Has anyone besides me read this book? Author is Paula Weidiger. I'd like to compare notes. While I was pleased with the vivid descriptions of Venice, I was unnerved by the author's unvarnished assessments of friends and acquaintances and her incessant social climbing. I'd like to hear other opinions. Thanks. Off to begin Vanilla Beans and Brodo that has been so highly recommended here.

Julie,<BR><BR>I'm in the midst of reading "Venetian Dreaming". Thus far I've enjoyed her views on Venice, especially the perspective of what it is like for an American living in Venice. She can be rather acerbic, yet I do get a kick out of her New York attitude. Agree that she's passionate about rubbing elbows with the high society in Venice. I'd love to search out "the stucchi" and see what makes it so darn special. Also, curious to know more about Henry her British companion. I see him as a very polite Londoner who's her exact antithesis --- a situation where opposites attract.<BR>

I read it last summer - half before and half after my trip to Italy (and of course Venice). I'm glad I read the book and did enjoy it but she certainly rubbed me the wrong way most of the time. I usually found myself rooting for whoever she was in disagreement with. Seemed to have a pretty big chip on her shoulder. If you could get past that, she did describe Venice nicely and the book was pretty interesting dispite her.

Just finished the book today...started it on my way to Italy 3 weeks ago, hoping it would add to my appreciation of Venice. In some ways it did...the info on Venice's flood control efforts, festivities, gondolas, etc. was good. She took some pains to research this stuff. Could've done without her catfights...poor Bill Hollis (p.344)-- he calls to offer sympathy and support and look what she gives him back! What I'd like now is to learn more about Venice's history and traditions...can anyone recommend a better book?

So it wasn't just me. Thanks to all of you for offering your views. You're right, the info on flood control efforts was interesting, and her descriptions are vivid. I just got so honked off at her continuous "I'm right and everyone else is wrong" whinning. I, too, will look for the stucchi next time I get to Venice. Somehow, however, I just don't expect that this book will draw enough other searchers to ruin the peace of the neighborhood ala Peter Mayle in Provence--I guess that's a good thing, at least for the neighborhood.

Three good books on Venice's history<BR>Venice by Jan Morris<BR>Venice Observed by Mary McCarthy (imo, easier to read than the above)<BR>and J.G. Links's book Venice for Pleasure. The latter has less history, but wonderfully detailed descriptions of neighborhood and even individual buildings, all built into excellent walking itineraries.

Thanks, Elaine. Will look into those.

Julie and Marta, I recommend Henry James book &quot;Letters from the Palazzo Barbaro&quot;. Wonderful account of Venice in the early 1900's. The author finished his work &quot;The Aspern Papers&quot; while staying at the palazzo. Go to Amazon.com for exerpts of both books. Enjoy!

Julie and Marta, Also a great read is Mark Frutkin's &quot;Lion of Venice&quot;. This is Marco Polos account of his travels from Venice to China. Very well written. Enjoy!

And just for fun, The Venetian Mask by Rosalind Laker.

<BR><BR>A New Yorker who offers unvarnished assessments of friends and acquaintances, and is an incessant social climber? Why, I'm shocked! <BR><BR>&quot;The stucchi&quot; is a neighborhood? Where is it?