Rhys Bowen’s The Venice Sketchbook is an emotional dual-timeline novel filled with love, loss, and hidden truths. When Caroline Grant’s beloved great-aunt Lettie passes away, she leaves behind a cryptic inheritance—a sketchbook, three keys, and one last word: “Venice.” As Caroline embarks on a journey to scatter Lettie’s ashes in the city she loved, she uncovers a decades-old story of passion and sacrifice.
In 1938, art teacher Juliet Browning arrives in Venice, reconnecting with Leonardo Da Rossi, the man she loves but cannot have. As war looms over Europe, impossible circumstances test their star-crossed romance, forcing Juliet to make heart-wrenching choices.
The novel weaves together Caroline’s modern-day search for answers with Juliet’s gripping WWII-era tale. While both narratives explore self-discovery, romance, and resilience, I found Juliet’s story far more interesting. The historical sections brim with emotion and tension, while Caroline’s contemporary arc feels more predictable.
Though the plot isn’t the most original, the setting, characters, the emotional weight of the story, and the rich historical detail kept me engaged. I would have preferred a novel focused solely on Juliet, but overall, The Venice Sketchbook is a beautifully written tale of love and sacrifice.
4 stars.
** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy. The opinions are my own.