Solid 3.5. However, it gets rounded down due to the rather tedious and overly stretched out middle chapters. It is definitely quite neat to read about the other side of Venice after having just been there. This provides a unique perspective and allows one to gain a deeper understanding of the city. The descriptions in the book offer insights into the hidden corners and lesser-known aspects of Venice that might have been overlooked during a visit. It's interesting to see how the author presents this alternative view, painting a vivid picture that enriches the reader's perception of the place. Despite the drawbacks in the middle, the overall experience of reading about Venice from this different angle is still quite engaging and worthwhile.

In 1996, a disastrous fire erupted within the vacant Fenice opera house in Venice. The opera house, which was in the midst of restoration and slated to reopen within a month, faced a series of calamitous events. The interior was cluttered with open paint cans, chemicals, and cloths, making an accidental fire almost inevitable. Compounding the problem, the fire alarm was disabled. The nearby canal had recently been drained, preventing the fire boats from initially reaching the building and leaving them without an immediate water supply. They had to resort to collecting water from the Grand Canal and transporting it by helicopter. By the time they arrived, the opera house was already ablaze and there was no way to halt the inferno. The fire department had to focus on preventing the fire from spreading to the rest of the highly flammable city, leaving the residents of Venice to watch in tears as the centuries-old opera house burned to the ground before their eyes.

This is the opening scene of The City of Falling Angels, and it is indeed the most captivating part of the book. Berendt vividly describes the people witnessing the destruction of the opera house while simultaneously trying to safeguard their own homes from the encroaching fire. All they can do is watch and cry, and we are treated to lines like, "A deafening crash resounded in the depths of the Fenice. The great crystal chandelier had fallen to the floor." (Fair warning: if you don't understand the emotional connection people have to the destruction of an opera house, this may not be the book for you.)

Three days later, John Berendt arrives and witnesses the profound impact the Fenice fire has had on the residents of Venice. He decides that this could be a great subject for a book and spends the next eight years living in Venice, interviewing a diverse range of people about the fire and various aspects of their lives. He interviews judges, restoration experts, lawyers, and just about everyone who witnessed the fire, including an Italian count and an elderly glassblower. There are suspicions that the Fenice fire was an act of arson, possibly orchestrated by the Mafia. The investigation is long and fascinating, setting the stage for a truly engaging mystery.

Unfortunately, this is only the beginning. If the book had solely focused on the Fenice fire, the investigation, and the restoration process, it would have been highly interesting and enlightening. However, Berendt seems unable to maintain his focus. He meanders from one plot to another, as if attempting to uphold the "Look How Many Zany Eccentrics I Can Find" reputation he established in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Here, though, the "Zany Eccentrics" have been replaced by "Obscenely Rich Expatriate Snobs." For example, at a party, one man excitedly expounds to Berendt about how an aristocracy is the ideal form of government, believing that all the good leadership qualities are passed down through one family. Another woman belongs to a family of expats who first moved to Venice in the 1800s because Boston had become too Irish for their liking (Berendt phrases this more diplomatically, but that's the essence).

Berendt fails to center his story on the Fenice. He discusses the fire and the investigation for a while, then suddenly dedicates fifteen pages to a glassblower's family drama.接着又用三十八页讲述前面提到的那个侨民家庭的故事。 Then forty-nine pages are devoted to Ezra Pound's aging mistress and her attempts to protect his papers and letters from being stolen by the so-called "Ezra Pound Foundation." Here, we take a brief detour back to the Fenice fire, and then he spends forty-two pages detailing the drama between two individuals in charge of the American non-profit group Save Venice. Then thirty pages on a poet who may or may not have committed suicide.

Yes, I counted all those pages. No, none of those side stories have any direct connection to the Fenice fire. No, with the possible exception of the Pound story, none of them are even remotely interesting. Yes, every single conflict Berendt presents is explored in excruciating detail and then abandoned without a satisfying conclusion. Yes, it is highly irritating.

I believe that, ultimately, the problem with this book lies in its presentation. I approached it anticipating an in-depth exploration of a real-life mystery: the Fenice fire. Instead, I was given a meandering, often overly detailed look at the inhabitants of Venice and their daily dramas. Which would have been fine – if that was what I had expected from the book. As another reviewer suggested, if Berendt had written this book as a series of essays on Venice, it would have been a better fit. Or if he had presented the book as a portrait of Venetians and been more transparent about the fact that the Fenice fire was more of a subplot, that would also have been acceptable. As it stands, however, I was not prepared for most of what I encountered in this book, and it was a disappointment.

That being said, I now have an intense desire to visit Venice.

I really liked this story.

I was particularly intrigued by how the character of Venice was brought to life through the inclusion of both its people and its buildings.

It provided an interesting and unique insight into not only the city itself but also its rich and vibrant culture.

However, I must admit that I found it a bit challenging to keep track of all the different characters.

This made it a little difficult for me to fully engage with the story at times.

Despite this, I still think the story had a lot of merit and I probably would have given it a rating of 3.5 out of 5.

The author did a great job of painting a vivid picture of Venice and its inhabitants, and I would definitely recommend this story to others who are interested in learning more about this beautiful and historic city.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read that left me with a greater appreciation for the unique charm and character of Venice.

Berendt is truly an amazing writer. His nonfiction works have a remarkable quality that makes them read like engaging fiction. The way he presents details and descriptions is simply beautiful and vivid. It's as if he has the ability to transport the readers into the very scenes he is writing about. His words paint a picture that is so clear and lifelike that one can almost feel as if they are a part of the story. Whether it's the description of a place, a person, or an event, Berendt's writing always manages to capture the essence and bring it to life. His work is not only informative but also highly entertaining, making it a pleasure to read. It's no wonder that his books have gained such popularity and critical acclaim.

