In The City Of Falling Angels, John Berendt endeavors to achieve for Venice what he accomplished for Savannah, Georgia, in his highly successful Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil. Just as the earlier work commenced with a murder, this one begins with something equally captivating: a fire that, in 1996, obliterated the historic La Fenice Opera House and nearly decimated Venice itself.

The cause of the fire is regarded as arson by some, negligence by others, and there are speculations that the Mafia might be involved. However, the book is less about the outcome of the investigation and more about the people who inhabit the island. These range from old world nobles residing in palazzos along the Grand Canal to American expats and a diverse array of artists, artisans, and simple tradespeople.

Berendt - who, by coincidence, arrived in the city three days after the fire - is a perceptive observer. When he describes people and places, there is an abundance of drama and humor. Particularly amusing is the portrayal of the man who earns his living by formulating specialized rat poisons for various cities.

Nevertheless, what Berendt lacks here is a compelling villain, someone as mysterious and menacing as his first book's Jim Williams. There is also no one as unabashedly self-promoting and outrageous as the Lady Chablis, the drag queen who achieved minor celebrity status after the success of Midnight.

One gets the sense that the author was inundated by the sheer volume of history and background he had to convey. Nowhere is this more evident than in the virtually unreadable chapter about Ezra Pound, his wife, and his mistress.

Perhaps it is the language barrier (a glossary of words and names is useful) or the fact that Venetians are a protective and contradictory people, but the book does not fully come alive.

Still, travelers seeking the inside scoop on the real Venice - with barely a mention of St. Mark's Square - will want to pick this up.

Originally published in NOW Magazine: nowtoronto.com/art-and-books/books/ci...

Berendt is an outstanding author whose books have the remarkable ability to transport readers to different worlds, especially during the quiet moments of the night when one is winding down after a long and tiring day. His works have a unique charm that lures readers in and keeps them engaged. In this particular book, he has managed to take me on a virtual journey to Venice, a place I had no particular longing to visit before. However, through his vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling, he has made me feel as if I was actually there, experiencing the beauty and allure of the city. If you have already read his previous works and are hungry for more of his captivating writing, then I highly recommend this book. It will surely not disappoint and will leave you with a sense of wonder and satisfaction.

Anybody who knows me knows I don't read a lot of non-fiction.

I WANT to read non-fiction, but I get lured away by the latest Mieville or Valente, almost every time. It doesn't help that to me a lot of non-fiction feels tedious, like I'm pushing a gondola through the sludge of a half-drained Venetian canal. (Heh. See what I did there?)

But THIS book, I liked. The title definitely grabbed me: in the early 1970's, before a lot of restoration got started in Venice, pieces of the marble ornaments on the Santa Maria della Salute Church were falling off onto pedestrians. A helpful citizen posted a sign outside: "BEWARE OF FALLING ANGELS." How can you NOT like a story like that?

And that's what the whole book is, a series of little stories. In some places one chapter has seven or eight interesting little tidbits, all woven together by the theme of the chapter, and all of the chapters are wound around the theme of Venice, specifically the Fenice opera house that all but burned down to the ground in 1996.

A few chapters in I'd told someone "It's a good book as long as you're okay that it doesn't have a point." I thought it was just a lot of randomly placed stories about Venice and Venice natives (who, according to Berendt, are both friendly and aloof, generous and gouging, trustworthy and just a smidge pirate. Bribery is a lot more common there than here...or rather they ADMIT to it more there than here. According to Berendt mind you, I haven't been myself, but after reading this book I sure plan to.)

Where was I....OH yes, a point. At first I thought it didn't have one, but really, the theme is very subtle, and he weaves together all these people and events, and by the end it's tied up in a neat little literary bow. I was seriously impressed.

It's been years since I read "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" but now I'm gonna have to go back and give it a look, because City of Falling Angels was the first book I've read in months that I was honestly sorry when it ended. I'd like to get back in the boat please! (Sorry, had to tie it all up...like a gondola to the pier...okay okay I'll stop....)

This book offers a unique and engaging perspective on Venice. It's not just about the famous landmarks and tourist attractions, but also about the people who live there and the stories that make the city come alive. The author's writing style is vivid and descriptive, making it easy to imagine oneself in the midst of the action.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in Venice or who enjoys reading non-fiction that is both entertaining and informative. It's a book that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it.

This was an extremely intriguing book.

On the surface, it was ostensibly about the Venice Opera fire. However, it delved much deeper into Venetian society as a whole, encompassing even the ex-pat community.

The author, who is also the writer of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (a work that I have not had the opportunity to read), vividly describes his decision to move to Venice right after the fire.

He then meticulously details how the rich and complex past history of Venice has a profound impact on its current history.

It's as if the events of the past are constantly shaping and influencing the present, creating a web of connections that are both fascinating and enlightening.

Through his words, the reader is able to gain a unique perspective on Venice, not just as a beautiful city with a tragic event like the Opera fire, but as a living, breathing entity with a history that is still very much alive.

Overall, this book offers a captivating exploration of Venice and its society, making it a must-read for anyone interested in history, culture, or simply a good story.

Having thoroughly enjoyed "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" during a trip to Savannah a couple of years ago, I decided to pick up this book by Berendt to gain a deeper understanding of Venice, its rich history, vibrant culture, and fascinating characters. The story unfolds against the backdrop of a devastating fire that consumed a renowned Venetian opera house, leaving the cause shrouded in mystery - was it negligence, arson, or perhaps both? The chapters seamlessly jump between the diverse and quirky characters that Berendt encountered during his stay and who are intertwined with the Fenice fire and its subsequent rebuilding.

