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The Visitant: A Venetian Ghost Story
A crumbling palazzo in nineteenth-century Venice holds a buried secret.
After she nearly ruins her family with a terrible misstep, Elena Spira is sent to Venice to escape disgrace and to atone by caring for the ailing Samuel Farber. But the crumbling and decaying Ca’ Basilio palazzo, where Samuel is ensconced, holds tragic secrets, and little does Elena know how profoundly they will impact her. Soon she begins to sense that she is being watched by something. And when Samuel begins to have hallucinations that make him violent and unpredictable, she can’t deny she’s in mortal danger.
Then impoverished nobleman Nero Basilio, Samuel’s closest friend and the owner of the palazzo, arrives. Elena finds herself entangled with both men in a world where the past seeps into the present and nothing is as it seems. As Elena struggles to discover the haunting truth before it destroys her, a dark force seems to hold Samuel and the Basilio in thrall—is it madness, or something more sinister?
After she nearly ruins her family with a terrible misstep, Elena Spira is sent to Venice to escape disgrace and to atone by caring for the ailing Samuel Farber. But the crumbling and decaying Ca’ Basilio palazzo, where Samuel is ensconced, holds tragic secrets, and little does Elena know how profoundly they will impact her. Soon she begins to sense that she is being watched by something. And when Samuel begins to have hallucinations that make him violent and unpredictable, she can’t deny she’s in mortal danger.
Then impoverished nobleman Nero Basilio, Samuel’s closest friend and the owner of the palazzo, arrives. Elena finds herself entangled with both men in a world where the past seeps into the present and nothing is as it seems. As Elena struggles to discover the haunting truth before it destroys her, a dark force seems to hold Samuel and the Basilio in thrall—is it madness, or something more sinister?
341 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 22, 2015
364 people are currently reading
1842 people want to read
About the author
Megan Chance
32 books708 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Megan Chance is the bestselling, critically acclaimed author of several novels. Booklist calls her writing “Provocative and haunting.” Her books have been chosen by Amazon's Book of the Month, Borders Original Voices and IndieNext. A former television news photographer with a BA from Western Washington University, Megan Chance lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband. Visit her at www.meganchance.com
Megan Chance is the bestselling, critically acclaimed author of several novels. Booklist calls her writing “Provocative and haunting.” Her books have been chosen by Amazon's Book of the Month, Borders Original Voices and IndieNext. A former television news photographer with a BA from Western Washington University, Megan Chance lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband. Visit her at www.meganchance.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
May 15, 2021
The Visitant: A Venetian Ghost Story by Megan Chance is a 2015 Lake Union publication.
A dark and moody Gothic historical ghost story-
Venice- such a romantic city- but one that harbors dark secrets. Elena’s reasons for coming to Venice is twofold. She desperately needs an escape after a terrible miscalculation on her part, destroyed her father’s livelihood and reputation. On the other hand, this opportunity could bring redemption, and help restore her father’s good name.
Her assignment is to care for Samuel Farber, a man suffering from a secret malady and recovering from a horrific beating. Upon arrival she learns Samuel also suffers from hallucinations, and can be violent and crude.
The crumbling Palazzo, where Samuel is housed, is owned by his best friend, Nero, and comes with an uncooperative staff. Right from the start, Elena has her work cut out for her. She is convinced that the violent episodes that plague Samuel are due to a condition he wishes to keep secret at all costs. Yet, as time passes, it looks as though something far more sinister is haunting Samuel, and the Palazzo. With the time ticking, Elena must work quickly to save Samuel, and maybe even herself…
This is a solid Gothic novel with paranormal elements. The atmosphere is heavy, and the story is certainly absorbing. The pacing, as with many Gothic novels, is not especially brisk, but this helps the suspense and drama to develop in a stronger, more effective manner. The ending is a bit predictable, but overall, I thought this was a good malevolent ghost story, perfect for a cold winter night, or a stormy spring day.
I got this book with my KU subscription, which also came with audio, so I switched back forth between e-book and audio. The audio narration is very well-done!
3.5 stars
A dark and moody Gothic historical ghost story-
Venice- such a romantic city- but one that harbors dark secrets. Elena’s reasons for coming to Venice is twofold. She desperately needs an escape after a terrible miscalculation on her part, destroyed her father’s livelihood and reputation. On the other hand, this opportunity could bring redemption, and help restore her father’s good name.
Her assignment is to care for Samuel Farber, a man suffering from a secret malady and recovering from a horrific beating. Upon arrival she learns Samuel also suffers from hallucinations, and can be violent and crude.
The crumbling Palazzo, where Samuel is housed, is owned by his best friend, Nero, and comes with an uncooperative staff. Right from the start, Elena has her work cut out for her. She is convinced that the violent episodes that plague Samuel are due to a condition he wishes to keep secret at all costs. Yet, as time passes, it looks as though something far more sinister is haunting Samuel, and the Palazzo. With the time ticking, Elena must work quickly to save Samuel, and maybe even herself…
This is a solid Gothic novel with paranormal elements. The atmosphere is heavy, and the story is certainly absorbing. The pacing, as with many Gothic novels, is not especially brisk, but this helps the suspense and drama to develop in a stronger, more effective manner. The ending is a bit predictable, but overall, I thought this was a good malevolent ghost story, perfect for a cold winter night, or a stormy spring day.
I got this book with my KU subscription, which also came with audio, so I switched back forth between e-book and audio. The audio narration is very well-done!
3.5 stars
Read
October 15, 2022The subtitle and genre classifications are misleading. This is a romance and, occasionally, a ghost is an element in the narrative. It is not horror.
June 13, 2015
The Visitant by Megan Chance
I've read two other books (An Inconvenient Wife, which was interesting because of the diagnosis of "hysteria" in the 19th c, and The Spiritualist, which was less successful) by Chance. I admit to being fascinating by her topics, but have had difficulty liking any of her characters.
Although attracted by the idea of a ghost and the treatment of epilepsy in the 1800's, The Visitant was...offensive. Characters--this time I had no feeling of ambiguity. Elena annoyed me beyond reason. Almost everything she said or did was lacking in common sense or worse. Samuel and Nero were just as weirdly ineffective. None of the characters seemed appropriate to the time period, and although Chance tried to use the Victorian dichotomies of prudery/repression and science/mysticism to her advantage, she failed to make it work.
It is easily predictable from the first chapter, there are too many hints that are too obvious, and nothing "develops"-- everything feels either rushed or forced.
I'm not sure if the author was trying for a kind of insta-love romantic triangle or sordid soft-porn; both, I guess. The characters certainly deserved each other. While my feelings about the first two novels by Chance that I read were mixed, The Visitant made me want to wash my brain.
Read in June; Blog post scheduled for August 29.
NetGalley/Lake Union Publishing
Historical mystery/Supernatural. Sept. 22, 2015.
I've read two other books (An Inconvenient Wife, which was interesting because of the diagnosis of "hysteria" in the 19th c, and The Spiritualist, which was less successful) by Chance. I admit to being fascinating by her topics, but have had difficulty liking any of her characters.
Although attracted by the idea of a ghost and the treatment of epilepsy in the 1800's, The Visitant was...offensive. Characters--this time I had no feeling of ambiguity. Elena annoyed me beyond reason. Almost everything she said or did was lacking in common sense or worse. Samuel and Nero were just as weirdly ineffective. None of the characters seemed appropriate to the time period, and although Chance tried to use the Victorian dichotomies of prudery/repression and science/mysticism to her advantage, she failed to make it work.
It is easily predictable from the first chapter, there are too many hints that are too obvious, and nothing "develops"-- everything feels either rushed or forced.
I'm not sure if the author was trying for a kind of insta-love romantic triangle or sordid soft-porn; both, I guess. The characters certainly deserved each other. While my feelings about the first two novels by Chance that I read were mixed, The Visitant made me want to wash my brain.
Read in June; Blog post scheduled for August 29.
NetGalley/Lake Union Publishing
Historical mystery/Supernatural. Sept. 22, 2015.
October 28, 2016
Elina Spira is sent to Venice to take care of Samuel Farber at his friend Nero Basilios palazzo. She has almost ruined her family's reputation and this is a way for her to make amends by nursing Samuel back to health after he was rubbed when he had an epileptic seizure. They start off on the wrong foot immediately, but they soon realize they both have things in common. They are both controlled by their family's and both set to marry someone against their will. Then, Nero arrives and suddenly she who has been sheltered all here life is seeing another side to life. And, she starts to find herself more and more intrigued by Nero. But there seem to be something dark in the palazzo, is the place haunted and is it really seizures that Samuel has, or is there a malicious spirit in the house that is taking over him?