5.5/10. This is not what I expected when I first delved into it. The material presented is, without a doubt, interesting. However, the pace at which it develops is rather slow. It seems to take an inordinate amount of time to build on the initial concepts and ideas.

One would have hoped for a more rapid progression, especially considering the engaging nature of the subject matter. The slow development can make it a bit of a challenge to maintain a high level of interest throughout. It's as if the author is taking a very cautious approach, perhaps overly so.

Despite this drawback, there is still potential in the material. If the development could be accelerated in the future, it has the potential to be a truly outstanding piece. But for now, it falls a bit short of expectations due to its sluggish pace of development.

What a fun and interesting book it is!

There are so many different stories contained within it.

I am a huge Ernest Hemingway fan, and when his friends, such as Ezra Pound and Peggy Guggenheim, are described in detail, I can't help but get excited!

This book offers a fascinating exploration of not only the lives of these remarkable individuals but also the historical and cultural context in which they lived.

If you plan to travel to Venice or simply want to gain a better understanding of the history and impacts of climate change, this is definitely the book for you!

It provides valuable insights and perspectives that will enhance your appreciation and knowledge of this beautiful and complex city.

Whether you're a history buff, a literature lover, or someone interested in environmental issues, this book has something for everyone.

So, pick it up and embark on a journey through time and space with this engaging and informative read!

This book is not only about the Fenice opera house fire but also delves deeply into Venice and the people who inhabit this enchanting city.

The author presents us with a diverse cast of interesting individuals. There are the native Venetians from all walks of life, whose stories add a rich tapestry to the narrative. Additionally, we are introduced to the various expatriates who have made Venice their home, each with their own unique perspectives and experiences.

It is truly fascinating to learn about the city's long and storied history, as well as its vibrant art scene. The book also explores the present-day politics and culture of Venice, providing a comprehensive view of the city.

The investigation of the opera house fire, while perhaps not as captivating as the murder mystery in the author's previous work, still offers an interesting look into the workings of the Italian legal system.

Overall, this is an enlightening read that offers a multi-faceted exploration of Venice and its people.

I was misled into believing that this book would lead me on a lurid goosechase. I thought I would be taken on a thrilling ride down a gondola in Venice, searching for the perpetrators of the Fenice fire of 1996, which was eventually destroyed by arson.

In fact, I picked up this book in 2005 when it first came out and finally read it six years later. It has its moments, with interesting vignettes of Venetians' lives during the fire and the trial of the arsonists.

Two vignettes stand out the most. The charming chapter "The Rat Man of Treviso" tells the story of a famous rat poison maker who mixes his poisons with human food. And the chapter "The Man Who Loved Others" is a haunting tribute to the little-known Italian poet, Mario Stefani, who hanged himself out of loneliness. The gentle fruitseller whom he leaves his fortune to eventually becomes a suspect in foul play.

Other than that, the book is part travelogue and part exploration of literary giants who lived in Venice, such as Ezra Pound and Henry James. However, it lacks the gorgeousness and immediacy of "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil".

A journalist spends a significant amount of time residing in Venice. During this period, he is able to meticulously document the various idiosyncrasies, rumors, scandals, a fire, a suicide, and the honored eccentricities that are an integral part of being Venetian.

This non-fiction work is so engaging that it reads like a fictional story. It is penned by the author who also gave us the captivating "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil".

The journalist's in-depth exploration of Venice provides a unique and fascinating perspective on the city and its people. Through his detailed accounts, readers are able to gain a deeper understanding of the complex and vibrant tapestry that makes up Venetian life.

Whether it's the whispered rumors that circulate through the canals or the honored traditions that have been passed down through generations, every aspect of Venice is brought to life in this remarkable work.

Finite!

This is an extremely good read that delves into the burning and subsequent reconstruction of the Fenice theater in Venice. It also explores the idiosyncrasies of this remarkable city, along with all the memorable and somewhat eccentric citizens (and that's not a play on words) and ex-pats who were involved.

I truly relished the story, and the writing, which is in a memoir style, is of the highest quality. The book provides me with a realistic, yet enchanting sense of Venice.

It makes me feel as if I am right there in the city, experiencing its beauty, its history, and its unique charm. The author's vivid descriptions and engaging narrative bring the events and the people to life, making it a captivating read from start to finish.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in Venice, theater, or simply a good story. It is a must-read for those who want to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of this wonderful city.

Meh - more of a travelogue on Venice. Venice is a city like no other, a place that seems to float on water. The canals wind their way through the city, carrying gondolas and water taxis. The architecture is a mix of styles, from Gothic to Renaissance, and every building seems to have a story to tell.

Walking through the narrow streets, you can smell the delicious aroma of fresh pasta and pizza. The shops are filled with beautiful Venetian masks, glassware, and other souvenirs. But Venice is not just a city of tourism. It is also a place with a rich history and culture.

The people of Venice are proud of their city and its traditions. They celebrate festivals throughout the year, such as Carnival, with colorful parades and parties. Venice is a place that will capture your heart and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Every bit as outstanding as "Midnight In the Garden of Good and Evil", this remarkable work takes you on an enthralling journey into the very heart of Venice society. It does so through the lens of the destruction of its most beloved theater. The story unfolds with vivid details, painting a picture of a world that is both beautiful and complex. What makes this account even more fascinating is the fact that the events and people are real. It gives a sense of authenticity that draws the reader in and keeps them engaged from start to finish. You will find yourself immersed in the rich tapestry of Venice, experiencing its joys and sorrows along with the characters. This is a must-read for anyone interested in history, culture, or simply a great story.