I rate this book 2 stars because it made for an okay comfort read. I did enjoy getting to know the various Venetian personalities featured and learning about some American ex-pats in Venice, such as Ezra Pound and his longtime mistress, the talented concert violinist Olga Rudge. However, a significant focus was on many non-Venetian, largely American, socialites, their dramas, and rather unappealing behavior, which I quickly grew tired of hearing about. I would have much preferred to learn more about the Venetians themselves. Perhaps another book would be more suitable for delving deeper into this subject.

I listened to this as an audio book. It was truly very good. The narrator's voice was engaging and brought the story to life. I found myself completely immersed in the narrative, as if I was right there in the middle of the action. The pacing was just right, not too fast or too slow, allowing me to fully understand and enjoy every moment. The sound effects and background music added an extra layer of depth and atmosphere to the listening experience. I would highly recommend this audio book to anyone looking for an entertaining and engaging listen. It's a great way to pass the time and escape into a different world.

If you were captivated by "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," then this book is an absolute must-read for you. It is truly every bit as good, if not better! I found myself completely engrossed in its pages from start to finish.

The story had me on the edge of my seat, filled with mystery, intrigue, and unforgettable characters. I couldn't put it down! I was so impressed that I am seriously considering changing my rating to a perfect five stars.

This book has all the elements that make a great read - a compelling plot, beautiful writing, and a sense of atmosphere that draws you in and makes you feel like you are part of the story. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good mystery or a captivating tale. You won't be disappointed!

I had a truly complex love-hate relationship with this book.

Many reviews gripe that the book lacks a genuine theme, being merely a jumble of diverse stories thrown together. To some extent, that's true, but oddly enough, I found that aspect appealing. The writing is superb, highly evocative, and it masterfully captures the essence of Venice, effectively transporting me to that enchanting city. I thoroughly relished it, and perhaps it deserves a 5-star rating just for that.

However, I've deducted one star because right from the very first chapter, when the author went to great lengths to set himself apart from "the tourists," I was plagued by an irritation that persisted throughout. It was either the countless repetitions of how it was absolutely a coincidence that he was there right after the Fenice burnt down, or the incessant name-dropping of countless people I'd never heard of (and likely wouldn't like if I had). There's a palpable air of snobbery pervading the entire book.

Despite all his claims of desiring to write about the Venetian people, the author appears to have spent the majority of his eight years in Venice mingling with the wealthy expat crowd. Nevertheless, despite disliking virtually everyone in the book, I still loved it. Because, at the end of the day, Venice is still Venice, and that's what truly matters.

**The City of Falling Angels (Non-Fiction - Venice, Italy - Cont) – VG+**

Berendt, John – Standalone

The Penguin Press, 2005, US Hardcover – ISBN: 1594200580

“Everyone in Venice is acting,” Count Girolamo Marcello told me. In January 1996, La Fenice (the Phoenix) was tragically destroyed by fire. The question loomed: was it an accident, or was it arson? Berendt’s book offers a non-fiction exploration that goes beyond just the investigation. It is a true study of the rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse people of Venice.

I truly loved this book. While it may not reach the same heights as Berendt’s first book, “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” it is a very different work. “Midnight” focused on a murder and followed a specific cast of characters. In this book, the central character is the city of Venice itself, and it is utterly fascinating. Berendt has an uncanny ability to bring the sense of place to life. I could almost envision the city as a lady beneath a veil, with intriguing glances that caught my attention.

I relished learning about the history of the people. There was Ezra Pound and his mistress Olga, the glassblower and his sons, and the part about Francesco da Mosto, who recently hosted “Italy Top to Toe” on the Travel Channel. I also found the insights into the politics and how the city functions, or sometimes doesn’t, as well as the dissension within the organization Save Venice, to be extremely engaging. All the sub-stories wound around like the canals of Venice, and I was completely enthralled. Although I am not typically a non-fiction reader, this book had me hooked from start to finish and I read it in one sitting.

I truly adored "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil". It was a captivating and enchanting piece that held my attention from start to finish.

However, this particular one failed to impress me in the slightest. I found it extremely challenging to keep track of all the numerous characters and their individual stories.

I am well aware that they were real people and real events, but despite that, I couldn't help but feel that the whole thing was rather dull and uninteresting.

The narrative seemed to lack the spark and excitement that I had hoped for, and I often found myself losing focus and getting bored.

Perhaps it was just a matter of personal taste, but for me, this one simply didn't measure up to the standards set by "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil".

The contemporary expatriate community in Venice is a vibrant and diverse one.

Comprising individuals from all over the world, this community adds a unique flavor to the city.

There is an air of glamour and excitement as these expatriates bring with them their own cultures and experiences.

Their stories are filled with human interest, making it a fascinating subject to explore.

While not necessarily delving into the deepest aspects of the community, this article provides a broad and very readable overview.

It is the work of a talented journalist who has managed to capture the essence of the contemporary expatriate community in Venice.

From their social gatherings to their daily lives, every aspect is presented in an engaging and interesting manner.

Whether you are interested in learning about different cultures or simply enjoy reading about the lives of others, this article on the contemporary expatriate community in Venice is sure to captivate your attention.

I had anticipated this book to be more of a mystery novel. However, it turned out to be different from what I expected.

It was still engaging and held my attention, but it leaned more towards social-political drama. This aspect was not what I was particularly hoping for when I picked up the book.

Given this, it is highly unlikely that I will revisit this particular work. Instead, I might consider dropping it off in a local little free library.

This way, someone else might have the opportunity to discover it and perhaps find it more to their liking. It's always interesting to see how different people can have varying perspectives on the same book.

Overall, while it wasn't the mystery novel I was longing for, it still had its own merits and may appeal to those who have a greater interest in social-political themes.