I love the setting of the story. Venice is just such a fantastic city to read about and Megan Chance has really painted a wonderful picture of the city. I found the story interesting to read and I especially loved the paranormal part of it. It just made the story a bit more interesting to read. I usually don't like love triangles, but it worked in this book mostly because it never really felt like a love triangle because Elina never agonized over whom she loved. The story never dwells on that. Instead, both men are part of the process of setting her free from her old life and that is something that the end clearly showed. She has all her life lived a perfect life, until the scandal and by coming to Venice is she trying to set everlasting right again. But she isn't doing that for herself, but for her family. Now she is starting to find herself and perhaps even a different future than her family wants.
The one thing with the story that, unfortunately, is my main problem is that the story is too predictable, there is just no twist to the story, there are no real moments of surprise and that is unfortunate since I quite enjoyed the book. I think one main problem for me was that I was never really taken in by Nero. I always liked Samuel more, he was just a much more interesting character with his epilepsy and his family's need for him to marry someone with the right name. So, I was never truly moved with the ending. But still I liked the very last chapter, and I would like a sequel to this book. I would love to see what's next for Elina.
I received a copy of this book from TLC Book Tours.
I love the setting of the story. Venice is just such a fantastic city to read about and Megan Chance has really painted a wonderful picture of the city. I found the story interesting to read and I especially loved the paranormal part of it. It just made the story a bit more interesting to read. I usually don't like love triangles, but it worked in this book mostly because it never really felt like a love triangle because Elina never agonized over whom she loved. The story never dwells on that. Instead, both men are part of the process of setting her free from her old life and that is something that the end clearly showed. She has all her life lived a perfect life, until the scandal and by coming to Venice is she trying to set everlasting right again. But she isn't doing that for herself, but for her family. Now she is starting to find herself and perhaps even a different future than her family wants.
The one thing with the story that, unfortunately, is my main problem is that the story is too predictable, there is just no twist to the story, there are no real moments of surprise and that is unfortunate since I quite enjoyed the book. I think one main problem for me was that I was never really taken in by Nero. I always liked Samuel more, he was just a much more interesting character with his epilepsy and his family's need for him to marry someone with the right name. So, I was never truly moved with the ending. But still I liked the very last chapter, and I would like a sequel to this book. I would love to see what's next for Elina.
I received a copy of this book from TLC Book Tours.
February 19, 2016
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This novel is devastating. And lovely.
It’s the first time that I have the chance to read something by Megan Chance, and I find that I very much enjoy her writing style. It flows, and easy to follow, warm and somehow holding back some sort of tension that at any moment could explode into a great climax in story.
And does explode, beautifully, and sadly.
The pace of the novel unfurled little by little, but rather than seem like it dragged, it gave me enough time to get acquainted with rich characters, all hiding something, all holding secrets close to their hearts—and I was dying to know what those secrets were! The ambience throughout was dark, moody, and not so much creepy as it was depressing; with an underlying tragedy begging to be revealed.
I very much enjoyed this read, and even now, it lingers with me.
This novel is devastating. And lovely.
It’s the first time that I have the chance to read something by Megan Chance, and I find that I very much enjoy her writing style. It flows, and easy to follow, warm and somehow holding back some sort of tension that at any moment could explode into a great climax in story.
And does explode, beautifully, and sadly.
The pace of the novel unfurled little by little, but rather than seem like it dragged, it gave me enough time to get acquainted with rich characters, all hiding something, all holding secrets close to their hearts—and I was dying to know what those secrets were! The ambience throughout was dark, moody, and not so much creepy as it was depressing; with an underlying tragedy begging to be revealed.
I very much enjoyed this read, and even now, it lingers with me.
October 20, 2015
This book was such a huge disappointment, and I consider it a waste of the day I spent reading it. It was poorly written and read like a bad romance novel. The characters lacked complexity, were incredibly unlikable, and the heroine was weak and easily manipulated by the men around her. Despite it's many short-comings, the setting descriptions were relatively vivid and probably the best part of this book.
August 13, 2024
Review from 2015
A- for narration /B for content.
Megan Chance is someone I’ve been aware of for a while as an author of historical gothic mysteries with a touch of the supernatural about them, but I’ve not so far read or listened to one of her books. I have now rectified that situation with The Visitant, which I enjoyed well enough to want to delve into her back catalogue and keep an eye out for future books.
The novel’s subtitle says it all, really – A Venetian Ghost Story is a very apt description! But even with that massive hint as to what to expect, I was nonetheless gripped by the story, which is well-written and darkly atmospheric with an increasingly pervasive sense of menace; and which is peopled by an intriguing and strongly drawn set of characters.
It is 1884, and Elena Spira has been sent from New York to Venice to act as nurse to Samuel Farber, a young man from a wealthy family who was badly injured when he was set upon by a group of ruffians while out on a massive bender. When she arrives at the Casa Basilio, she is dismayed to discover that the place is practically falling down around her ears, and that the housekeeper, Giulia, is obstructive and unpleasant.
But Elena is undeterred and determined to do the best she can for her patient, an aim in which she is at first thwarted by Samuel himself as much as by Giulia, who insists on giving him food and drink which Elena believes will hamper his recovery, as well as providing other *ahem* services which are just as stimulating as the forbidden coffee the woman keeps sneaking to him.
While Samuel was badly beaten up, his external injuries are not the main reason Elena was sent to nurse him. He has previously been a patient at Glen Echo asylum, undergoing treatment for epilepsy, a condition which, at the time the story is set, was badly misunderstood and regarded by many as a form of insanity. Samuel’s parents want him restored to health within the next couple of months so that he can return home in order to be married to the young woman they have selected for him, and as Elena had worked closely with her father (the superintendent of the asylum), she was deemed the ideal candidate for the job. For her part, Elena is only too happy to leave behind her life in New York following a huge scandal which led to her father’s dismissal from his post, as well as to escape from the prospect of marriage to her cousin.
Her patient is surly and uncooperative, wanting nothing more than to be left alone to wallow in his misery and then, preferably, to drink himself to death. But Elena won’t give up on him and gradually, she earns his grudging respect. But as Samuel’s physical injuries begin to heal, his mental condition starts to deteriorate, his seizures becoming more frequent and increasingly violent. Not only that, but Elena starts to feel as though she is being watched and to experience sudden bouts of freezing cold, especially in Samuel’s presence. Being a sensible young woman of her time and not given to ridiculous fancies, Elena is determined to find a logical explanation for everything she is experiencing. But as she learns more about the tragic history of the Basilio family and then witnesses Samuel in the grip of a series of powerful hallucinations, she begins to believe that there is something sinister at work.
Not long after her arrival, she and its inhabitants are joined by Samuel’s best friend and owner of the palazzo, Nerone Basilio. Even though Elena has found herself unexpectedly drawn to Samuel, she is even more strongly attracted to the devilishly handsome and charming Nero, who shares her concern for Samuel’s health and offers to help her to keep him safe. Samuel soon sees which way the wind is blowing and even though he warns Elena to be careful with Nero, she can’t help but be captivated by him. Nero has secrets of his own, however, ones which could threaten Elena’s life and Samuel’s sanity as past sins return to haunt both him and the palazzo itself.
While the story is somewhat predictable in places, Ms Chance’s writing is so strong that it’s easy to overlook that fact and just enjoy her lovely prose, excellent characterisation and evocative descriptions of Venice in all its overblown decadent glory. The story has all the ingredients of a good gothic; an unsuspecting heroine, a hero with (possibly) darker motives and an inhospitable environment; and the author makes excellent use of all of those, even adding in a little bit of a love-triangle between Elena and the two men. Not that there’s any doubt as to which of them she is falling for – but even though she finds Nero fascinating, Elena continues to feel that pull towards Samuel she has felt since first meeting him. However, one of the reasons I haven’t rated the content more highly is that I wasn’t convinced by the love story between Elena and Nero, which developed rather quickly; and in fact, I found Samuel to be the more appealing of the two men. Elena also became a little annoying at times, because she seemed bent on repeating the mistakes which saw her sent to Italy in the first place. But the story is still enthralling, and the final chapters in particular are gripping as the stakes are pushed ever higher. The denouement is unexpected but inevitable.
