Book Review: A Venice Summer by Lynne Shelby

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1068358432 | Shaldo Books

A Venice Summer by Lynne Shelby is a beautifully atmospheric romance that really captures Venice during the sweltering months of summer. Lynne has little touches that really convey the sticky atmosphere – from devouring stuzzichini and prosecco in little restaurants down to the thin cotton sheets our heroine Rose is using instead of a blanket or duvet (although she doesn’t mention mosquitos once – this is a romance after all!).

Rose, an English art conservator between jobs, accepts a three-month contract to restore paintings in the Ca’ d'Ambra, a grand Venetian palazzo. There she meets Luca Casserini, the palazzo's aristocratic owner. Woven through the main narrative is a clever dual timeline that explores the history of a Renaissance portrait Rose is restoring. Without spoiling anything, the portrait becomes a pivotal point in the story in more ways than one.

The pacing is great – and the story kept me engaged throughout. Towards the very end, Rose does something I really didn’t expect, with dramatic impact. It felt both plausible and out of character, which was cleverly done. I also loved the informative technical details about art restoration which, along with the mystery around the portrait of the girl in a blue dress, made the professional elements of the story genuinely interesting.

If I had to ask for one thing to make this perfect it would be for Luca to be a bit more Italian. Like most of the people in the story, he spoke perfect English with the occasional ‘si’ or ‘buongiorno’ dropped in. I’m glad Lynne didn’t descend into cliché or caricature but I’d have loved a bit more Italian-ness (even if he is Venetian).

A Venice Summer is exactly what it promises: a lovely summer read with atmospheric setting, engaging pacing, and a genuinely affecting romance. It's the perfect escapist story especially if, like me, you’re avoiding the airport queues, heat (and mozzies!) and staying at home.