Helpful Score: 4
I love the style this book is written in, You learn not only about the Fenice Opera house Fire ,Which Archimede Seguso master glass blower watched from his window and produced what is said to be his finest collection ever bowls and vases and such all black with orange ,red,and purple swirls a collection of over 100 pieces. This book is about all things venetian, History customs social stratus , The subtleties of going about things without offending.Last but not least a cast of players ranging from The everyday person to high society with tons of assorted important titles.If you loved "Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil" You will adore this book,Rich in history and intrigue. I actually read it in two days because I was mesmerized by Venice and all things venetian.
Helpful Score: 4
I was a little disappointed in this book just because "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" was one of my favorite books. This just didn't hold my attention as well.
Helpful Score: 4
What a fantastic read! John Berendt does an excelent job weaving in the quirky characters of Venice amidst a terrible tragedy of the loss of the Fenice Opera House. His descrptions and moments with the people of Venice, both the American ex-patriates and the Venetians, were at once hilarious and incredibly moving. I love his writing and highly recommnd for anyone -- it will make you want to move to Venice...
Helpful Score: 3
The book is well written, it keeps you engaged in the story, it's interesting, easy to read. I enjoyed the references to Venice's cultures, art & architectural treasures.
Helpful Score: 3
Not as provacative as "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" but a pleasant read nonetheless.
Helpful Score: 2
I found it to be a little dry. I guess it is a good book, but nothing could compare to Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
Helpful Score: 2
I started reading this book and did not get very far. I thought it would be excellent because Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil was. This book let me down. Hopefully you will enjoy it!
Helpful Score: 2
This ISBN is unabridged on 11 CDs. Didn't capture my interest the way Midnight in the Garden did, but still a good listen (especially, I think, if you've actually been to Venice!)
Helpful Score: 1
The book started out strong but kind of wandered after the first few chapters.
Helpful Score: 1
Benendts next foray after Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil takes him to Venice. His account begins with a synopsis of the inferno that destroyed La Fenicethe centuries old opera house. What follows is a twisted tale of malfeasance, misconduct, incompetence, criminal negligence, political maneuvering, and what I would call the Shylock syndrome. Betwix the scenario of the fire we learn more than we wish to know about the citys history, particularly that of its resident aristocracy and their quasi-legal scheming. This book failed to hold my interest when it floated away from the La Fenice scenario; in fact, I found it downright boring at times. Judge for yourself!
Not as good as his book "Midnight In The Garden Of Good & Evil". But still worth the read.
Helpful Score: 1
I'm a fan of Berendt's because of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil but this one didn't grab my attention the same way. The book is presented as a story of the burning of the Fenice Opera House but that subject was talked about in less than half the book. The majority was spent on disconnected short stories about the people of Venice. Don't get me wrong, they were interesting stories of very colorful characters but Berendt failed to weave it all together around the central theme as well as he did in Midnight. Most of the stories were of people who had very little or no involvement with the Fenice. I enjoyed the stories but am glad I found it on clearance for $7!
Helpful Score: 1
Ultimately, distasteful.
This book begins in the same vein as "Midnight" but finally reveals itself as a disjointed account of several vastly unrelated scandals in Venice, both past and (at the time of publication) present. The author gives the impression of having chased down every possible party to the scandals in order to produce a book.
That being said, the descriptions of Venice, it's neighborhoods (if they can be called something so humble) and historical treasures are lyrical. It's a pity that they are so often simply used as a backdrop for a character or another shabby story.
This book begins in the same vein as "Midnight" but finally reveals itself as a disjointed account of several vastly unrelated scandals in Venice, both past and (at the time of publication) present. The author gives the impression of having chased down every possible party to the scandals in order to produce a book.
That being said, the descriptions of Venice, it's neighborhoods (if they can be called something so humble) and historical treasures are lyrical. It's a pity that they are so often simply used as a backdrop for a character or another shabby story.
I'm thoroughly enjoying reading this book. I requested it assuming it was a novel, since I really liked Berendt's novel "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil". But, this one is non-fiction, an account of what the author discovers about Venice, Italy. The impetus for him to get involved was a fire that destroyed the La Fenice opera house in 1996. He goes into great detail about the circumstances of the fire, but gets to know all kinds of fascinating people and history in the process. It reads like a novel, but I keep running into references that link to people and places I know about. Lots of fun.
Helpful Score: 1
Not as stunning as "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" but maybe my expectations were too high. The setting was fascinating and Berendt did a good job of making me feel like I was in Venice, but the story just went nowhere. No plot. Good enough to read though.
Helpful Score: 1
Completely different from Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Berendt does a masterful job of research when writing.
Pretty good, vivid descrptions of Venice.
I picked this up because I liked Berendt earlier book (Midnight in the Garden...) and love Vencie. I did not like it as much as Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil. The story seems to move slowly, many characters to keep track of and the book just seems to end. There is (and isn't) a conclusion to the events of the story. I understand the book and how the author presented it, just wasn't my favorite.
Loved the arhcitectural and social history of Venice
only so-so. I could not finish it. Not on the same level as Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
Another true mystery story by John Berendt, the author of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. This story centers around the burning of the Fenice Theater in Venice, Italy. It reads like "lifestyles of the rich and famous."
A nicely written, fun and easy read. If you liked Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, you are sure to enjoy this one as well.
This book makes one desire to see Venice and meet all the interesting characters in the book, all of whom seem like very real people.
A wonderful novel and journey into Venice and Venetian culture. Similar to a travel memoir! I loved the voice of the author.
From the author of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, this nonfiction book is set in Venice and offers a wonderful insider's view of that amazing city.
I liked this book about Venice - its history, people and events, especially in the late 20th century.
It was an interesting book and I enjoyed the info about Venice and its unusual characters.
A really good book. John Berendt uses his decription style from the Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil to bring Venice alive in the same way.
Non-fiction about the arson of the Fenice opera house in 1996. Anyone going to Venice should read this one first....
In the tradition of his bestselling "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil." This time Berendt writes of Venice, as city filled with masks, mystery and a series of riddles. Once again the book weaves stories of the city and the people into an atmospheric tale of magical decadence.
This book was pretty good, though not as good as "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil." Berendt does a good job of making a story out of Venice high society and the burning of the Fenice Opera House, which to me, COULD be as dry as stale toast. But he makes it pretty interesting.
This is an excellent book. I enjoyed it very much. It combines the history of Venice along with current events. If you have ever visited Venice or plan to visit Venice this book gives you interesting facts. I recommend this book.
