I have a deep affection for Berendt's writing style, and this work is executed extremely well. Just like his previous nonfictional masterpiece, "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil", the author selects an event (in this case, the fire that occurred at the Fenice, the Venice Opera House in 1996), conducts a thorough investigation, and crafts a story that both he, as the author, and we, the readers, find ourselves deeply intrigued by. As is always the case, there is a memorable ensemble of characters. Similar to Savannah in his previous work, Venice assumes its own distinct identity, which is of crucial importance to the plot. The artists, politicians, philanthropists, tradespeople, and the European nobility all play essential roles in the ultimately dysfunctional process of rebuilding this Venetian architectural gem. The characters, however, are less eccentric and thus slightly less entertaining than those in his previous work. As a result, this book lacks some of the humor that made "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" so incredibly unforgettable. After all, there is no Lady Chablis! Nevertheless, it is highly recommended, especially for those who are planning a trip to Italy and Venice.

This book offers a captivating exploration of a significant event in Venice's history, presenting a vivid picture of the city and its diverse cast of characters. It provides valuable insights into the challenges and complexities involved in restoring a beloved architectural landmark. While it may not possess the same level of humor as its predecessor, it still manages to engage the reader and leave a lasting impression. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply someone who enjoys a well-written nonfiction book, this work is well worth your time.

Lightning DOES strike twice, though perhaps not for John Berendt.

The author is widely renowned for penning the mega-bestseller (and Pulitzer Prize-finalist) "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil", which remained on the New York Times bestseller list for a remarkable number of years. Berendt had the extraordinary fortune of achieving great success with his very first book. However, one might question if this was actually a great misfortune, as anything he could hope to write subsequently would inevitably pale in comparison to the otherworldly success of "Midnight".

In the 24 years since "Midnight" was published, Berendt has only produced one real follow-up, which is 2005's "The City of Falling Angels". By any reasonable measure, this book was a success. But when compared to "Midnight", it pales in comparison.

The two books are written in a strikingly similar fashion, clearly indicating that they are the work of the same author. However, if one could manage to separate them and simply forget about "Midnight", one would likely find "The City of Falling Angels" to be a truly enjoyable read. But when read as the follow-up to that highly successful book, it can't help but disappoint.

As mentioned, both books are presented in the same format, with the overarching story serving as a leitmotif that frames a series of other stories. In "Midnight", it is the shooting of Danny Hansford and the subsequent murder trial. In "Angels", it is the burning of the La Fenice opera house and the resulting investigation.

The former works beautifully because by the time the actual shooting takes place, we have already spent over 100 pages getting to know the key players. This is due in part to the creative liberties Berendt took, namely changing the order in which the events occurred. "Angels", on the other hand, opens with the burning of the opera house. The investigation into possible arson that concludes the story is, in my opinion, the weakest of the several stories included.

What we are left with is a fascinating, multi-layered exploration of Venice and its people, surrounded by a somewhat unsteady structure. Take any of the other stories Berendt includes here, such as the rivalries within the "Save Venice" organization or the dastardly theft of letters and other valuable papers belonging to Olga Rudge, the former mistress of renowned American poet Ezra Pound. These individual stories are far more captivating than the central narrative of what led to the Fenice going up in flames.

If the various pieces that make up "The City of Falling Angels" don't quite add up to form a completely cohesive whole, then that is perhaps fitting given the setting of Venice, a city that seems to be at war not only with the outside world but also with itself. Even today, there is a significant number of Venetians who desire to exist outside of the Italian state, who wish to limit or even ban tourism entirely, and who resent all that Venice has become.

It is a city of contradictions, but it is not Savannah. In some respects, Savannah is and always has been far more exotic than Venice, a city that has been written about in countless travelogues and novels, depicted in numerous photographs and paintings, seemingly since its very inception. One doesn't necessarily need to have visited Venice to have a sense of it. All one needs is to have read the works of Thomas Mann, Henry James, or Italo Calvino, or to have seen the paintings of Canaletto, to begin to understand it. In contrast, Savannah, a sleepy Georgian port city, received relatively few visitors before Berendt came along and shone a spotlight on it.

There is simply not a great deal that can be said about Venice that hasn't already been said before. Yes, Venetians are known for being gossipy, contradictory, and occasionally quite eccentric individuals, but having spent a year and a half living in Puglia and later in Rome, they don't seem all that different from other Italians.

