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intro_03's review against another edition
2.0
Liked the historic setting in general, however modern day part which takes place in 2001 was less interesting, and some characters really felt bland for me.
sjyudelson's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
woolardhe's review
2.0
I did not find this book to be enough historical fiction for me - Juliet is just an art student in Venice who has an affair with a very wealthy married Italian man and gets pregnant. The ending was extremely rushed with not enough detail on her spying or Hanni. I also am disgusted with the Caroline/Luca romance (“no worries, we can have sex we’re second counsins” EW) - overall I was bored for the first half and disgusted by the second
supermomcrazytown's review against another edition
4.0
Historical fiction especially during war and love stories are not at all my thing. I'm not sure what caught my eye on this one but wow I am happy I chose it. It was so adorably and loveably saddening. I couldn't stop reading it. Might open my genre choices!!!
kandisteiner's review against another edition
5.0
This was a beautifully written and absolutely enthralling historical fiction that I just couldn't put down. My first Bowen read and I was amazed at how she so intricately weaved this story, unveiling more and more as the plot progressed. It was also an absolutely gorgeous tribute to Venice and Italy as a whole, which has a special place in my heart. I loved reading about all the fascinating characters, the art, the city, the love, the heartbreak, and more. My first read of 2022 and I'm very happy to have started my year with this beauty!
avaholic29's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
rainynook's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I listened to the Audible version, very well read by Barrie Kreinik. I loved the dual story-line. I've very much enjoyed all of the "Lady Georgie" (Her Royal Spyness) mystery series from the same author. This one is a stand-alone novel, and very different from the more lighthearted "Spyness" mysteries, but very engaging. I especially liked all the details about the city of Venice, Italy - its history, traditions, festivities, rituals & landmarks.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Pregnancy, Infidelity, Xenophobia, and Suicide
Minor: Kidnapping, Abortion, and Animal cruelty
minniesmom's review
3.0
This book drew me in to solve the puzzles. And, in the end it was unsatisfying. Characters either left or met a sad end. Given the number of coincidences and improbable situations, it needed something something noble or happy to make it worth reading.
princessfabulous's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
truthmonkey's review
adventurous
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
February book for my Book Voyage challenge. I picked it because I love Venice, and the two time periods in the story seemed interesting. The place descriptions were good, and the concept was great, but I was a little disappointed in the execution. I figured it all out really early, and I didn’t buy some of the decisions that were made. But overall a good, quick read.