Yes, great points. I thought this book's portrayal of Venice was interesting because it wasn't your typical romanticized view of its charming canals and architecture. It seemed to focus more on the city's age -- its decay, as kc says -- as well as the isolation that the canals might foster. Miss Tita never leaves the house, for example, because she has no gondola. It was a much darker view of Venice than I'd seen before.
Interesting observations. Venice is charming and romantic for tourists, but for people who live there — especially these Americans in exile who don't fully belong and who can't afford to keep their fancy house in repair — it's a sad, shabby existence. Desperate and dark, as Erin says.
The city is ancient and decaying (and snobbish and corrupt) but still has a powerful mystique, like the antique Miss Bordereau herself.
ReplyDeleteI like that view, kc. I also thought Venice seemed like a place to escape to, quaint and beautiful, but not necessarily to live.
ReplyDeleteYes, great points. I thought this book's portrayal of Venice was interesting because it wasn't your typical romanticized view of its charming canals and architecture. It seemed to focus more on the city's age -- its decay, as kc says -- as well as the isolation that the canals might foster. Miss Tita never leaves the house, for example, because she has no gondola. It was a much darker view of Venice than I'd seen before.
ReplyDeleteInteresting observations. Venice is charming and romantic for tourists, but for people who live there — especially these Americans in exile who don't fully belong and who can't afford to keep their fancy house in repair — it's a sad, shabby existence. Desperate and dark, as Erin says.
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