A Stopover In Venice A Stopover In Venice A Stopover In Venice (2008) - Plot & Excerpts
A Stopover in Venice by Kathryn Walker is set in modern-day Venice, with an early 1500s subplot. Cornelia “Nel” is on tour in Italy with her famous musician husband. Tired of waiting around in hotel rooms, never visiting or enjoying the areas they tour, she impulsively leaves the entourage and heads back to Venice. She doesn’t speak Italian, but she has a credit card (his). She checks into a hotel, goes for a walk, and rescues a tiny dog from a gang of boys. The little dog’s companionship is exactly what she needs to counteract her loneliness (and bolster her courage). Next day she luxuriates in her freedom, exploring the sights of Venice with her little dog. All too soon she learns the dog is desperately missed by his true owner, Lucy, a widow in a fine old palazzo. Matteo, an art conservator, escorts Nel and the dog to Lucy. Nel is so sad to give up the dog, she faints. Lucy insists that Nel stay overnight. Matteo is painstakingly uncovering a fresco painted on a bedroom wall. Who painted it? Who is the subject? If it is by Zorzi, a painter from the Renaissance, it will be a tremendous discovery in the art world.Nel agrees to stay a few days with Lucy and Matteo. She isn’t eager to rejoin her husband, and the mystery of the fresco intrigues her. The palazzo had been used by a convent and as a hospital during plague epidemics. In an unused attic, they discover trunks filled with beautiful clothing and diaries. The handwriting is in an ancient Venetian script, so they consult an expert.In the first half of the book, Nel, Lucy, Matteo and art scholar Lydia form a close friendship, and the concepts of self-empowerment and living life to the fullest are predominant. In the second half of the book, the translated diary entries from early 1500s reveal a love story, artistic talent, tragic disappointment, soaring joy, a hefty dose of art history, and the solution to the mystery of the fresco.After a month in Venice, Nel has started a new life and made dear new friends, but she departs to meet up with Antony. I love how the book ends, leaving us to wonder if she will be sucked back into a lifeless routine, or if she will permanently break off her old life and return to her newfound freedom in Venice. I got about half way thru this book and I just couldn't do it any more. I know I have books on my shelf that I will give a 5 star rating to and I need to get to them quickly!! The first half was dense and a bit confusing when it came to conversations with others. Because it lacked punuation, I wasn't sure what was in conversation and what were just thoughts. I expected more because the overview sounded awesome....
What do You think about A Stopover In Venice A Stopover In Venice A Stopover In Venice (2008)?
Art history mysteries, romance, self-discovery all in Venice. What's not to love?
—judith43420
I want to learn Italian now! And I did go through a Pimsleur course!
—kmhiller
