What do you think?
Rate this book
The Venetian's Wife: A Strangely Sensual Tale of a Renaissance Explorer, a Computer, and a Metamorphosis
Nick Bantock's illustrated novel, The Venetian's Wife, is part love story, part mystery, and part ghostly tale --and an altogether bewitching brew of sensuality and lost treasures. Thoroughly bored with her job at the local museum, Sarah heads to the gallery to take another look at that new drawing, the one she can't stop thinking about, the one of the Hindu god Shiva, who dances...That's when it all begins. The next day, an e-mail message brings her a job offer: to find the few remaining pieces of a 15th-century adventurer's renowned collection of Indian sculptures. Her employer, curiously, wishes to communicate only by computer. She has no idea who he is or why he wants her. But other mysteries soon preoccupy her, such as the meaning of an enigmatic illuminated manuscript -- and the sensual transformation that seems to be overtaking her. Through her quirkily decorated diary and the artful e-mail exchanges between Sara and her mentor, Nick Bantock has conjured up a richly illustrated tale of a relentless quest, an amorous legacy, and the resonating power of art -- a lush, romantic adventure of the soul that tantalizes the reader to the last line.?
132 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1996
9 people are currently reading
1178 people want to read
About the author
Nick Bantock
68 books763 followersNick was schooled in England and has a BA in Fine Art (painting). He has authored 25 books, 11 of which have appeared on the best seller lists, including 3 books on The New York Times top ten at one time. Griffin & Sabine stayed on that list for over two years. His works have been translated into 13 languages and over 5 million have been sold worldwide. Once named by the classic SF magazine Weird Tales as one of the best 85 storytellers of the century. He has written articles and stories for numerous international newspapers and magazines. His Wasnick blogs are much followed on Facebook and Twitter. His paintings, drawings, sculptures, collages and prints have been exhibited in shows in UK, France and North America. In 2010 Nick's major retrospective exhibition opened at the MOA in Denver. His works are in private collections throughout the world. Nick has a lifetime BAFTA (British Oscar) for the CD-ROM game Ceremony of Innocence, created with Peter Gabriel's Real World, featuring Isabella Rossolini and Ben Kingsley. He has two iPad apps, Sage and The Venetian and is working on a third. Three of his books have been optioned for film and his stage play based on the Griffin & Sabine double trilogy premiered in Vancouver in 2006.
Produced artwork for more than 300 book covers (including works by Roth and Updike), illustrated Viking Penguin's new translation of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. He's designed theater posters for the London plays of Tom Stoppard and Alec Guinness.
For 20 years Bantock has spoken and read to audiences throughout North America, Europe and Australia. Given keynote and motivational speeches to corporations and teachers state conferences. He's given dramatic readings on the radio and the stage and has been interviewed (way too many times) for TV, radio and print.
Bantock has worked in a betting shop in the East End of London, trained as a psychotherapist, designed and built a house that combined an Indonesian temple and a Russian orthodox church with an English cricket pavilion and a New Orleans bordello. Between 2007 and 2010 was one of the twelve committee members responsible for selecting Canada's postage stamps.
Among the things Bantock can't do: Can't swim, never ridden a horse, his spelling is dreadful and his singing voice is flat as a pancake.
Source: Nick Bantock - profile
Produced artwork for more than 300 book covers (including works by Roth and Updike), illustrated Viking Penguin's new translation of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. He's designed theater posters for the London plays of Tom Stoppard and Alec Guinness.
For 20 years Bantock has spoken and read to audiences throughout North America, Europe and Australia. Given keynote and motivational speeches to corporations and teachers state conferences. He's given dramatic readings on the radio and the stage and has been interviewed (way too many times) for TV, radio and print.
Bantock has worked in a betting shop in the East End of London, trained as a psychotherapist, designed and built a house that combined an Indonesian temple and a Russian orthodox church with an English cricket pavilion and a New Orleans bordello. Between 2007 and 2010 was one of the twelve committee members responsible for selecting Canada's postage stamps.
Among the things Bantock can't do: Can't swim, never ridden a horse, his spelling is dreadful and his singing voice is flat as a pancake.
Source: Nick Bantock - profile
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
April 25, 2009
The subtitle of this oversized, lavishly illustrated volume confirms that we are once again in the kind of quasi-mythical kingdom that provided the setting for writer and illustrator Bantok's bestselling Griffin and Sabine series. I did like the epistolatory style of the book: all emails, journal entries, and letters.
San Francisco art conservator Sara Wolfe, who is fascinated by a drawing of the Indian god Shiva hanging on the walls of the museum where she works, receives an e-mail message from one N. Conti, who somehow is aware of her obsession and offers her a job traveling around the world assembling back his 40 pieace sculture set of Indian deities.
The narrative proceeds via these e-mail messages and through the protagonists' entries into their computer journals. Her employer, curiously, wishes to communicate only by computer. She has no idea who he is or why he wants her. But other mysteries soon preoccupy her, such as the meaning of an enigmatic illuminated manuscript -- and the sensual transformation that seems to be overtaking her.
In this story, however, Sara and Conti are not fated to be lovers. The latter, in fact, is the ghost of a real-life figure, wealthy Renaissance merchant and indefatigable traveler Niccolo Dei Conti, who died in 1469 and needs Sara's help in order to be reunited with his wife, Yasoda, in the afterlife.
