The Venice Sketchbook
The Venice Sketchbook is a beautifully written, captivating and atmospheric book. It is also a story of hope, love, secrets and possibilities in unimaginable circumstances. I devoured this book in one day, as I could not pull myself away from the characters or Venice, Italy.
Caroline Grant is struggling to accept the end of her marriage when she receives an unexpected bequest. Her beloved great-aunt Lettie leaves her a sketchbook, three keys, and a final whisper…Venice. 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.
It’s 1938 when art teacher Juliet Browning arrives in romantic Venice. For her students, it’s a wealth of history, art, and beauty. For Juliet, it’s poignant memories and a chance to reconnect with Leonardo Da Rossi, the man she loves whose future is already determined by his noble family. However star-crossed, nothing can come between them. 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.
Key by key, Lettie’s life of impossible love, loss, and courage unfolds. It’s one that Caroline can now make right again as her own journey of self-discovery begins.
I truly loved following this story and following Juliet through the all the twists, turns and inner conflict she had to not only endure, but endure as a very young woman who was risking her life as an English citizen living in Italy during WWII. I also loved following Caroline’s story as she works to uncover her great-aunt’s mystery.
Bowen writes realistic characters that have flaws and face real personal challenges. I was drawn to each characters fullness and complexity. You could feel the humanity and love that was put into writing each character, and this brought life and breath into the book itself. In general, I found myself lost and fully immersed in each character as I cried for them, wished their death, or even just wanted to reach into the pages of the book to hold their hand in support.
As for the setting of this epic story…All I can say is that if you are a fan of travel or have always wanted to go to Venice you really will find this story not only moving but magical as it fully transports you to this very much alive and visually rich city. I have been very lucky to have visited Venice several times in my life, and I love how Bowen swept me off my feet and back to the City of Water. She truly captured the city, sounds, buildings and even the smells of this cultural city full of art and history.
This was a fast paced and riveting story that told the tale two star-crossed lovers who had a war come between them. Throughout the story, Bowen was able to highlight those who still had heart, bravery, faith and strength in order to create a heartwarming story that will have you turning the pages without feeling bogged down. I did not want to see this book end, as I was not ready to leave Venice or the characters behind. There is so much to love about this book, and I wish I could capture it all in this review, but I can’t spoil the story for ya!
Thank you Lake Union Publishing for the gifted copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
