“One Summer in Venice” is an enjoyable easy read of self-discovery, set in the romantic setting of Venice. It is perfect for a relaxing holiday read.
Addolorata Martinelli known as Dolly is unhappy with her life in London, her marriage, family, and her responsibility of running her Italian restaurant that was passed on from her father. When the Little Italy restaurant receives a poor review from a food critic, an opportunity presents itself for Dolly to spend a week, then later the summer in Venice. She uses this time re-evaluate her life and write a list of 10 things that make her happy.
New Zealand author Nicky Pellegrino uses vivid descriptions to capture the essence of Venice, its customs, mouth-watering Italian food and tourist attractions, as Dolly experiences Venetian life wandering through the alley ways, boating on the canals, tasting the simple pleasures of Italian food and wine. The feel of the old Venice was beautifully created in the writing and transported me back to our own experiences when visiting Venice.
Nicky Pellegrino has created some colourful characters, and the intrigue of their pasts keeps the reader engaged in the story. Dolly meets an old eccentric lady Coco with her vibrant clothes, secrets, male friends, and an old feud with a Countess with dementia. Coco be friends Dolly, introduces her to new people, guides Dolly to new experiences and new clothes and a different way of looking at life. Dolly learns the Tango from a dashing Italian with lady entanglements of his own.
As Dolly progresses through her journey of self-discovery, she begins to understand the things that are important to her and what makes her happy. She realises she already had these things back home and through her actions she has nearly lost them. The story leads her to regaining her appetite for life and her love for her family and for Italian cooking.
As a reader I found myself reflecting on my own outlook on life and the realisation of how little we really need, but also on how much we actually have.
The ending was predictable, as the secrets are untangled and realisations of the heart are resolved. What more could you want from “One Summer in Venice”
Reviewed by Lynette Knox
Catalogue link: One Summer in Venice
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