a small glass of wine. Venice Sketchbook is one of the series of watercolour sketchbook from Fabrice Moireau, a lover of architecture and gardens. So I found this take on that historic conflict to be a bit too much like too many things Ive read before, in spite of the change in setting. I wouldn't recommend this one if you're a critical reader, but if you're just looking for a story to while away a few hours and you like the setting and premise then go for it. Caroline's quest: to scatter Juliet "Lettie" Browning's ashes in the city she loved and to unlock the mysteries stored away for more than sixty years. 4.5 Stars: I really enjoyed this book. For her students, it's a wealth of history, art, and beauty. The Venice Sketchbook by Rhys Bowen Buy the book on Amazon! After her death decades later, Caroline is bequeathed a set of strange antique keys with the instructions to go to Venice to recover something of Juliet's. My heart. And after having stuck with her for 400 pages, I deserved a decent ending. Josh is offered his dream job in New York, she and Teddy stay behind in England and it doesnt take long for Josh to meet another women, Carolines marriage is in tatters and he wants Teddy to spend the summer in New York. A: I think it Im not even sure what genre this novel isit fails as a historical novel. Bowens story did not live up to her reputation and previous writings in my opinion. A: I wanted an exotic name for my rock stara one word name like Beyonce. A must-read for Bowen fans and historical fiction enthusiasts., is that rare book, both epic and personal, and utterly compelling. Key by key, Lettie's life of impossible love, loss, and courage unfolds. [] April 12th: Leighellen Landskov and [], Momma Leighellen's Book Review + Giveaway, Rhys Bowen, author of THE VENICE SKETCHBOOK, on tour April/May 2020 | TLC Book Tours. Book arrived quickly. You cannot live someone elses life. Until the threat of war closes in on Venice and they're forced to fight, survive, and protect a secret that will bind them forever. Because of her broken private life Juliet decides to accept a bursury to study at an Art college in Venice and, while there, to explore her great aunt's legacy. The book could have been 350 pages and still have pulled of a decent conceptual ending. I know, as a mother myself, I would have moved Heaven and Earth to get my child back! Q: You've written over 40 books, many of them mysteries for which you've won multiple awards -- Congratulations on your success as an author! Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 30, 2021. ISBN 9781542027113. Love and secrets collide in Venice during WWII in an enthralling novel of brief encounters and lasting romance by the New York Times bestselling author of The Tuscan Child and Above the Bay of Angels. So many good stories waiting to be told. It echoed for a while for all of us, and that was captured well. The author pulled me in from the prologue and the setting of Venice with her wonderful writing. I enjoyed watching the pieces of the puzzle come together. 2021. Rhys Bowen is the New York Times bestselling author of two historical mystery series as well as several internationally bestselling historical novels, two of which were nominated for Edgar Award. , the winner of the Macavity and Left Coast Crime Awards for Best Historical Mystery Novel and the Agatha Award for Best Historical Mystery. Brief explanation of rating If you've ever been to Venice, or wished to go, this book will teleport you there immediately! You're listening to a sample of the Audible audio edition. She travels with her Aunt Hortensia to Italy, the best place for a budding young artist to be inspired. . Once I started I could not put this novel down. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, No Import Fees Deposit & $9.46 Shipping to Singapore. However she doesn't reflect how different standards were in the 20s and 30s, especially in Italy. As Juliet's great aunt has died but left her certain secrets in envelopes and securely hidden hitherto, a tug of war develops. The story is told in two time periods but is not at all confusing for the gist of the whole account is of relatives at a later time exploring the earlier time. Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations. Hardcover: January 3, 2023 Armed with only hazy memories, a woman who long ago witnessed her friend's sudden, mysterious death and has since spent her life trying to forget sets out to track down answers. Bowen, Rhys, (author.). Ms. Kosa writes sensitively of trauma without sugarcoating the aftereffects in this page-turning domestic thriller of the secrets we keep quiet in order to protect the ones we love. Here is a brief overview of the different characteristics of the books. Harris, Review: Breaking the Circle by M. J. Trow, Review: Courting Dragons by Jeri Westerson, Review: Uncanny Times by Laura Anne Gilman, Review: The Book Haters Book Club by Gretchen Anthony, The Sunday Post AKA Whats on my (Mostly Virtual) Nightstand 4-11-21, Review: The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin. Throughout the story, WWII looms as a backdrop which in some ways also becomes a character to the story along with Venice Italy. Summary Book Summary To find his wife, Alex must face what Layla has forgotten. Antonio takes this money for his friend Bassanio so that the latter can court a lady named Portia and marry her. A suggested list of literary criticism on 's Italian Renaissance (1330-1550). . Happy weekend Ricki. But