Julia Whelan is a favourite narrator of many of my fellow AudioGals, but I’m ashamed to say that I haven’t listened to her before (probably because she doesn’t generally record the sort of European Historicals, which form the bulk of my listening diet!). Her performance here is highly accomplished and I enjoyed it very much; all the characters are easily distinguishable, and she performs the narrative expressively and at a good pace. I particularly liked the deep, gravelly tone she adopts to portray Samuel, which expertly conveys his exhaustion and the world-weary air that radiates from him. The slight accent she gives to Nero is consistent and works well to differentiate between the two men in the many scenes in which they are both present. I did, however, ask myself why she gave Nero an accent but didn’t do the same for Guilia and Valeria Basilio, Nero’s aunt, both of whom are also Italian. It didn’t spoil my overall enjoyment, but it did seem a little inconsistent.
All in all, I enjoyed listening to The Visitant very much and would certainly recommend it to anyone interested in gothic romances. As I’ve said, it is perhaps not the strongest book in the “unexpected twists” department, but if you enjoy a story in which the atmosphere builds gradually and grabs you slowly, then this is a definite contender for your wishlist.
NOTE: While there are strong romantic elements in the story, there is not an HEA in the traditional sense. It does, however, end on an optimistic note.
A- for narration /B for content.
Megan Chance is someone I’ve been aware of for a while as an author of historical gothic mysteries with a touch of the supernatural about them, but I’ve not so far read or listened to one of her books. I have now rectified that situation with The Visitant, which I enjoyed well enough to want to delve into her back catalogue and keep an eye out for future books.
The novel’s subtitle says it all, really – A Venetian Ghost Story is a very apt description! But even with that massive hint as to what to expect, I was nonetheless gripped by the story, which is well-written and darkly atmospheric with an increasingly pervasive sense of menace; and which is peopled by an intriguing and strongly drawn set of characters.
It is 1884, and Elena Spira has been sent from New York to Venice to act as nurse to Samuel Farber, a young man from a wealthy family who was badly injured when he was set upon by a group of ruffians while out on a massive bender. When she arrives at the Casa Basilio, she is dismayed to discover that the place is practically falling down around her ears, and that the housekeeper, Giulia, is obstructive and unpleasant.
But Elena is undeterred and determined to do the best she can for her patient, an aim in which she is at first thwarted by Samuel himself as much as by Giulia, who insists on giving him food and drink which Elena believes will hamper his recovery, as well as providing other *ahem* services which are just as stimulating as the forbidden coffee the woman keeps sneaking to him.
While Samuel was badly beaten up, his external injuries are not the main reason Elena was sent to nurse him. He has previously been a patient at Glen Echo asylum, undergoing treatment for epilepsy, a condition which, at the time the story is set, was badly misunderstood and regarded by many as a form of insanity. Samuel’s parents want him restored to health within the next couple of months so that he can return home in order to be married to the young woman they have selected for him, and as Elena had worked closely with her father (the superintendent of the asylum), she was deemed the ideal candidate for the job. For her part, Elena is only too happy to leave behind her life in New York following a huge scandal which led to her father’s dismissal from his post, as well as to escape from the prospect of marriage to her cousin.
Her patient is surly and uncooperative, wanting nothing more than to be left alone to wallow in his misery and then, preferably, to drink himself to death. But Elena won’t give up on him and gradually, she earns his grudging respect. But as Samuel’s physical injuries begin to heal, his mental condition starts to deteriorate, his seizures becoming more frequent and increasingly violent. Not only that, but Elena starts to feel as though she is being watched and to experience sudden bouts of freezing cold, especially in Samuel’s presence. Being a sensible young woman of her time and not given to ridiculous fancies, Elena is determined to find a logical explanation for everything she is experiencing. But as she learns more about the tragic history of the Basilio family and then witnesses Samuel in the grip of a series of powerful hallucinations, she begins to believe that there is something sinister at work.
Not long after her arrival, she and its inhabitants are joined by Samuel’s best friend and owner of the palazzo, Nerone Basilio. Even though Elena has found herself unexpectedly drawn to Samuel, she is even more strongly attracted to the devilishly handsome and charming Nero, who shares her concern for Samuel’s health and offers to help her to keep him safe. Samuel soon sees which way the wind is blowing and even though he warns Elena to be careful with Nero, she can’t help but be captivated by him. Nero has secrets of his own, however, ones which could threaten Elena’s life and Samuel’s sanity as past sins return to haunt both him and the palazzo itself.
While the story is somewhat predictable in places, Ms Chance’s writing is so strong that it’s easy to overlook that fact and just enjoy her lovely prose, excellent characterisation and evocative descriptions of Venice in all its overblown decadent glory. The story has all the ingredients of a good gothic; an unsuspecting heroine, a hero with (possibly) darker motives and an inhospitable environment; and the author makes excellent use of all of those, even adding in a little bit of a love-triangle between Elena and the two men. Not that there’s any doubt as to which of them she is falling for – but even though she finds Nero fascinating, Elena continues to feel that pull towards Samuel she has felt since first meeting him. However, one of the reasons I haven’t rated the content more highly is that I wasn’t convinced by the love story between Elena and Nero, which developed rather quickly; and in fact, I found Samuel to be the more appealing of the two men. Elena also became a little annoying at times, because she seemed bent on repeating the mistakes which saw her sent to Italy in the first place. But the story is still enthralling, and the final chapters in particular are gripping as the stakes are pushed ever higher. The denouement is unexpected but inevitable.
Julia Whelan is a favourite narrator of many of my fellow AudioGals, but I’m ashamed to say that I haven’t listened to her before (probably because she doesn’t generally record the sort of European Historicals, which form the bulk of my listening diet!). Her performance here is highly accomplished and I enjoyed it very much; all the characters are easily distinguishable, and she performs the narrative expressively and at a good pace. I particularly liked the deep, gravelly tone she adopts to portray Samuel, which expertly conveys his exhaustion and the world-weary air that radiates from him. The slight accent she gives to Nero is consistent and works well to differentiate between the two men in the many scenes in which they are both present. I did, however, ask myself why she gave Nero an accent but didn’t do the same for Guilia and Valeria Basilio, Nero’s aunt, both of whom are also Italian. It didn’t spoil my overall enjoyment, but it did seem a little inconsistent.
All in all, I enjoyed listening to The Visitant very much and would certainly recommend it to anyone interested in gothic romances. As I’ve said, it is perhaps not the strongest book in the “unexpected twists” department, but if you enjoy a story in which the atmosphere builds gradually and grabs you slowly, then this is a definite contender for your wishlist.
NOTE: While there are strong romantic elements in the story, there is not an HEA in the traditional sense. It does, however, end on an optimistic note.
February 16, 2023
Randomly procured on a Kindle sale. I’d read a couple of the author’s young adult books and liked them and I’m always down for a good gothic mystery, so I thought “what the heck” and bought it on a whim.
Elena heads to Venice to take care of a patient, Samuel. He’s staying in this crumbly home owned by his sensual friend, Nero. Elena soon realizes that something besides illness is plaguing Samuel.
I wanted it to be spooky and full of suspense but it was more meh. Elena is kind of a twit, IMO, and the male leads are less than desirable. The ghost gets a bit boring after the same thing happens about a bazillion times in a row. I’d definitely read other books by the author but this was not my fave.
Elena heads to Venice to take care of a patient, Samuel. He’s staying in this crumbly home owned by his sensual friend, Nero. Elena soon realizes that something besides illness is plaguing Samuel.
I wanted it to be spooky and full of suspense but it was more meh. Elena is kind of a twit, IMO, and the male leads are less than desirable. The ghost gets a bit boring after the same thing happens about a bazillion times in a row. I’d definitely read other books by the author but this was not my fave.
February 25, 2017
I wanted a ghost story. A nice thriller. I got a melodramatic romance with a ghost.
January 22, 2021
Absolutely love this novel! Atmospheric, creepy, sexy...so good. 💙🖤
May 26, 2017
Extremely...almost painfully...predictable.
I am not saying this to be funny nor am I trying to be scathing or harsh, I mean this literally -- this is not a book for anyone who tends toward novels involving paranormal phenomena because of the creative topics, adventures, unique world building, characters that are somehow exceptional or fascinating, etc. This really is a basic romantic novel with a scenic Venetian backdrop and a very predictable murder mystery.... which happens to have a ghost in it...kinda.
Honestly, I am considering rewriting that boring sentence I just wrote (above) because even that boring sentence makes this book sound more interesting than it actually is.
