Historical novel set around ENGLAND (Birmingham)
GIVEAWAY – 3 top titles set in VENICE
13th March 2022
GIVEAWAY – 3 top titles set in VENICE
It’s all about VENICE, 3 beautiful titles to transport you. Will you be taking a trip to the Lagoon City in the foreseeable future? You need these books to really get you in the mood! Or have you been and want to revisit your experiences through the written word?
UK entry only. The winner secures all 3 books.
Palace of the Drowned by Christine Mangan
In Venice, Frances Croy is working to leave the previous year behind: another novel published to little success, a scathing review she can’t quite manage to forget, and, most of all, the real reason behind her self-imposed exile from London: the incident at the Savoy.
Sequestered within an aging palazzo, Frankie finds comfort in the emptiness of Venice in winter, in the absence of others. Desperate to rediscover the success of her first novel, the one by which all her other work has been judged, she attempts to return to the page – ignoring the strained relationship with her best friend, the increasing phone calls from her editor, demanding the final book of her contract, and the growing fear that the end of her career is imminent.
And then Gilly appears.
A young woman claiming a connection from back home, one that Frankie can’t quite seem to recall, Gilly seems determined for the two women to become fast friends. Frankie finds herself equally irritated and amused by the strange young woman before her – but there’s something about her that continues to give Frankie pause, that makes her wonder just how much of what Gilly tells her is actually the truth.
Those around Frankie are quick to dismiss her concerns, citing her recent fragile state and what took place that night at the Savoy. So too do they dismiss Frankie’s claims that someone is occupying the other half of the palazzo, which has supposedly stood empty since after the war. But Frankie has caught Gilly in numerous lies, has seen the lights across the way, has heard the footsteps too-and what’s more, knows she isn’t mad.
Set in the days before and after the 1966 flood – the worst ever experienced by the city of Venice – the trajectory of the disaster that forever altered the city mirrors Frankie’s own inner turmoil as she struggles to make sense of what is and is not the truth, ultimately culminating in a tragedy that leaves her questioning her own role and responsibility – as well as her sanity.
Venice by Cees Nooteboom
With this treasury of his time spent in Venice over a period of fifty-five years, Nooteboom makes himself the indispensable companion for all lovers of “the sailing, amphibious city”, and for every new visitor.
Because he is a master storyteller with an inexhaustible curiosity, and always with a suitcase of books (to which new discoveries are added), he brings vividly and poetically to life not only the tumultuous history of the Republic but along the way its doges, its villains, its heroes, its magnificent painters, its architects, its scholars, its skies, its canals and piazzas and alleyways, and on his expeditions its “bronze voices of time”.
Those who know and love this city and its literature will recognise Nooteboom – in Laura Watkinson’s fine translation – as the dazzling heir and companion to Montaigne, Thomas Mann, Rilke, Ruskin, Proust, Brodsky, and Donna Leon. His homage to Venice is a generous introduction, learned and enchanting, and worthy of its magnificent subject.
The Book of Venice edited by Orsola Casagrande
With its gondola-filled canals and beautiful architecture, the floating city of Venice is unlike anywhere else in the world. It is a city where apparent opposites intersect; at once aquatic and terrestrial, past and present, east and west, spiritual and carnal, imaginary and real. It is this mystery and mulitplicity that has long offered inspiration to writers and storytellers; from Thomas Mann and Proust, to Elizabeth Wharton and TS Eliot. In his 1882 essay ‘Venice’, Henry James famously wrote that there was nothing new to be said about Venice. The short stories gathered in this anthology each written by writters based in or from the city challenge this notion, offering new perspectives on one of the world s most coveted destinations. Translated by Orsola Casagrande and Caterina Dell’Olivo.
HOW TO ENTER:
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Then, in the COMMENTS below, let’s chat about Venice! What comes to mind when you think of the city? Do you have any top tips that you would like to share with our readers? Have you been?
Enter by midnight, 26 March 2022 and the winner will be chosen at random. UK only
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The winner is:
yd1556
Loved taking a gondola ride on my birthday. Getting under the very low bridges was an experience.
Absolutely adored Venice when we had a very short visit for a special birthday.
You MUST get lost – you discover so much beauty, find lovely local bars & places to eat and also come across some fabulous photo opportunities.
Cruised into Venice, it was a fantastic unforgettable experience. Love to go back.