John Berendt still manages to make Venice sound utterly fascinating because he is a truly outstanding writer. While I would personally prefer it if he focused on those lesser-known places, if one has to spend seven or eight years in a place in order to write about it (which is how long Berendt lived in Savannah and Venice respectively), then one clearly wants to choose a place that one would actually enjoy living in.

Still, while reading this book, I couldn't help but think how much more interesting it would have been had Berendt chosen to write about Perugia (an Italian city far less familiar to outsiders) and the murder of Meredith Kercher and the subsequent trial of American Amanda Knox. Now that would have been a worthy follow-up to "Midnight"!

While "The City of Falling Angels" is a compelling read, to fully appreciate it, one has to put aside the memory of the book that came before.

Having recently visited Venice, Italy, I was truly delighted to come across a book that vividly brought back the enchanting memories of gondola rides on the canals. The gentle sway of the gondola as it glided through the waterways was a magical experience. The romance of the evening city lights, which seemed to dance on the surface of the canals, was simply captivating. And let's not forget the beautiful Murano glass, with its intricate designs and vibrant colors.

Berendt's book, of course, covered much more than just these aspects. It delved into the fascinating history of the opera house fire, the intense political feuds that had shaped the city, and the lives of the quirky residents who added to the unique charm of Venice. Through reading this book, I got to uncover the hidden stories behind the rich tapestry that makes Venice what it is today.

It was truly a wonderful experience to relive my visit to Venice through the pages of this book. It not only refreshed my memories but also gave me a deeper understanding and appreciation of this remarkable city. And that, without a doubt, is very good indeed.

I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I first began this book.

At one point, I almost gave up on it. However, I persevered, and I'm extremely glad that I did.

Throughout the pages, I delved deep into the world of Venice, learning an abundance of information about its rich history, the fascinating people who call it home, the notable individuals who have transplanted themselves there from Europe, the UK, and the Americas, and, most importantly, its unique character.

Most of the time, I felt as if I was part of a clique of gossipers, sharing secrets and stories.

If I'm fortunate enough to return to Venice in the future (and I truly hope that I am), I know that I will view everything through a different lens, all because of this wonderful book.

Need to reread this one again.

I picked up this book and bought it mainly because of my first memory of Venice. It was October of 1997 during my honeymoon and my husband and I had just arrived. We were trying to find our Venetian hotel. We were wandering aimlessly through the small passageways and streets of Venice, up and over canals. We were hopelessly lost. Then, we stumbled upon the ruins of La Fenice.

The famed opera house had burned in January, 1996 and there had been no change to the site since the fire. It was a foggy night. As we walked through the square, the image of the decrepit walls of the opera house standing through the mist left a strong imprint on my mind.

This book tells of the fire, and the subsequent drama to rebuild and restore the Fenice. It also takes into account the fascinating lives of Venice residents. It delves deep into the history and significance of La Fenice, not just as an opera house but as a symbol of Venice itself. The author vividly describes the challenges faced during the restoration process and the efforts made by the people to bring back the glory of this iconic building. Through this book, readers can gain a better understanding of the rich culture and history of Venice and the importance of preserving its heritage.

Some pre-Venice reading can be a great way to enhance your understanding and appreciation of this beautiful and unique city.

Before visiting Venice, it is beneficial to explore some books that offer insights into its history, culture, and architecture.

You can start by reading about the city's rich past, from its humble beginnings as a group of fishing villages to its rise as a powerful maritime republic.

Learn about the Venetian Republic's political system, its trading empire, and its influence on art and architecture.

Books on Venetian art and architecture can also be fascinating. Discover the works of famous Venetian painters such as Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese.

Explore the city's magnificent palaces, churches, and bridges, and understand the unique style and design that make Venice so special.

In addition to history and art, you may also want to read some travel guides or memoirs that offer practical tips and personal experiences of visiting Venice.

These can help you plan your itinerary, choose the best places to stay and eat, and make the most of your time in this enchanting city.

By engaging in some pre-Venice reading, you will be better prepared to soak up the atmosphere and beauty of this remarkable destination.

It is inevitable that this work would be compared to Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.

There is somewhat of a falling off in quality, perhaps. This is probably because Berendt managed to discover more interesting and eccentric individuals in Savannah than he did in Venice.