Also, don't get the wrong idea about the Venetian setting because this book has very little in the way of "scenery" -- 96% of this story takes place in one or two rooms inside a moldy, smelly ramshackle dump. I am not a fan of romance novels anyway, but love scenes are particularly unappealing when they take place amongst hoards of mildew. Still, the ick factor was minimal overall, buried by copious loads of snore factor. Ambien prescription running low? You may have just found a drug free solution.
I am not saying this to be funny nor am I trying to be scathing or harsh, I mean this literally -- this is not a book for anyone who tends toward novels involving paranormal phenomena because of the creative topics, adventures, unique world building, characters that are somehow exceptional or fascinating, etc. This really is a basic romantic novel with a scenic Venetian backdrop and a very predictable murder mystery.... which happens to have a ghost in it...kinda.
Honestly, I am considering rewriting that boring sentence I just wrote (above) because even that boring sentence makes this book sound more interesting than it actually is.
Also, don't get the wrong idea about the Venetian setting because this book has very little in the way of "scenery" -- 96% of this story takes place in one or two rooms inside a moldy, smelly ramshackle dump. I am not a fan of romance novels anyway, but love scenes are particularly unappealing when they take place amongst hoards of mildew. Still, the ick factor was minimal overall, buried by copious loads of snore factor. Ambien prescription running low? You may have just found a drug free solution.
November 8, 2021
Well, this novel wasn't what I expected at all, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I ended up liking it in the end. It's an interesting take on the Gothic novel, full of Gothic tropes and devices and atmosphere, only with some more modern twists.
I have to say, though, parts of this felt a bit...trashy, I guess? Or perhaps salacious would be a better word. I did not love the weird glorification of sex; at one point the narrator mourns a life of "mutual respect and friendship" instead of "love and passion" and it made me grimace. Also not sure I liked the heroine at all, or the fact that the only two other female characters were depicted as shrews who hate the heroine for no reason.
The best thing about this book, though? The writing. Absolutely beautiful. Elegant. Wistful. The atmosphere in this was absolutely stunning. So many lovely sentences and turns of phrases that created such an evocative Gothic aesthetic. It's also a page-turner, despite having minimal plot; there's something about it that compelled me the moment I picked it up.
I have to say, though, parts of this felt a bit...trashy, I guess? Or perhaps salacious would be a better word. I did not love the weird glorification of sex; at one point the narrator mourns a life of "mutual respect and friendship" instead of "love and passion" and it made me grimace. Also not sure I liked the heroine at all, or the fact that the only two other female characters were depicted as shrews who hate the heroine for no reason.
The best thing about this book, though? The writing. Absolutely beautiful. Elegant. Wistful. The atmosphere in this was absolutely stunning. So many lovely sentences and turns of phrases that created such an evocative Gothic aesthetic. It's also a page-turner, despite having minimal plot; there's something about it that compelled me the moment I picked it up.
September 21, 2015
While the book title already gives away that this is a ghost story, I thought the building of the story was unique in that it didn't seem quite like a ghost story right away. It helps that the main character, Elena, has her secrets, and the mystery of her past, as well as the severity of Samuel's epilepsy made it possible that there were other things going on in this story. In that way, suspense is built up quickly, and I found this an engaging read from the start.
Elena is a wonderfully rational main character, at first. Her upbringing and society has kept her restrained and proper, but in the setting and decadence of Venice, she becomes more of a woman, and realizes her potential. That character arc is the heart of the story, which made this novel feel more complex than just a ghost story. Especially when it is juxtaposed with the tragedy of the Basilio palazzo.
There is romance in this novel, as well as intrigue, and I thought it was very believable for Elena to fall in love so quickly, but it did feel quick and I was not as comfortable or taken with the romance. I think that was an important aspect of the story though, and helped develop Elena further. The unlikely friendship that bloomed between Elena, Nero and Samuel was a great aspect though - they were a wonderful team to read about - they did not always have trust or an amicable relationship, but their complex interactions brought another level of interest to the story.
The mystery of the ghost gradually became clearer to me as I read, so that the ending was not as much of a surprise as I would have liked. It was solidly set up though, since the conclusion was easily drawn from the facts given. I don't want to reveal too much about the ending though, just that it was well-constructed and believable given the facts. I thoroughly enjoyed this story for the suspense and the character development (especially Elena!)
(I received this book from the publisher or author for a fair and honest review. I was not compensated for this review.)
Check out my blog for a giveaway of the book [US/Canada only] http://www.bookishwhimsy.com/2015/09/...
Elena is a wonderfully rational main character, at first. Her upbringing and society has kept her restrained and proper, but in the setting and decadence of Venice, she becomes more of a woman, and realizes her potential. That character arc is the heart of the story, which made this novel feel more complex than just a ghost story. Especially when it is juxtaposed with the tragedy of the Basilio palazzo.
There is romance in this novel, as well as intrigue, and I thought it was very believable for Elena to fall in love so quickly, but it did feel quick and I was not as comfortable or taken with the romance. I think that was an important aspect of the story though, and helped develop Elena further. The unlikely friendship that bloomed between Elena, Nero and Samuel was a great aspect though - they were a wonderful team to read about - they did not always have trust or an amicable relationship, but their complex interactions brought another level of interest to the story.
The mystery of the ghost gradually became clearer to me as I read, so that the ending was not as much of a surprise as I would have liked. It was solidly set up though, since the conclusion was easily drawn from the facts given. I don't want to reveal too much about the ending though, just that it was well-constructed and believable given the facts. I thoroughly enjoyed this story for the suspense and the character development (especially Elena!)
(I received this book from the publisher or author for a fair and honest review. I was not compensated for this review.)
Check out my blog for a giveaway of the book [US/Canada only] http://www.bookishwhimsy.com/2015/09/...
August 31, 2023
I went in with no expectations and without knowing what the story was. Completely blew me away. Multidimensional characters, Gothic feel and plot, with a mystery twist at the end. Beautiful writing. Would read this again and also try out the author's other books.
September 20, 2015
The Visitant by Megan Chance is written in a style that reminded me of Gothic Romances when I was growing up where everything is not what it seems and there seems to be someone watching you, and at the Basilio Palazzo where Elena Spira is sent to nurse Samuel Ferber back to health, it was entirely believable.
After Elena makes a terrible mistake that caused a big mess for her family and public disgrace for herself, Elena is sent to Venice to nurse a man named Samuel back to health. Her father felt out of sight, and out of mind, and he wanted his daughter to be free of all the scandal in New York, so he sent her that far away to bring Samuel back better, as Samuel's very wealthy parents have decided it is better to get him married and hopefully healed in body mind and spirit. On top of that he suffers from epilepsy which is something that was a stigma back when this novel takes place.
When Elena gets to Venice she can't believe that where she will be is at a Palazzo that is crumbling and in a sad state of disrepair. The water in the canals is filthy and smells bad and there is black mold all over the outside of the palazzo and the inside is almost as bad. When she sees Samuel for the first time, he had taken so much laudanum, that he looked so out of it. She sees that he is not aware really of anything and she confiscates the laudanum and hides it. When Samuel is awake again he begs and demands his medicine back, as he really is in pain, but the laudanum confuses him and causes him to have hallucinations that end up causing him to have seizures.
When Elena tries to get help from the other people there, they just offer no help at all, and one of the women is a bad influence on Samuel and gives him what he wants which is another reason Samuel is so sick. Elena repeatedly has to chase this woman away from Samuel and the last straw is when he drinks a whole bottle of liquor. One night before her eyes Samuel starts going into a seizure but not before he acts like he can see the ghost of a woman that he thinks is really there! Elena can smell the rotten sea and a distinct smell of perfume as well!
An impoverished nobleman Nero Basilio, Samuel’s closest friend and the owner of the palazzo, finally arrives and Elena finally gets some answers, and he thinks that there is indeed a ghost! There seems to be dark forces there that not only hold Samuel in thrall but Nero as well. Caught between these two, Elena is desperate to find out what is going on but nothing is as it seems and then something horrible happens!
This book was so well written, the descriptions of everything is very detailed and everything from the food to the clothes and the way the people talk there is so well documented to make this book a real ghost story- mystery and the stage is set for the unthinkable to happen and it does. The characters are all well developed, the atmosphere is perfect and together it all works to make this story really work!
