Books set in Italy and Alaska
The Lover of No Fixed Abode by Franco Lucentini
Gregory Dowling (translator)
Published February 20, 2024; Bitter Lemon Press
Genre: travel, Venice, art history, romance, literary fiction
The novel is a love story of a modern day Roman princess who buys art for an auction house and a tour guide, the enigmatic Mr. Silvera, both of whom meet on a flight to Venice. The two share three unforgettable days in Venice, their passionate affair including touring the canals, streets, bridges, museums and palaces of the city.
I loved this unusual book, the art and historical details of Venice that it gives the reader, and the romance between the two intriguing main characters themselves. Mr. Silvera's background is ambiguous and his wandering life is something he cannot escape. Learned in history, art, languages, he tells the princess that he must leave soon and she will not be able to follow him. Jewish himself, Mr. Silvera likens his life to the story of the Wandering Jew, who is condemned to wander till Judgement Day. This gives a certain melancholy to the entire book.
The romance between the two people is both heartfelt and tragic. But the book is also about Italian art, the trading of very costly works and the subterfuges and scams used in buying and selling. But overall, it's also a sophisticated love story of Venice.
The book made me feel as I had visited the city and its surrounding islands in person!
Thanks to Bitter Melon Press and publicist for a review copy
New books from Soho Crime set in Tuscan, Alaska:
The Road to Murder by Camilla Trinchieri, a Tuscan mystery
Published March 5, 2024; Soho Crime
The setting in a little town in Tuscany is a big draw for readers of this mystery series. Local food, people, and customs are highlighted.
Description:
Ex-New York City detective turned amateur chef Nico Doyle is asked by the local carabinieri to help. A woman has been found dead in her home, slumped over her piano, and the sole witness speaks only English. Nico reluctantly agrees to help Perillo with the case.
I've read several of the other books and am looking forward to this one too.
Big Breath In by John Straley, former Writer Laureate of Alaska
Publication: November 12, 2024; Soho Crime
Setting: Alaska
Description: Delphine, is a retired marine biologist, and a terminal cancer patient. However, she is determined to carry on with life as usual, and sets out to find the missing mother of a young child whom she had observed being harassed by an unknown man. What ensues is a rescue mission across the Pacific Northwest.
I'm eager to get to the chase, but I'm first reading the first part of the book, which is all about sperm whales and their habitat and habits.
Straley's wife Jan is a marine biologist who specializes in studying humpback whales, while he is a well known writer of Alaska mysteries.
What new books or programs are you reading/watching this week?
Memes: The Sunday Post hosted by The Caffeinated Bookreviewer. Also, It's Monday: What Are You Reading, Sunday Salon, and Stacking the Shelves
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