The Venice Sketchbook - Rhys Bowen - A Short Summary and Review

 The Venice Sketchbook - Rhys Bowen - A Short Summary and Review

By: a.d. elliott | Take the Back Roads - Art and Other Odd Adventures

A Rite of Fancy Book Recommendation and Review

The secret Venetian legacy granted by the great spinster aunt.

A short summary:

The Venice Sketchbook follows a young woman who unexpectedly inherits a hidden Venetian legacy from her great spinster aunt, one rooted in art, love, and wartime sacrifice. Drawn to Venice to untangle the mystery, she uncovers a story that stretches back to World War II, revealing secrets long kept and lives quietly altered by history.

As past and present intertwine, the novel explores identity, inheritance, and the courage it takes to live an authentic life rather than the one expected of you. Venice itself becomes a character, romantic, fragile, and steeped in memory.

My favorite quote from the book:

"You cannot live someone else's life."

- Rhys Bowen, The Venice Sketchbook

Questions to ponder while reading:

Does your family have any secrets?

Have you ever left someone behind?

My review:

This is a sweet, sentimental, and deeply satisfying read. Bowen blends historical fiction with a modern journey of self-discovery, creating a story that feels both comforting and emotionally rewarding.

The World War II thread adds weight without overwhelming the narrative, while the present-day storyline keeps the book moving at an easy, enjoyable pace. It’s the kind of novel that invites you to slow down, savor the setting, and simply enjoy the journey.

The Venice Sketchbook is an ideal vacation read, perfect for the beach, a café, or anywhere you want to be carried briefly to Italy, art, and second chances.

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About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller traveling through life

She shares her journeys at Take the Back Roads, explores new reads at Rite of Fancy, and highlights U.S. military biographies at Everyday Patriot.

You can also browse her online photography gallery at shop.takethebackroads.com.

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