VENICE – 20 years since publication of this iconic novel set in the city

4th May 2020

VENICE – 20 years since publication of this iconic novel set in the city

Miss Garnet’s Angel by Salley Vickers, a great book set in Venice.

I read this novel when it was first published. That was in the year 2000! This is a novel that has really withstood the test of time and it is a book I often suggest to people who are off to Venice. Reading it offers an even greater cinematic experience of the city (is that even possible?). It is a gentle story, told with charm and detail, that carries the reader along at a thoughtful pace. This is the story of Julia, now in retirement, in many ways an unremarkable woman – and yet. She chooses to spend 6 months in Venice, exploring the city and its treasures, gaining a variety of friendships and experiences. As the time passes, she learns to re-evaluate some of her core beliefs and to trawl her deeper soul in quiet contemplation.

Running alongside Julia’s story is the biblical story of Tobias and the Angel. A story of journeying, both physical and personal, as Tobias sets off at his father’s behest, in the company of the Archangel Gabriel. The Chiesa di S Raffaele Arcangel in Venice features in the story (it is off the beaten track, and is best known for the doors depicting The Story of Tobias, attributed to Gianantonio Guardi).

“The first time I read this book I skipped through it because it was so good. The second time I took a more Italian approach and enjoyed even more the delights of the story, the magic of angels, new friendships and experiences. The church and Campo exist, Chiesa S Raffaelle is a serene, small church in a small, serene square. I visited them and could imagine Miss Garnet walking through the streets, looking down over the campo from her rented apartment and visiting the church and looking at the restoration” (BB, review on the TripFiction website)

Very good book. I bought it to read on my recent holiday in Venice, as I have always enjoyed reading books set in a specific location while I am actually there. This was no exception. It is a very evocative novel and being there made it even better. (LynnTrick)

Over on Facebook we gathered more comments pertaining to literary wanderlust:

Absolutely loved it. Confess had never heard of it but a kind friend sent me a copy. Think the ending was a bit contrived, but otherwise pitch perfect. Would love to follow in Miss Garnet’s footsteps and move to Venice for several months when (if?) this is all over (FG)

I read it before my first visit to Venice. I stayed in the area where the novel is set so it was a wonderful introduction to a city that I now visit every year. I doubt I will be able to be there in 2020  (RML)

A story that has many levels and now – 20 years down the line – deserves a new generation of readers. It is an iconic novel for #literarywanderlust that will warm your heart.

Enjoy your virtual trip to Venice.

Tina for the TripFiction Team

Catch Salley on Twitter

and you can of course buy Miss Garnet’s Angel through the TripFiction database from your preferred bookseller. It also, of course, appears on our 10 Great Books set in Venice if you fancy more armchair travel to La Serenissima.

Join Team TripFiction on Social Media:

Twitter (@TripFiction), Facebook (@TripFiction.Literarywanderlust), YouTube (TripFiction #Literarywanderlust), Instagram (@TripFiction) and Pinterest (@TripFiction)

Subscribe to future blog posts