Gondolas and water mainly. Have never visited but I’d love to one day
Venice is so beautiful, but also full of mystery.
I found Venice was very but you do need to take lots of money with you very pricey, but worth the experience.
Two weeks ago my daughter was in Venice. She took photos that almost replicated a visit of mine from 50 years ago. Nothing has changed . . .Venice is as beautiful as ever!
Looking forward to visiting later this year, so it’s great to see so many excellent tips!
Venice is very beautiful but stinks to high heaven so I’ve been told
A visit during carnival is a real treat!
I’ve never been to Venice unfortunately, and probably never will now with the difficulty travelling abroad, restrictions, no restrictions, more restrictions etc. I think of the canals in Venice and how I’d love to go on a gondola…. and perhaps just slip in a song line whilst travelling… ‘just one cornetto!`
Make sure you have good walking shoes – it’s lovely to get away from motorised traffic
I love Venice, we only had a short trip in February in 2005,loved the Romance , the Gondolas, the history, Bridge of Sighs, St Marks Square, amazing 24 hour clock, The Torre dell’Orologio on St Mark’s Square, just want the return visit.
The second time I visited Venice was in February a few years ago. Much less crowded and it was warm and sunny weather. We walked a long way off the main tourist area and discovered a working boatyard. Also a supermarket for lunch food. It didn’t look like a supermarket from the outside but we spotted people coming out with shopping!
Venice was one of the most disappointing places I have ever visited. Lots of green slime on buildings -and many of them derelict – and a rather unpleasant odour. It was a long time ago and everyone who has visited since assures me the city has had lots of investment and restoration and is now a beautiful destination. I guess I should try again!
ive never been but its definitely on the list
I have never been to Venice, but it is on my bucket list. The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Venice is the canals and the great number of bridges.
id love to take my wife to Venice
The touristy areas of Venice are expensive and often overcrowded – get the most out of this beautiful city by exploring areas, restaurants and bars away from the main sights and eating where the locals eat. September/October are often the best months for visiting Venice, pleasantly warm and not quite so busy.
venice is on my list of places to visit
First thing that springs to mind about Venice, strangely, is an old Duran Duran song called ‘Venice Drowning’!!
I’ve never been to Venice so no tips and to be honest the first thing that springs to mind is the Cornetto advert.
Gondolas! That’s the first thing that springs to my mind. Sadly I can’t share any tips as haven’t been lucky enough to visit but it’s certainly on my ‘to visit’ list and I’d really love to go!
it seems like a romantic place
my husband and I went to Venice on my 50th birthday a very beautiful place but expensive!
I visited Venice as a child and stayed on The Lido and I always think of arriving across the lagoon on a vaparetto
and the vision of St Marks Square across he water
it looks like a beautiful place
The best time to visit is September to November when the weather is pleasant and there are less tourists.
I worry that Venice would smell, and be overpriced and overly busy – but I’m getting more risk averse with age
My Mum’s only comment was ‘it smells,’ but she’s a reluctant traveller. I’d love to visit one day and form my own opinion.
Ditch the heels in Venice and don’t miss to try the Gelato at Gelateria S.Leonardo. To my fellow book lovers I recommend to visit the Libreria Acqua Alta bookstore.
Last time I was in Venice it poured with rain and I remember wading through St Marks Square on duckboards with wet sandals. So it’s best to visit Venice in the “dry season” when you will be able to enjoy the sights without getting your feet wet!
Water and Music
Venice is always crowded. The city is on 50% of the world’s bucket list and is almost always swarming with tourists. If you intend to save time and make the most of your visit, rather than standing in 2-hour long queues to enter the popular attractions; grab Skip the Line tickets or Guided Tour tickets in advance.
Instead of sticking to the main tourist areas, seek out some of the restaurants in the less busy areas where the locals eat. There are some great places just 10 minutes or so walk from St Marks Square if you are prepared to search for them.
Bear in mind that the water isn’t the cleanest quality. Avoid eating food that’s been splashed
If you want to go on a gondola but don’t want to pay for an expensive trip search out the “gondola traghetto” a ferry across the Grand canal. Only a couple of minutes but the photos look as good.
I loved Venice when I went. The thing I remember most is being introduced to the drink Bellini, as it was invented there. The weather was glorious when I visited so my top tip would be that if you wanted to visit a beach, then Venice Lido Beach is only a 20 minute water taxi ride away and is lovely!