The plot is excellent and swiftly moves from one stage to the next, and there is even time in all of this for Elena to fall in love! The end of this book will surprise you as it did me and I really loved how it ended
I gave this book 5***** awesome stars and hope to read more by this author.
After Elena makes a terrible mistake that caused a big mess for her family and public disgrace for herself, Elena is sent to Venice to nurse a man named Samuel back to health. Her father felt out of sight, and out of mind, and he wanted his daughter to be free of all the scandal in New York, so he sent her that far away to bring Samuel back better, as Samuel's very wealthy parents have decided it is better to get him married and hopefully healed in body mind and spirit. On top of that he suffers from epilepsy which is something that was a stigma back when this novel takes place.
When Elena gets to Venice she can't believe that where she will be is at a Palazzo that is crumbling and in a sad state of disrepair. The water in the canals is filthy and smells bad and there is black mold all over the outside of the palazzo and the inside is almost as bad. When she sees Samuel for the first time, he had taken so much laudanum, that he looked so out of it. She sees that he is not aware really of anything and she confiscates the laudanum and hides it. When Samuel is awake again he begs and demands his medicine back, as he really is in pain, but the laudanum confuses him and causes him to have hallucinations that end up causing him to have seizures.
When Elena tries to get help from the other people there, they just offer no help at all, and one of the women is a bad influence on Samuel and gives him what he wants which is another reason Samuel is so sick. Elena repeatedly has to chase this woman away from Samuel and the last straw is when he drinks a whole bottle of liquor. One night before her eyes Samuel starts going into a seizure but not before he acts like he can see the ghost of a woman that he thinks is really there! Elena can smell the rotten sea and a distinct smell of perfume as well!
An impoverished nobleman Nero Basilio, Samuel’s closest friend and the owner of the palazzo, finally arrives and Elena finally gets some answers, and he thinks that there is indeed a ghost! There seems to be dark forces there that not only hold Samuel in thrall but Nero as well. Caught between these two, Elena is desperate to find out what is going on but nothing is as it seems and then something horrible happens!
This book was so well written, the descriptions of everything is very detailed and everything from the food to the clothes and the way the people talk there is so well documented to make this book a real ghost story- mystery and the stage is set for the unthinkable to happen and it does. The characters are all well developed, the atmosphere is perfect and together it all works to make this story really work!
The plot is excellent and swiftly moves from one stage to the next, and there is even time in all of this for Elena to fall in love! The end of this book will surprise you as it did me and I really loved how it ended
I gave this book 5***** awesome stars and hope to read more by this author.
August 23, 2017
I really enjoyed one of Megan Chance's other books, Inamorata, so when this one crossed my path, I happily grabbed it. It's a historical Gothic novel, set in a decaying palazzo in late 1800s Venice, that uses many of the same ingredients of the other book: a supernatural element, a strong theme of sexual longing, the Venetian setting. Unfortunately, The Visitant was mildly interesting but not particularly compelling. It's a ghost story, a mystery and a love story, and doesn't quite succeed at any of them: the ghost is not creepy enough, the mystery is predictable, and the characters didn't really have enough chemistry.
But I will start with what I did like. Elena Spiro is sent to Venice to be a nurse to one of her father's old patients, an epileptic with a drinking problem named Samuel Farber. Elena made a fatal mistake at her father's asylum, causing him to lose his position and her without any options besides marrying her boring farmer cousin...unless she can get Samuel into shape for his upcoming (and unwanted) wedding. If she can do that, Samuel's parents will give her and her family enough money to start over. So she is determined to succeed, even though Samuel doesn't want help. And even though she is stuck in a run-down, mildewing old building with a housekeeper who could give Mrs. Danvers a run for her money. And even though Samuel is either going crazy or possessed by a vengeful ghost. Not to mention she soon finds herself distracted by Samuel's friend Nero, who stops by to check on his progress.
The novel was well-written and the setting was well-done. Elena, Samuel and the other characters are all in a situation that leaves them feeling trapped and stifled, and this was conveyed quite vividly. Megan Chance is a talented writer, even when she doesn't quite hit the mark.
As to what I didn't like, it mostly came down to the way Elena was presented. At first, she is a prim and proper young lady who blushes and gets offended by any reference to sex. But then Samuel lends her an erotic book, and after reading a couple of chapters she is completely transformed and having wanton, uninhibited sex with Nero. I just didn't buy it. The change was too sudden, with no hints she'd been struggling with repressed desires before reading the book. And one of the sex scenes, while not explicit, was really weird. There were other things that didn't make sense to me, such as why Nero wanted Samuel to recover at the palazzo in the first place, especially before he'd even arrived.
These quibbles didn't spoil the story--overall, I would give it a solid three stars--but they were enough to distract me as a reader. Recommended for those who love Gothic tales; otherwise, I'd suggest starting with Inamorata.
But I will start with what I did like. Elena Spiro is sent to Venice to be a nurse to one of her father's old patients, an epileptic with a drinking problem named Samuel Farber. Elena made a fatal mistake at her father's asylum, causing him to lose his position and her without any options besides marrying her boring farmer cousin...unless she can get Samuel into shape for his upcoming (and unwanted) wedding. If she can do that, Samuel's parents will give her and her family enough money to start over. So she is determined to succeed, even though Samuel doesn't want help. And even though she is stuck in a run-down, mildewing old building with a housekeeper who could give Mrs. Danvers a run for her money. And even though Samuel is either going crazy or possessed by a vengeful ghost. Not to mention she soon finds herself distracted by Samuel's friend Nero, who stops by to check on his progress.
The novel was well-written and the setting was well-done. Elena, Samuel and the other characters are all in a situation that leaves them feeling trapped and stifled, and this was conveyed quite vividly. Megan Chance is a talented writer, even when she doesn't quite hit the mark.
As to what I didn't like, it mostly came down to the way Elena was presented. At first, she is a prim and proper young lady who blushes and gets offended by any reference to sex. But then Samuel lends her an erotic book, and after reading a couple of chapters she is completely transformed and having wanton, uninhibited sex with Nero. I just didn't buy it. The change was too sudden, with no hints she'd been struggling with repressed desires before reading the book. And one of the sex scenes, while not explicit, was really weird. There were other things that didn't make sense to me, such as why Nero wanted Samuel to recover at the palazzo in the first place, especially before he'd even arrived.
These quibbles didn't spoil the story--overall, I would give it a solid three stars--but they were enough to distract me as a reader. Recommended for those who love Gothic tales; otherwise, I'd suggest starting with Inamorata.
May 21, 2017
A solid gothic tale set in the late 1800's Venice.
October 13, 2015
Elena despairs to discover that the home she is sent to in Venice to escape scandal, is a rotting ruin. Worse, she is met with hostility from the maid and her hostess. Still, Elena is determined to be the best nurse she can for her patient, Samuel Farber, who is recovering from a brutal assault and suffering from epilepsy. If Elena can control his epilepsy and return him to health, she can restore her father's name and secure her future. What Elena doesn't expect is to encounter something sinister and paranormal, bent on revenge. Will Elena succeed or will Samuel succumb to madness?
What I Liked:
*The Visitant is an interesting ghostly mystery set in Venice. I loved how Venice served as the perfect backdrop. This was a strong, atmospheric read that drew heavily on the crumbling home, and the dark, filthy canals. If you want a good ghostly mystery with an eerie atmospheric setting, this is one to try.
*The book is set at the end of the nineteenth century. Young Elena has spent her whole life training in the mental asylum where her father works. I enjoyed exploring the views on mental illness and epilepsy and learning more about the methods and drugs used to treat the various illnesses. I found the treatments and views on epilepsy especially interesting.
*The house is full of rot and mildew and it harbors some deadly secrets. Once Elena arrives, she can't shake the feeling that someone or something is watching her. She can't explain the waves of extreme cold, nor the disturbing behavior of her patient. Is it epilepsy or a ghost? I enjoyed the ghost mystery, and I thought that it was well done. The ending was a bit shocking when all was revealed.
*The mystery is suspenseful and interesting. I liked the way the author took her time to reveal what happened in Elena's past to make her fall from grace. I also liked the ghost portion of the story and learning the truth behind the haunting.
Elena was a character that made several mistakes, but in the end, I appreciated her growth and the way she handled herself. I liked that she wasn't afraid to see the truth, and I had hope for her at the end.
*The ending wraps up the story line, and the reader isn't left with any nagging or irritating questions. This is a stand alone.
