The Venice Sketchbook

Rhys Bowen

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historical mystery fiction

dual timeline story

family secrets

world war ii europe

beautiful venice setting

emotional character arcs

engaging writing style

romantic hardships

immersive descriptions

detailed setting illustrations

The Venice Sketchbook by Rhys Bowen is a historical mystery fiction novel set in World War II Europe, focusing on a dual timeline story that unfolds in both the war years and in 2001. The book follows the stories of two women from the same family, Juliet and Caroline, as they uncover family secrets and mysteries in Venice. The novel beautifully captures the essence of the city of Venice, portraying its beauty, romance, and hardships during different time periods. The writing style is described as engaging, with detailed descriptions of the setting and characters, making the reader feel immersed in the story.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed with emotional arcs, primarily focusing on dual protagonists facing different life challenges.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is rich with description and emotion, effectively illustrating the setting and character experiences.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative weaves two timelines featuring family secrets, historical romance, and personal challenges faced by the protagonists.

Setting:

The setting, particularly Venice, is integral to the narrative, providing a beautiful and historically rich backdrop.

Pacing:

The pacing is deliberately slow, mirroring the reflective nature of the story and the romantic settings.

At last Aunt Hortensia and I have arrived in Venice, after a long, sweaty, smoky and exceedingly uncomfortable train journey. Aunt Hortensia does not believe in wasting money and declared that sleepin...

Notes:

The book has a dual timeline: one in 2001 and the other from 1928 to 1945.

The main characters are Caroline and her great-aunt Juliet, who are part of the same family but have untold secrets.

Caroline's storyline involves her struggles with an unhappy marriage and child custody questions after 9/11.

Juliet's story is set during World War II, where she falls in love with Leonardo Da Rossi in Venice.

The novel explores Juliet's experiences as a teacher and artist during the turbulent pre-war years.

Caroline inherits a sketchbook, three keys, and her aunt's final wish to go to Venice.

The story is rich in descriptions of Venice's culture, art, food, and its historical significance during the war.

Romantic and melancholic, the book captures the challenges of love during wartime.

Descriptions of Venice provide a vivid backdrop, allowing readers to feel as though they are visiting the city themselves.

The book offers a mix of family secrets, romance, and historical intrigue.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes surrounding war, family trauma, and emotional distress related to personal loss and relationships.

Has Romance?

The story presents a high level of romance, particularly in Juliet's historical storyline and hints of romance in Caroline's present timeline.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

Inheriting her beloved great-aunt's sketchbook, a recently divorced woman uncovers mysteries about her great-aunt's star-crossed romance with a nobleman in World War II Venice.

Ratings (2)

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Reader Stats (7):

Read It (3)
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Not Interested (1)

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