Canal and gondolas comes to mind when thinking of Venice. I would love to go one day as I have never been
Must see place – one tip is to always have spare cash and have and a little understand of the language and etiquette – I unfortunately got lost ( in the many boutique shops )and ended up on a speed boat to take me back to my tour party – the venetian chap was lovely and I got back safely ( not ideal as I didn’t understand a word he said )
I love Venice. I’ve visited twice now both with my husband. The second time was to celebrate our 20th Wedding Anniversary. My tip is rather than use the vaporetto, walk your way around. That way you see more of the city that you would miss being on the water.
Having never been I only know what I have seen on the TV, I imagine canals with gondolas and beautiful buildings and the architecture. I have been told if we do get to visit don’t go in the Summer because of crowds and smells! Maybe one day will get to visit but for now I’d love to visit through these great sounding books. Many thanks.
I went to Venice about 20 years ago for a weekend city break. I enjoyed my time there but missed out on a gondola ride as my partner deemed it too expensive! I would love to visit again during the Carnival of Venice.
I’ll never forget the sight of the canal and boats as we came down the steps of the railway station. Stunning
Only place I’ve gone to a football match by canal! Fantastic atmosphere and surreal experience mixing sport with arts and culture weekend
Obviously when one thinks of Venice, it is canals and gondolas, but there are so many crumbling beautiful buildings and spooky alleyways
Love Venice, the boat from the mainland over is magical!
Venice to me is the film of the short story by Daphne du Maurier Don’t Look Now. As well as superb performances from Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie the film depicts the sinister ethereal atmosphere of the city perfectly.
I went as a teenager for a day visit and it was beautiful. I want to go back now I’m older, and would have far more appreciation. Watched a tv programme and want to explore.
I have not been there myself, but I have heard that it is a nice place to visit.
I have not been there myself, but I have heard that it is a lovely place to visit.
I’ve never been, but will read the tips!
l have never been in person to Venice but have visited many times through the medium of books, including ‘The Glassblower of Murano’ by Marina Fiorato and many others
I’ve never been but it’s one of the places I’d most like to visit. It looks so beautiful and peaceful there.
I have been and it was glorious. The colours of the buildings and the reflections in the sun were magnificent
I have been over 17 years ago. Went on a Gondola, that was fun.
Gondolas
Visited twice now, St Marks Square is always busy. Go through the back streets to find lovely cafes, decent priced souvenirs and beautiful architecture. Gondola rides are quite expensive but a real treat.
Think of the ‘Don’t Look Now’ film – very atmospheric – can imagine it’s beautiful by day and spooky at night x
We went to Venice many years ago now, but unfortunately didn’t get to spend too much time there, as we were on an organised day trip from our main holiday in another country.
We did manage to squeeze in a trip to the Murano shop, although sadly not a factory tour. We had lunch in a lovely nearby cafe.
We also made it to St Mark’s Square, although with no time for a basilica tour.
The rest of the time we spent wandering the waterside watching the artists at work, which was fascinating.
only been a couple of times but I enjoyed a trip out to enjoy the glass-blowing (Murano?) and a trip to Lido
It’s somewhere I dream of visiting, gondolas always come to my mind when I think of Venice!
Beautiful architecture and canals
I would love to visit Venice to take in the stunning architecture and churches such as St Marks basilica. I would definitely go on a gondola ride and see some of the famous beautiful bridges too.
As an artist, visiting Venice was a dream, so many beautiful scenes to paint from gondolas to architecture reflected on the water. I personally loved eating ice cream in St Marks square watching the busy world pass by, eating the best lasagne ever in one of many tiny side street cafes, and taking home hand-made Murano glass animals & earrings as gifts for family.
Watched a program last night with Angela Hartnett and Fred Sirieix – Osteria Alle Testiere, a tiny restaurant in the south east district of Castello, looks amazing.
Venice is definitely a place to get away from the tourist traps, do your research before you go and book ahead for the best places
Burano is the most colourful and beautiful part of Venice and I hope to revisit one day. Every corner of Venice is picturesque and a wonderful city.
I visited Venice a very long time ago. Apart from going on a gondola, the one thing that I remember very well is that, on our last night there, we had the most expensive cup of coffee in St Marks Square.
I’ve not been to Venice but when I think of the city, it’s not the tourist sights that spring to mind but the novels I have read set there, and Murano glass which I love
For me, The Talented Mr Ripley (book and film!) is quintessential Venice