And The Not So Much:
*I was not a fan of the romance. It is sort of a love triangle, but not really. Elena ends up caught between two men, but she immediately choses one. Even though I appreciated that she quickly shed her prudish ideas, I thought it was a bit over the top, and her sexual behavior wasn't in line with her character. Furthermore, I never felt a connection to the man she chose. It ended up being a mess.
*Even though the ending concluded the story lines, I was left wanting to know what happened to Samuel and Elena. Did they escape their fates? I hope so.
*The other issue I had with the story was that most of the characters were unlikable. I liked Elena, and I felt sympathetic toward Samuel, but everyone else in the villa, was hostile and openly rude. The horrid behavior of the secondary cast, helped build up the atmosphere, but it made me disconnect from the story a bit because everyone was so deplorable.
*The sex scenes got to be a bit too much, I found them a unbelievable because Elena was a prudish proper girl, and then she is all of a sudden behaving like a whore? It just didn't work for me, and the whole romance was a flop.
The Visitant with its suspenseful mystery and eerie atmosphere was an interesting read, but I struggled with a tepid romance, and an unlikable cast of secondary characters. I enjoyed the book, but I found the romance was a turn off. Still if you want a good ghost mystery set in Venice, this is a book you can check out.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
What I Liked:
*The Visitant is an interesting ghostly mystery set in Venice. I loved how Venice served as the perfect backdrop. This was a strong, atmospheric read that drew heavily on the crumbling home, and the dark, filthy canals. If you want a good ghostly mystery with an eerie atmospheric setting, this is one to try.
*The book is set at the end of the nineteenth century. Young Elena has spent her whole life training in the mental asylum where her father works. I enjoyed exploring the views on mental illness and epilepsy and learning more about the methods and drugs used to treat the various illnesses. I found the treatments and views on epilepsy especially interesting.
*The house is full of rot and mildew and it harbors some deadly secrets. Once Elena arrives, she can't shake the feeling that someone or something is watching her. She can't explain the waves of extreme cold, nor the disturbing behavior of her patient. Is it epilepsy or a ghost? I enjoyed the ghost mystery, and I thought that it was well done. The ending was a bit shocking when all was revealed.
*The mystery is suspenseful and interesting. I liked the way the author took her time to reveal what happened in Elena's past to make her fall from grace. I also liked the ghost portion of the story and learning the truth behind the haunting.
Elena was a character that made several mistakes, but in the end, I appreciated her growth and the way she handled herself. I liked that she wasn't afraid to see the truth, and I had hope for her at the end.
*The ending wraps up the story line, and the reader isn't left with any nagging or irritating questions. This is a stand alone.
And The Not So Much:
*I was not a fan of the romance. It is sort of a love triangle, but not really. Elena ends up caught between two men, but she immediately choses one. Even though I appreciated that she quickly shed her prudish ideas, I thought it was a bit over the top, and her sexual behavior wasn't in line with her character. Furthermore, I never felt a connection to the man she chose. It ended up being a mess.
*Even though the ending concluded the story lines, I was left wanting to know what happened to Samuel and Elena. Did they escape their fates? I hope so.
*The other issue I had with the story was that most of the characters were unlikable. I liked Elena, and I felt sympathetic toward Samuel, but everyone else in the villa, was hostile and openly rude. The horrid behavior of the secondary cast, helped build up the atmosphere, but it made me disconnect from the story a bit because everyone was so deplorable.
*The sex scenes got to be a bit too much, I found them a unbelievable because Elena was a prudish proper girl, and then she is all of a sudden behaving like a whore? It just didn't work for me, and the whole romance was a flop.
The Visitant with its suspenseful mystery and eerie atmosphere was an interesting read, but I struggled with a tepid romance, and an unlikable cast of secondary characters. I enjoyed the book, but I found the romance was a turn off. Still if you want a good ghost mystery set in Venice, this is a book you can check out.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
March 31, 2021
I am so in the mood for a scary stories. The Visitant came to me at the perfect time, with lovely descriptive writing of a creepy home and a very odd situation.
Elena is a guest a Basilio palazzo, a ruin of a mansion. Elena has been tasked by her parents to help nurse an injured epileptic named Samuel back to health in time for his wedding. Elena has been very sheltered in her life, the year is 1884 and Elena is very much of her time. The owner of Basilio palazzo is Nero Basilio, a ladies man whose has lost his lifelong betrothed. The palazzo is an eerie location. Samuel is haunted in the palazzo with visions of apparitions and his mind is held captive threatening to expose his epileptic condition. Elena must find a way to cure his condition enough for him to get married against his will.
This is a historical paranormal romance, almost Gothic romance. That said, Elena go through much character growth as Nero and Samuel give her a taste of what she has been missing. Samuel, as a patient who does not want to follow instructions, Nero as temptation to a life she wishes she had.
What I Liked: The location of this story is so creepy. Elena encounters a lot of characters who don’t want her there and her patient is very difficult. This seemed like believable elements which set Elena up to be the thing Basilio palazzo dislikes the most. There was a creepy factor as soon as Elena is alone. The threat for her is to her person, and also her reputation. The story is told entirely in Elena’s POV, which left me the dark for some of the conversations (which were in another language Elena didn’t speak), this added to the feeling of alienation. I think that translated so well and I felt out of place as well.
Elena’s feeling of despair at the mess she left behind before being tasked to heal Samuel was spot on caretaker fatigue. Working with the mentally ill is really hard and Elena has been doing it her whole life. She is trying to use a medication on Samuel called Bromide, which was used to cure so many ails back then. Samuel is the perfectly wicked patient for her. He is the typical self destructive patient perfect for testing a wary nurse. I through the characters were wonderfully developed throughout the story. The motivations were clear and well written.
The love story was a fun element that carried Elena through the despair of the palazzo. In all the creepy surroundings something wonderful happens for Elena.
What I Disliked: Elena is not as curious about the house as I want her to be. She doesn’t go off exploring as most victims do, but it leaves the picture unfinished in my head. The pacing in this story was awfully slow. I hate to say that it dragged, but it really did. I almost had to force myself to see this book though. I figured out the ghost and the motivation way early in the story. I disliked that I figured out the mystery so quickly, I like more surprises in my reading.
In Conclusion: I think this story will appeal to those who really love the genre. Although I felt the story dragged a bit in the middle, the endings was well written. There was still a hint of the creep factor I found in the beginning and it was just enough to save this read for me.
August 6, 2018
I listened to "The Visitant: A Venetian Ghost Story" on Audible. Author Megan Chance did an excellent job of creating an engaging story. The ghosts include a spirit from beyond but also the ghosts of past mistakes that return to haunt us. The story even includes a crumbling home that is now a ghost of its former glory.
The historic Venetian setting includes gondolas, shops, churches, and a lifestyle we can only imagine. One canal seems to reflect the lives of those whose home overlooks it by changing from brown to vivid colors to another due to the pollution of the dyeing shop.
Be warned that this ghost story does contain adult sexual content. I did not find it offensive.
The historic Venetian setting includes gondolas, shops, churches, and a lifestyle we can only imagine. One canal seems to reflect the lives of those whose home overlooks it by changing from brown to vivid colors to another due to the pollution of the dyeing shop.
Be warned that this ghost story does contain adult sexual content. I did not find it offensive.
October 13, 2018
Elena is sent to Venice as a nurse to a wealthy American, and finds herself unprepared for what she encounters. The house is falling apart around her, the servants refuse to offer her any help, and Samuel, her patient, seems to be suffering from more than an illness. Elena’s future rides on her being able to help Samuel, but with all the secrets swirling around the palazzo, you start to wonder if Elena isn’t the one who needs help.
Like Elena, you’re never quite sure- are they dealing with ghosts, or madness? It’s all very atmospheric, very eerie. This is a perfect book to get into the Halloween spirit.
I received a free copy of this book through the Goodreads Giveaway program
Like Elena, you’re never quite sure- are they dealing with ghosts, or madness? It’s all very atmospheric, very eerie. This is a perfect book to get into the Halloween spirit.
I received a free copy of this book through the Goodreads Giveaway program
June 2, 2017
I'm a bit embarrassed to admit it, but I do occasionally get sucked into reading a gothic tale. I'm embarrassed because, let's face it, "gothic" really is a sub-genre of romance. But with ghosts. And, in this case, Venice in the 1800's, and possible madness. And epilepsy. Hey, I'm a medical sociologist, so maybe I can use that last to justify my reading, no?
Oh, hell. I might just as well admit that this was a guilty pleasure that I very much enjoyed.
