Stealing Venice
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4.8 • 4 Ratings
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- $1.99
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- $1.99
Publisher Description
Set against the sumptuous backdrop of contemporary and sixteenth century Venice, this is the story of two women, Anna and Ginevra, separated by centuries, but whose destinies are determined by the merciless chemistry of love: for a person, a place... and a painting.
When Anna takes a career break in Venice she is unprepared for the extraordinary pull of the city’s past over the present. Nor does she envisage being befriended by art historian, Vittore Anzelieri, and his nephew, Raffi. As her involvement with this charismatic family deepens, she finds herself embroiled in unravelling the secrets of a Renaissance masterpiece, and also having to fight for all that she holds dear – just as Ginevra had to, 500 years before. Although living very different lives, the hopes and aspirations of these two women are surprisingly similar, as are the corrupt powers that threaten to snatch away their happiness in this beautiful, but most illusionary, of cities.
Stealing Venice is a love story, an art mystery, a powerful evocation of the world’s most iconic city, a study of grief and of having the courage to find and follow one’s true vocation in life.
A captivating tale of two cities – London and Venice; of art and history; of theft and food.
Customer Reviews
Great for fans of Anne Fortier’s “Juliet.”
Received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 Stars. Great for fans of Anne Fortier’s “Juliet.”
"Stealing Venice" is delicious read—it’s meant to be savored, not rushed. It will steal your heart (pun intended)! ;) The descriptions of Venice and its glorious eats are stunning. I vividly felt like I was sitting out on the piazza and sipping on a glass of prosecco while enjoying this languid story. I found both Anna and Ginevra to be compelling women. Their spirit was infectious and their romances made me swoon. Ms. Redding created an extremely well researched and meticulously plotted story. I have a newfound appreciation for art and its history.
The only thing keeping this from being a great read was the pacing. I felt like the story could have been tightened up a smidge. There were definitely times when it started to drag. I kept waiting for something exciting to happen. About 85% of the way through the book leapt forward 17 years. It began to feel a bit disjointed and awkward to go from the narrative to letters and emails and back to the narrative.
That being said. I absolutely loved this story and its characters. It had me in tears. It was heartwarming and sweet. It truly has the perfect ending.