This book, written by John Berendt, at first may seem a bit confusing. When I first started reading it, I came across the beginning pages, where Berendt writes that this book is a work of nonfiction, and therefore should be considered as one while the reader reads it. However, while going through the book, page by page, I felt that his non fiction historical narrative, seemed to resemble a more mystery/fiction novel that was hard to put down.

In these pages, Berendt starts out with the burning of the Fenice, one of the most famous opera houses in all of Italy and even the world. He then moves on to his experiences and personal events and observations during his stay in Venice with the de Lauretizens. He thus outlines events, such as meeting various people at balls and during Carnival, listening the the gossip that was circulating Venice at the time, describing the sounds of Venice, the people, the culture, and the very way of life, while not making the reader lose sight of the significance of each event.

Even though Berendt seems to lose sight of the original topic and subject of the book, the burning of the Fenice and eventual conclusion with the rebuilding and the verdicts issued to those held responsible for the burning, he definitely made me feel like I was admist all the winding streets and canals in Venice.

Definitely, a must read!