Oh, hell. I might just as well admit that this was a guilty pleasure that I very much enjoyed.
December 1, 2021
Meh. Ghosts, not really my thing. And, not tremendously credible. 19th century people with 21st century biases. But, Ms.Chance's story-telling skill is good, so I keep on with it.
Let's just say some things get better with age, and Ms. Chance is one of them. Her more recent efforts are brilliant, this particular effort, no so much.
I'll look forward to her next book!
Let's just say some things get better with age, and Ms. Chance is one of them. Her more recent efforts are brilliant, this particular effort, no so much.
I'll look forward to her next book!
March 27, 2017
This reminded me of the Victoria Holt novels I devoured when I was 12 or so. But with a dose of smut. Although it was predictable, and the heroine's behavior seemed unlikely, the book was like Kraft Macaroni and Cheese with Campbell's tomato soup - not gormet, but comforting.
October 23, 2018
I happened upon A DROP OF INK, and I had to read more of this author's work. Both books are exceptional, and I'm not usually a fan of anything paranormal, but Megan Chance can pull in the most reluctant reader. Always surprising, always rich with historical detail, and always full of drama and emotion, these novels deliver on their promises.
December 6, 2015
Elena Spira is sent to Venice by her father to nurse Samuel Farber, a man from a wealthy family, who was badly beaten while in Rome. He is the guest of his good friend, Nero Basilio, who owns the Casa Basilio, while he recuperates. He also has epilepsy, which Elena is under instruction to keep secret from all at the Casa. In those days the condition was misunderstood and deemed to have it’s roots in insanity. Elena is excited to be travelling, although escaping the shame of her mistakes was her father’s idea. But Venice in cold and damp November is not living up to expectations, much like the Casa Basilio which looks neglected and miserable, situated as it is in an area of abandoned, derelict properties and fetid, foul-smelling canals. As much as she wants to turn tail and leave, Elena is constrained by the aftermath of the scandal, which has led to her present situation. Her family is relying on her to heal Samuel and bring him home for his arranged wedding and she is determined to do everything she can for Samuel.
Samuel proves to be a difficult patient, more intent on self-destruction than anything else. He has no wish to marry someone chosen by his parents, and resists the cures Elena advocates. His addiction to the pain relieving laudanum supplied by the unwelcoming and unhelpful housekeeper, Giulia, is his only respite from the pain. Samuel suffers from hallucinations and believes an angel speaks to him. Elena soon becomes aware of the dark and tragic atmosphere of the Casa. She is witness to strange happenings, the bone chilling cold and scent of vanilla which manifests intermittently.
When Nero arrives at the Casa, Elena finds herself in a situation she had never envisaged. It opens up possibilities she had not considered or even thought about. But the darkness becomes ever more oppressive and dangerous.
I did enjoy the story. The pace is quite slow and steady without much in the way of twists, and could possibly have been condensed slightly. Tension does begin to build ultimately though, as the dark and disturbing undercurrent escalates to a tragic and completely surprising ending. I love when that happens! Elena, Samuel and Nero all have secrets and are haunted by their pasts and Elena’s struggles looking after Samuel are convincingly written. The Venetian period setting is beautifully detailed, including the clothes, food and medical treatments. Characters are well drawn, disturbing and flawed, the atmosphere creepy. Elena wonders why some of the inhabitants of the Casa, most particularly Giulia and Nero’s aunt, Madame Basilio, obviously don’t want her there.
The writing is strong and expressive, with all the elements of a gothic novel. I wasn’t particularly fond of the romantic triangle, the attraction between Elena and Nero was unconvincing. As a character, I much preferred Samuel for all his faults.
On reflection, I’m glad I was listening. Julia Whelan’s excellent narration and characterisations give the book an energy boost and allows for more much more positives than negatives. Ms Whelan injects an appealing and vulnerable side to Elena’s initially dispassionate and straight-laced character. The Gothic style of narrative is done well, with the added extra of the paranormal aspect. I’ll definitely be reading, or listening to, more of Megan Chance’s work.
Samuel proves to be a difficult patient, more intent on self-destruction than anything else. He has no wish to marry someone chosen by his parents, and resists the cures Elena advocates. His addiction to the pain relieving laudanum supplied by the unwelcoming and unhelpful housekeeper, Giulia, is his only respite from the pain. Samuel suffers from hallucinations and believes an angel speaks to him. Elena soon becomes aware of the dark and tragic atmosphere of the Casa. She is witness to strange happenings, the bone chilling cold and scent of vanilla which manifests intermittently.
When Nero arrives at the Casa, Elena finds herself in a situation she had never envisaged. It opens up possibilities she had not considered or even thought about. But the darkness becomes ever more oppressive and dangerous.
I did enjoy the story. The pace is quite slow and steady without much in the way of twists, and could possibly have been condensed slightly. Tension does begin to build ultimately though, as the dark and disturbing undercurrent escalates to a tragic and completely surprising ending. I love when that happens! Elena, Samuel and Nero all have secrets and are haunted by their pasts and Elena’s struggles looking after Samuel are convincingly written. The Venetian period setting is beautifully detailed, including the clothes, food and medical treatments. Characters are well drawn, disturbing and flawed, the atmosphere creepy. Elena wonders why some of the inhabitants of the Casa, most particularly Giulia and Nero’s aunt, Madame Basilio, obviously don’t want her there.
The writing is strong and expressive, with all the elements of a gothic novel. I wasn’t particularly fond of the romantic triangle, the attraction between Elena and Nero was unconvincing. As a character, I much preferred Samuel for all his faults.
On reflection, I’m glad I was listening. Julia Whelan’s excellent narration and characterisations give the book an energy boost and allows for more much more positives than negatives. Ms Whelan injects an appealing and vulnerable side to Elena’s initially dispassionate and straight-laced character. The Gothic style of narrative is done well, with the added extra of the paranormal aspect. I’ll definitely be reading, or listening to, more of Megan Chance’s work.
December 18, 2021
Riveting....Highly recommended
November 7, 2015
This review originally appeared on my blog, Books Without Any Pictures:
http://bookswithoutanypictures.com/20...
The Visitant is a tale of ghosts and madness in historical Venice. Elena Spira is offered a chance to redeem a past mistake by serving as a nurse to Samuel Farber, a young epileptic who recently survived a vicious attack in a back alley while out on a bender. Samuel is different than any patient Elena has had before, and she begins to wonder if his illness might be more than meets the eye. Meanwhile, Samuel’s best friend Nero Basilio returns to the palazzo, and Elena finds herself captivated by his rugged charm. And yet, the palazzo is a place of secrets, and the past refuses to stay buried.
Like Chance’s previous novel Inamorata, The Visitant is set in Venice, which is portrayed as a nexus of elegance and decay. Under a glamorous veneer of gondolas and artsy cafes, Venice is rotting and eating itself from within. It’s polluted, it’s dirty, and yet even through the grime, the city has the ability to charm and captivate the senses. One example that serves as a motif throughout the story is the dye factor upriver that pollutes the canal that the protagonists observe each day, changing the water into an ever-changing rainbow of color. There’s grit, but it’s juxtaposed with wonder.
Obviously, there’s a love triangle. Elena finds herself simultaneously drawn to Samuel, and yet afraid of his violent outbursts. There’s a difference between her gentle yet despairing patient and the man he becomes when he has an episode, as if he is possessed. Samuel and Elena share many similarities, including feeling trapped by fate and the possibility of an unwanted arranged marriage. They share an easy camaraderie, and Elena quite clearly cares about him more than a normal patient. Enter Nero, a charming womanizer who tells Elena about a world of adventures that she’s never known. But Nero is also an angry and jealous lover. Perhaps my favorite scene in the entire book is one in which a jealous Nero starts threatening Elena, but then Elena turns the tables and discovers a penchant for knife play, completely reversing their roles and in the process surprising the hell out of me. In fact, that scene encapsulates everything I love about Elena–despite being born into a rigid society, she is an empowered character who is ultimately the master of her own destiny.
The Visitant is what you’d get if Anne Rice and Dostoevsky could team up to write a ghost story. It’s got everything to love–madness, depression, epilepsy, lust, knives, angry ghosts, and family secrets. It is sensual, atmospheric, and hauntingly beautiful.
http://bookswithoutanypictures.com/20...
