Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing
Review: This is the worst book I've read in a while. The ideas are interesting, and might have made a good shorter story with a better author. The characters are cardboard cut-outs; the minor characters are much more interesting than the major characters. The only reason I finished this one is because it is an extremely short book (120 pages of large type and wide margins). I was finished before I concluded that it wasn't worth reading.
Rating: 
Summary: 3 stars for the story -- 5 for the art
Review: _The Venetian's Wife_ was the first book I read by Nick Bantock. I have heard wonderful reviews of his other books, and was really looking forward to a great reading experience. Unfortunately, the story was pretty weak. I did like the epistolatory style of the book: all emails, journal entries, and letters.A museum conservator is emailed with a wonderful proposition: find 4 pieces of ancient art that belong to The Conti Foundation collection. The patron tells her he will pay her extremely well, and naturally she accepts the offer, and awaits further instruction. There are some interesting excerpts from Sara's travels, however, the story lost my attention quickly. The idea behind the story had great potential, but poor execution. However, I do plan to pick up some of Bantock's other books. The art alone was beautiful, and according to other reviews, his other books are much better.
Rating:
Summary: 3 stars for the story -- 5 for the art
Review: _The Venetian's Wife_ was the first book I read by Nick Bantock. I have heard wonderful reviews of his other books, and was really looking forward to a great reading experience. Unfortunately, the story was pretty weak. I did like the epistolatory style of the book: all emails, journal entries, and letters. A museum conservator is emailed with a wonderful proposition: find 4 pieces of ancient art that belong to The Conti Foundation collection. The patron tells her he will pay her extremely well, and naturally she accepts the offer, and awaits further instruction. There are some interesting excerpts from Sara's travels, however, the story lost my attention quickly. The idea behind the story had great potential, but poor execution. However, I do plan to pick up some of Bantock's other books. The art alone was beautiful, and according to other reviews, his other books are much better.
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