– Sign outside Santa Maria della Salute Church, prior to restoration.
John Berendt took 10 years to research & write his book on Venice. He arrives in Venice the night after the Fenice Opera House burns. John does his personal investigation into the fire, which authorities fluctuate between negligence and arson, and the lives that were affected. He follows Venetians and expatriates from America & England, long ago authors, artists, & architects; and those trying to save Venice and it’s various art forms, before they sink into the canals of history. He observes the groups & individuals from eccentric to average, yet nothing is written in a “traditional” non-fiction/historical style. On numerous occasions I had to remind myself that this is for real, not something he has made up in his imagination.
Favorite Character: John & the lyrical way he describes glassblower Archemede Seguso, who uses his glass as his mourning for the Fenice.
Despicable Character: Jane Rylands, social leech who uses unsuspecting old ladies, under cover of kindness & caring, to advance her own standing.
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