The Visitant is a tale of ghosts and madness in historical Venice. Elena Spira is offered a chance to redeem a past mistake by serving as a nurse to Samuel Farber, a young epileptic who recently survived a vicious attack in a back alley while out on a bender. Samuel is different than any patient Elena has had before, and she begins to wonder if his illness might be more than meets the eye. Meanwhile, Samuel’s best friend Nero Basilio returns to the palazzo, and Elena finds herself captivated by his rugged charm. And yet, the palazzo is a place of secrets, and the past refuses to stay buried.
Like Chance’s previous novel Inamorata, The Visitant is set in Venice, which is portrayed as a nexus of elegance and decay. Under a glamorous veneer of gondolas and artsy cafes, Venice is rotting and eating itself from within. It’s polluted, it’s dirty, and yet even through the grime, the city has the ability to charm and captivate the senses. One example that serves as a motif throughout the story is the dye factor upriver that pollutes the canal that the protagonists observe each day, changing the water into an ever-changing rainbow of color. There’s grit, but it’s juxtaposed with wonder.
Obviously, there’s a love triangle. Elena finds herself simultaneously drawn to Samuel, and yet afraid of his violent outbursts. There’s a difference between her gentle yet despairing patient and the man he becomes when he has an episode, as if he is possessed. Samuel and Elena share many similarities, including feeling trapped by fate and the possibility of an unwanted arranged marriage. They share an easy camaraderie, and Elena quite clearly cares about him more than a normal patient. Enter Nero, a charming womanizer who tells Elena about a world of adventures that she’s never known. But Nero is also an angry and jealous lover. Perhaps my favorite scene in the entire book is one in which a jealous Nero starts threatening Elena, but then Elena turns the tables and discovers a penchant for knife play, completely reversing their roles and in the process surprising the hell out of me. In fact, that scene encapsulates everything I love about Elena–despite being born into a rigid society, she is an empowered character who is ultimately the master of her own destiny.
The Visitant is what you’d get if Anne Rice and Dostoevsky could team up to write a ghost story. It’s got everything to love–madness, depression, epilepsy, lust, knives, angry ghosts, and family secrets. It is sensual, atmospheric, and hauntingly beautiful.
October 2, 2015
Elena Spira has been tasked with nursing Samuel Farber back to health. An epileptic who recently suffered a brutal attack, Samuel is to be married in just a few short months and his parents want him fit for the wedding. If Elena succeeds, it means a new position for her father and a chance for a Grand Tour. Failure is not an option as it would cost Elena and her family more than she can bear.
When Elena arrives in Venice where Samuel is staying with his friend Nero, she immediately sets about weaning her patient from the laudanum he's been abusing and getting him on a strict diet regimen. Not only does she hope to nurse him back to a full recovery from his attack, but she hopes to get his seizures under control - no one is to know about his affliction, especially his bride to be or her family. But someone or something seems to be working against Elena. An awful chill comes over her when she's in Samuel's room and Samuel himself seems to come under some sort of trance Elena can't associate with the epilepsy. And when Samuel surfaces he speaks of an angel only he seems to have seen.
Set in Venice in the late nineteenth century, The Visitant has all of the hallmarks of a great gothic novel: a crumbling old estate, some less than welcoming locals, a family haunted by its past, and of course rumors of ghosts.
The stories about ghosts don't come out immediately, but there are lots of sideways glances and questions about Samuel's spells leading up to Elena's witness of them. As the escalate, though, Elena, who has trained as a nurse and has worked with epileptics before, realizes there's something strange going on.
Chance's pacing and atmosphere are both quite well executed. I'm not sure that I loved the romance aspect of it - mostly because the love triangle didn't really convince me Samuel himself was doing more than toying with Elena, but that's likely the point as well considering Elena begins to suspect something is driving Samuel's actions other than illness. Overall, though, The Visitant was a fun read and exactly what I was hoping for!
When Elena arrives in Venice where Samuel is staying with his friend Nero, she immediately sets about weaning her patient from the laudanum he's been abusing and getting him on a strict diet regimen. Not only does she hope to nurse him back to a full recovery from his attack, but she hopes to get his seizures under control - no one is to know about his affliction, especially his bride to be or her family. But someone or something seems to be working against Elena. An awful chill comes over her when she's in Samuel's room and Samuel himself seems to come under some sort of trance Elena can't associate with the epilepsy. And when Samuel surfaces he speaks of an angel only he seems to have seen.
Set in Venice in the late nineteenth century, The Visitant has all of the hallmarks of a great gothic novel: a crumbling old estate, some less than welcoming locals, a family haunted by its past, and of course rumors of ghosts.
The stories about ghosts don't come out immediately, but there are lots of sideways glances and questions about Samuel's spells leading up to Elena's witness of them. As the escalate, though, Elena, who has trained as a nurse and has worked with epileptics before, realizes there's something strange going on.
Chance's pacing and atmosphere are both quite well executed. I'm not sure that I loved the romance aspect of it - mostly because the love triangle didn't really convince me Samuel himself was doing more than toying with Elena, but that's likely the point as well considering Elena begins to suspect something is driving Samuel's actions other than illness. Overall, though, The Visitant was a fun read and exactly what I was hoping for!
February 7, 2017
Setting: Venice, 1884, the crumbling Casa Basilio
Characters
Elena Spira: A nurse from America
Samuel Farber: Elena's patient, recovering from a savage beating that left him near death
Nerone Basilio: Samuel's friend and his host at the Venetian palazzo
Plot: Elena has been sent to care for Samuel, who, after suffering an epileptic episode, was beaten and left for dead. Samuel is recovering at the Basilio estate in Venice, there at an invitation from his friend, Nero. When Elena arrives, she finds Samuel indulging in laudanum; preferring to remain drugged. Elena immediately takes away the drugs and imposes a strict diet - no wine or other drink - and no philandering with the house maid, either. As the days pass, Samuel remains intractable, battling Elena at every turn. Nero soon arrives home and the level of tension grows. Both men are taken with the beautiful young nurse - but there is more than romance and seduction in the air.
There is a darkness in the estate, and puzzling episodes of intense, inexplicable cold. There are times when Samuel seems to stare into space, as though entranced. He seems to have fits that have nothing to do with his epilepsy; times when he has remarkable strength - that he uses against Elena. As Elena learns more about both Samuel and Nero, her own past and tenuous future is revealed. The Visitant is a story of how the mistakes and horrors of the past can affect the present and shape the future. Will one of these three sacrifice their future happiness for the others?
Pacing: Steady
Predictability: Medium
Wild Card: This story is heartbreaking. Megan Chance casts a spell over her readers, drawing them in with every scene, chapter, and page. There is mystery and suspense to be found in this book, as well as romance and intrigue, family drama and elements of the supernatural. Through it all, there is a thread of hope - a dream that one may not need to be saved, but rather, that one can save oneself and create one's own future happiness.
Hit, Miss, or Draw? Hit!
Characters
Elena Spira: A nurse from America
Samuel Farber: Elena's patient, recovering from a savage beating that left him near death
Nerone Basilio: Samuel's friend and his host at the Venetian palazzo
Plot: Elena has been sent to care for Samuel, who, after suffering an epileptic episode, was beaten and left for dead. Samuel is recovering at the Basilio estate in Venice, there at an invitation from his friend, Nero. When Elena arrives, she finds Samuel indulging in laudanum; preferring to remain drugged. Elena immediately takes away the drugs and imposes a strict diet - no wine or other drink - and no philandering with the house maid, either. As the days pass, Samuel remains intractable, battling Elena at every turn. Nero soon arrives home and the level of tension grows. Both men are taken with the beautiful young nurse - but there is more than romance and seduction in the air.
There is a darkness in the estate, and puzzling episodes of intense, inexplicable cold. There are times when Samuel seems to stare into space, as though entranced. He seems to have fits that have nothing to do with his epilepsy; times when he has remarkable strength - that he uses against Elena. As Elena learns more about both Samuel and Nero, her own past and tenuous future is revealed. The Visitant is a story of how the mistakes and horrors of the past can affect the present and shape the future. Will one of these three sacrifice their future happiness for the others?
Pacing: Steady
Predictability: Medium
Wild Card: This story is heartbreaking. Megan Chance casts a spell over her readers, drawing them in with every scene, chapter, and page. There is mystery and suspense to be found in this book, as well as romance and intrigue, family drama and elements of the supernatural. Through it all, there is a thread of hope - a dream that one may not need to be saved, but rather, that one can save oneself and create one's own future happiness.
Hit, Miss, or Draw? Hit!
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