In Savannah, he might have come across a plethora of unique characters with their own strange stories and idiosyncrasies. These characters could have added a rich and colorful dimension to his work, making it more engaging and captivating.

On the other hand, in Venice, he might not have been as fortunate in finding such a diverse and fascinating cast of characters. This could have led to a less interesting and perhaps even a bit lackluster account.

However, it is important to note that even with this possible shortcoming, the work still has its own merits and should not be dismissed outright.

Berendt is indeed an extremely patient writer. This description, to me, is neither a straightforward compliment nor an insult. I chose to listen to this work in audio format because I believe Holter Graham is an outstanding reader. And I must say, I also had a certain fondness for the book itself.

A significant portion of the book is only loosely connected to the main narrative of the burning of Teatro La Fenice, Venice's renowned opera house. However, more often than not, these digressions proved to be even more captivating to me than the central story. For instance, the account of Ezra Pound's papers was truly compelling. Perhaps this is because I have some prior knowledge and understanding in that regard, while I knew absolutely nothing about Teatro La Fenice before delving into this book.

Even within these side stories, I never once lost faith that Berendt would ultimately bring them all together. He始终 maintained complete control over the story, remaining omniscient as both the author and, in a sense, the protagonist (a term I feel quite comfortable using despite the fact that this is a work of non-fiction).

John Berendt truly appears to be the maestro of the "venture to an intriguing location and encounter a plethora of eccentric characters" literary style.

This particular work delved into the lives of the super-wealthy, those who jet around the world, for the most part. However, I gradually began to grow irritated with this aspect. After all, does it really matter that your organization has more royalty than that organization? Instead, we should focus on solving some of the real problems plaguing the world.

That being said, there was one silver lining. I did manage to glean some knowledge about a place that I aspire to visit one day - the enchanting city of Venice. Its unique charm and rich history were vividly描绘 in the pages of the book, leaving me with a longing to experience it for myself.

Perhaps on that future visit, I will encounter my own cast of quirky characters and create memories that will last a lifetime.

John Berendt, in his remarkable work The City of Falling Angels, delves deeply beneath the surface of Venice.

He offers a wealth of history, not just about the art and buildings that grace the city, but also about numerous Venetian families. What's truly impressive is the casual manner in which he presents all this information. It's so engaging that one easily forgets that it's a work of non-fiction.

I find myself regretting that I didn't read this book before my visit to Venice.

One of the lines in the book that I particularly love, which describes Venice, goes like this:

“On one occasion I set about testing this notion by concocting a game called “photo roulette,” the object was to walk around the city taking photographs at unplanned moments — whenever a church bell rang or at every sighting of a dog or cat — to see how often, standing at an arbitrary spot, one would be confronted by a view of exceptional beauty. The answer — almost always.”

This line really struck a chord with me because I felt the same way during my time in Europe. It seemed that everywhere I turned, there was something breathtakingly beautiful to behold. *Sigh*

Fantastic book!

Written from first-hand experience, it reads like a novel filled with numerous short stories. Berendt takes his readers behind the scenes and into the world of Venice's most notorious artists, poets, wealthy, titled, and politically-driven citizens.

He begins as a tourist but manages to gain access and build trust, forming relationships with the most interesting characters. This allows him to tell a truly well-rounded story from multiple vantage points.

He follows the story of the Fenice fire, Ezra Pound's widow, the suicide of Mario Stefani, and the fascinating culture of the curious and unpredictable Venetians.

If you've never been to Venice, this book will surely give you the itch to go. It provides a vivid and engaging portrayal of the city and its people, making you feel as if you are right there experiencing it all.

This book was gifted to me by a great friend.

It was given to help me prepare for my Italy/Greece trip this summer.

I really enjoyed this nonfiction work that centered on the intimate life of Venetians.

As I read, I felt as if I truly met and conversed with every character mentioned throughout the book.

The statement "Everyone in Venice is acting...Venetians never tell the truth. We mean precisely the opposite of what we say" added an interesting layer to my understanding of the Venetian culture.

It made me wonder about the hidden meanings and subtleties that might exist in their daily interactions.

This book not only provided valuable insights into the lives of the people in Venice but also enhanced my anticipation for my upcoming trip.

I am excited to see if I will be able to pick up on these nuances and understand the true essence of the Venetian way of life.

Overall, it has been a great read and I am grateful to my friend for introducing me to this wonderful book.