his true work is rescuing kidnapped female children and teens to save them from being sold as sex slaves. Tiramisu wasn't invented until the 1960's or 70's. I spent a lot of time in Germany as a young woman and realized that most Germans had no say over taking part. Your mileage may vary, especially if youve not experienced the same kind of WW2 historical fiction fatigue or youve not read much about that period in Italy as opposed to the more usual settings of France or Britain.. And on my other hand, I have previously enjoyed several of this authors WW2 stories, particularly In Farleigh Field and The Victory Garden and will undoubtedly be back again the next time she returns to the period. . You know what? She currently writes two historical mystery series, each very different in tone. (Mini-spoiler: The explanation of Leo's fate seemed odd and contradictory since he apparently had the assumption of help coming, and therefore made the plot more unbelievable for me. I felt this timeline needed another chapter (if not two) to properly wrap things up. For Juliet, its poignant memories and a chance to reconnect with Leonardo Da Rossi, the man she loves whose future is already determined by his noble family. We are currently offering this content for free. Her beloved great-aunt Lettie leaves her a sketchbook, three keys, and a final whisper . These landscape grounded paintings are about the texture of paint, using both thicker gestural makes and building thin delicate layers to create a tension and transition where movement crosses space. For Juliet, its poignant memories and a chance to reconnect with Leonardo Da Rossi, the man she loves whose future is already determined by his noble family. Quiet girls won't stay silent forever. Augusta-Richmond County Public Library System: Book Good girls keep quiet. I have been fascinated with WWIII suppose because I was born in the middle of it, my father Rhys Bowen has used the period, first of the late 1920s and then of the German occupation in World war 2 to tell a quite brilliant story of English and Italian families intertwined and ultimately related. Bassanio asks Antonio. It's such an unusual name and you even spelled it in the unusual way without the accent. The city of Venice could there be a more romantic setting? A crime has been committed in Venice and Brunetti must solve it and bring justice to the victim. A guide to the wonders of Venice, conveyed by means of an artist's sketchbook. Both involving our heroines falling in love with Italian men from a prominent Venician family. Our 3,500 Reading Guides include Discussion Questions, Book Reviews, Author Bios, and Plot Summaries. , ISBN-13 Sweet hugs! Keep reading for a short summary and if you should read this novel! It became a matter of survival and in times of survival people will do anything to protect their loved ones. Strout's fourth novel, it tells the . Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. Great book review. Sorry, there was a problem loading this page. I like era it is set in too. We can never fully revisit those people and places we've kept frozen in still life hovering in chambers within our memories. All in all, this book was a light romantic read that had me thoroughly immersed. This is a tale brimming with secrets, romance, and possibilities, cast against the colorful setting of irresistible Venice. Pingback: 5 Books That Must Go On Your European Vacation Reading List The List | Fareobitz. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. While men like Antonio attempt to profit by making investments in commerce and trade, Bassanio takes his risks in the realm of love and desire. She is furious with Juliet and changes their plans to leave Venice early; Juliet is unable to say goodby to Leo. Initially the plot is all too predictable and overly romantic but as the story reaches its conclusion the plot is more sophisticated and interesting. A rough draft that was in need of a workshop, or some serious editorial consultation. Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2023. Venice, known also as the City of Canals, The Floating City, and Serenissima, is arguably one of Italy's most picturesque cities. "The Venice Sketchbook is that rare book, both epic and personal, and utterly compelling. This is definitely one of those books where a good writer gets away with an unconvincing story. Burano is the island to buy lace not Torcello. The love story is touching and I enjoyed how it spanned the decades. Advanced Technology Extended (ATX) The ATX form factor is the most used form factor. That didn't work for me. I think that the issues I had with Lettie/Juliettas part of the story was that so much of what she did has been written before, and the parts of the story that were unique to her were a bit too predictable, especially her doomed romance and its results. Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2023. The setting is beautiful, and Bowen's descriptions of Venice and her culture are stunning. everywhere. This leads to discovering that great aunt , Juliet also, but referred to as Lettie, led a very exciting and ultimately romantic life of which there was not a shred of suspicion. Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2023, A wonderful couple of romances - WWII story taking place in Venice. Two women, decades apart, escape to Venice, each forced to grapple with the influence of world events on her own life. The Merchant of Venice is perhaps one of the best plays created by William Shakespeare. Q: Towards the end, on page 384, you wrote, "I don't know what makes people act in time of war." Rhys Bowen crafts a propulsive, unexpected plot with characters who come vibrantly alive on the page. Mark Sullivan, author of, Love and secrets collide in Venice during WWII in an enthralling novel of brief encounters and lasting romance by the, Caroline Grant is struggling to accept the end of her marriage when she receives an unexpected bequest. Two women, decades apart, escape to Venice, each forced to grapple with the influence of world events on her own life. 2. Her beloved great-aunt Lettie leaves her a sketchbook, three keys, and a final whisper.Venice. My first Bowen read and I was amazed at how she so intricately weaved this story, unveiling more and more as the plot progressed. The author is a good story teller. The protagonist is a lonely man named Murphy Shepherd. Soemtimes it felt like it was lacking the depth of emotion that I usually get with this genre. Rhys Bowen crafts a propulsive, unexpected plot with characters who come vibrantly alive on the page. Mark Sullivan, author of Beneath a Scarlet Sky. A guide to the wonders of Venice, conveyed by means of an artist's sketchbook. Prayers for you Top 'o the Mornin' to ya, My Lovelies! Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days . I hope you get things fixed with your cars and other damage from the tornado. Caroline seemed a little weak and flat, although part of the subplot is that a somewhat wimpy woman (both Caroline and Lettie) starts to find her voice and self once she is separated from the life that defined her. The story then flashes back to 1928 to the life of her aunt in Venice following the boy she loves and the choices she made. Its slow, its sweet, and a lovely little escape. Her inheritance barely affords her a trip to Venice to learn more about the contents of a box that had once belonged to her aunt: two sketchbooks, Venetian glass beads, a ring, and three keys. The only reason I did not give it 5 stars is I felt like the last few chapters felt rushed to wrap things up. The story first follows present day Caroline who is in Venice to scatter the ashes of her beloved Aunt and solve a mystery. Top subscription boxes right to your door, 1996-2023, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates, Learn more how customers reviews work on Amazon. Interested in deeper information about a book title of your choosing. I dont think Ill ever run out of them. A: I have often wondered how seemingly decent men could work in concentration camps and then go home to their families. A beautiful, clever, and wealthy noblewoman who lives in the country estate of Belmont, outside Venice. Earlier this month the latest standalone novel, The Venice Sketchbook from New York Times bestselling author, Rhys Bowen was released. But instead, even a few hours later since having read the ending, I am more like "What the Hell?!" Bassanio is one of the carefree young men who don't need to work to enjoy the fun life that Venice has to offer. It was pretty much okay, nothing particularly angering, until the ridiculous ending. Do you think culture has something to do with how she sat back and didn't take action until the Rossi family pushed her to it? Its 1938 when art teacher Juliet Browning arrives in romantic Venice. I've read this book before!". The Venice Sketchbook was first and foremost, very well set. Leaving behind one final request, that Caroline go to Venice, a place that Lettie seems to have loved but that Caroline never knew was such a part of her great-aunts life, along with enough money for Caroline to make the trip, scatter Letties ashes, and perhaps figure out what made the request so important to the dying woman that she hung on long enough to make that one last request. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 19, 2021. They dream of life beyond their town and the painful past of their father's lynching, and it seems like they might actually get it when they run away to New Orleans together. Just before passing away, Caroline Grants great Aunt Lettie leaves her a sketchbook, three keys, and whispers the word Venice. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness. This one may have come in a simple brown box but the items inside were just as fun and delicious as they are every month! Lets just say it was a VERY good thing for Caroline that Lettie was her great-aunt and not her grandmother. However star-crossed, nothing can come between them. Both periods mainly set in Venice. Its 1938 when art teacher Juliet Browning arrives in romantic Venice. This is a tale brimming with secrets, romance, and possibilities, cast against the colorful setting of irresistible Venice. This post contains affiliate links; as an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Find all the books, read about the author, and more. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we dont use a simple average. Rhys, I beg for your forgiveness, and I encourage others to pick up her other works. To the point where I have three books in a row that are set during the same period, Fridays The Consequences of Fear, this book today, and tomorrows The Last Bookshop in London. However, it seemed a tad heavy on the location and scenery and light on plot. "Caroline Grant is struggling to accept the end of her marriage when she receives an unexpected bequest. The awards honor the best in mystery and crime literature, television, film and theater.