A Stopover in Venice

I'm just finishing up the book A Stopover in Venice and I've gone from devouring it to eking it out to make it last longer. There are two story lines; one set in modern day Venice (well, present-ish - it is somewhat indefinite with no mention of cell phones or other very modern items, allowing the reader to set it when they will) and early 16th century Venice. The descriptions are lush and evocative, painting a very vivid picture for the reader.I have visited Venice twice so far, and could easily visualize exactly where the characters are by the descriptions. I am also an amateur of 16th century clothing and life - this is very well researched. I've only found one thing that stood out to me.I recommend this book highly and hope for more in the same vein.

A 35 year old American woman, unbeknownst to her husband, decides to get off a train in Venice- leaving her husband to continue on his journey along with his band members and crew. Does she abandon him, or has he already abandoned her?I have never read a book such as this. Intriguing, full of philosophical thoughts, facts and fiction presented in an intricate weave, and leaving the reader to question how the main character is actually going to resolve the issues in her life. The reader has to really discern the difference between selfishness and selflessness. This would be a perfect book for a group discussion!!! I would have given this 5 stars if it had been written with the obligatory punctuations- it was difficult too many times to know what was being spoken and what was being thought, and by whom! I have never encountered a book written in this style, and I hope to never experience this confusing style again. However, the story is very thought-provoking and involves intellectual and historical insights into the Renaissance Period... and self awareness. I know- this sounds like a jumbled review, but the story flitting back and for between Renaissance characters and present day characters is also quite jumbled. Not a typical easy to read or follow story.

good take on being married to a narcissist. good story abouvenice and art history. however the search for the solution to the puzzle was a bit long.

I loved this so much. The story within the story drew me in and I ended up learning so much more about 16th century art and artists. It made me wish to study beyond the novel and also has inspired me to visit Venice. Obviously, there was much research that was put into this book and I did not find the lack of quotations distracting. It seemed to fit the flow of the story. Thank you to the author for a lovely time spent reading.

When Nel has a fight with her husband while in Venice, she decides to leave the train and stay in the city. With no set plan, she settles into a hotel and begins to wander the city. She rescues a small dog who is being tormented by a group of boys and sets about taking care of him. When a stranger stops her and inquires about the dog, she joins him in bringing the dog back to his rightful owner, a countess living in a palazzo. She becomes intrigued with some artwork and is pulled in to the investigation of a fresco found in the building. Along with Matteo who is restoring the fresco, and the countess, they begin a search to find the truth around the fresco and those who lived in the palazzo. Nel also begins to understand herself and her needs.The only downside I found was the author's non-use of quotations, so it was sometimes difficult to tell internal narrative from conversations. I found this to be a charming novel with a historical mystery that is slowly revealed.

I enjoyed this book very much. Interestingly written and I liked the main character.

The writing is great but the story goes nowhere. Was interested in the life of a wife of a major musician but it fizzled. There was no big reveal. Was a letdown.Maybe if I visited Venice I would appreciate the book more.I think the only reason this was published is because the author was once married to James Taylor. Lots of other good writers trying to get published who don’t have her connections.

Just not believable. Crazy nonsense. I wasn't able to finish the book.

I was totally absorbed by this novel (recommended by a friend). It vividly portrays the experience of being in Venice and draws what to me was quite a convincing picture of a failed marriage to a rock star; in parallel, we have an emergent friendship and romance (a bit too easy and perfect, no doubt) and an arresting mystery from centuries ago that had me consulting art history on google, to match pictures to the novelist's descriptions. If my remarks sound a bit more qualified than the stars I am allocating, that is because I passed the book on to a friend who was much less impressed and insisted that the book was 'just a fairy tale'. I guess I like a modern fairy tale!

I almost abandoned this book as I found reading it VERY frustrating. I had to keep re-reading large sections of it to establish which character had said what. Not once has the author used quotation/speech marks. I find this very, very strange and it really detracted from the writing and the story. I couldn't find much sympathy for Nel' the main character in the book either. I purchased the book mainly for its' connection to Venice and was disappointed. It could really have been set anywhere, and in my opinion the author wasted a lot of opportunities. I agree with the friend of the previous reviewer, a fairy tale. Wouldn't recommend it at all I'm afraid. I keep all my books with Venice connections, but this one went off to the charity shop. Oh, pretty dust jacket though.