And Sara, with Conti's help, discovers her own destined mate, a colleague called Marco (surely Bantok's humorous reference to another fabled traveler). The mysteries around which the plot hinge on Conti's identity and his ultimate purpose in reassembling his collection are suspensefully maintained, augmented by Bantok's intensely colorful and often sensual illustrations.
I was very disappointed by the lacklustre ending I got. It's left to the reader to assume that Sara or Marco or both are descendants of Conti in some way but it's vague. I love the idea of a love so intense and profound that even death cannot overcome it and I'm willing to accept that Conti had to wait for a certain person with the right combination of factors to appear to unlock the key before he could be reunited with his beloved Yashoda, but Bantock could have given us a far better ending than the one he did, considering the superb buildup.
Book Details:
Title The Venetian's Wife: A Strangely Sensual Tale of a Renaissance Explorer, a Computer, and a Metamorphosis
Author Nick Bantock
Reviewed By Purplycookie
San Francisco art conservator Sara Wolfe, who is fascinated by a drawing of the Indian god Shiva hanging on the walls of the museum where she works, receives an e-mail message from one N. Conti, who somehow is aware of her obsession and offers her a job traveling around the world assembling back his 40 pieace sculture set of Indian deities.
The narrative proceeds via these e-mail messages and through the protagonists' entries into their computer journals. Her employer, curiously, wishes to communicate only by computer. She has no idea who he is or why he wants her. But other mysteries soon preoccupy her, such as the meaning of an enigmatic illuminated manuscript -- and the sensual transformation that seems to be overtaking her.
In this story, however, Sara and Conti are not fated to be lovers. The latter, in fact, is the ghost of a real-life figure, wealthy Renaissance merchant and indefatigable traveler Niccolo Dei Conti, who died in 1469 and needs Sara's help in order to be reunited with his wife, Yasoda, in the afterlife.
And Sara, with Conti's help, discovers her own destined mate, a colleague called Marco (surely Bantok's humorous reference to another fabled traveler). The mysteries around which the plot hinge on Conti's identity and his ultimate purpose in reassembling his collection are suspensefully maintained, augmented by Bantok's intensely colorful and often sensual illustrations.
I was very disappointed by the lacklustre ending I got. It's left to the reader to assume that Sara or Marco or both are descendants of Conti in some way but it's vague. I love the idea of a love so intense and profound that even death cannot overcome it and I'm willing to accept that Conti had to wait for a certain person with the right combination of factors to appear to unlock the key before he could be reunited with his beloved Yashoda, but Bantock could have given us a far better ending than the one he did, considering the superb buildup.
Book Details:
Title The Venetian's Wife: A Strangely Sensual Tale of a Renaissance Explorer, a Computer, and a Metamorphosis
Author Nick Bantock
Reviewed By Purplycookie
Read
August 9, 2011Sara is a tightly closed bud; she prefers the safety of her solitude to the risk of opening herself to others. She slowly unfurls and blossoms while she tracks down the last missing pieces of the ghostly Dei Conti's sculpture collection.
This is a pleasant enough bedtime story for adults, but it isn't Bantock's best work. The lushly layered artwork is beautiful, the crash course in Indian mythology is very interesting and possibly my favorite part of the book, and Dei Conti's background is fascinating. Unfortunately, the writing is often weak (she gazed into his "brownie-black eyes"?!), and Sara's tepid romance interferes with the pacing and detracts from more interesting elements of the plot.
Perhaps if Sara's character had been developed more fully, I would've sympathized with her reticence and cheered for her as she began to reach out. Unfortunately, Bantock didn't give me any convincing reasons to care about Sara, and I wish Bantock had not written this as Sara's love story. Dei Conti's passionate love for his wife is much more moving.
This is a pleasant enough bedtime story for adults, but it isn't Bantock's best work. The lushly layered artwork is beautiful, the crash course in Indian mythology is very interesting and possibly my favorite part of the book, and Dei Conti's background is fascinating. Unfortunately, the writing is often weak (she gazed into his "brownie-black eyes"?!), and Sara's tepid romance interferes with the pacing and detracts from more interesting elements of the plot.
Perhaps if Sara's character had been developed more fully, I would've sympathized with her reticence and cheered for her as she began to reach out. Unfortunately, Bantock didn't give me any convincing reasons to care about Sara, and I wish Bantock had not written this as Sara's love story. Dei Conti's passionate love for his wife is much more moving.
May 29, 2011
I received this book initially as a gift from a friend who had picked it up and read the flyleaf description of a story of Sara(h) Wolf, an art conservator. Written by the clever and charming Nick Bantock, artist and author, don't begin this book at night because you won't be able to put it down. This book caused me to write to the author to ask how he had come up with the name, and thus began a brief but wonderful correspondence. Bantock is also the author of the wonderful Griffin and Sabine series - a tactile as well as visual pleasure and ready answer to anyone who thinks that physical books will ever disappear in favor of electronic versions. I have read and re-read his books as much for the art as for the stories. These are books to have on your bookshelf and treasure.
July 31, 2009
Even after 13 years, this book is still a lovely, lovely story and wonderful art work. Even the technology is not too out dated. We use private journal site now but the term computer diary is still pretty generic to still fit in now.
I loved it when I first read it and again with this reread. It's one book I usually recommend to people with different tastes in literature. People that have read the latest Goncourt or pretend they have, people who love discovering something different. It's not high literature, far from it. Bantock is more an artist than a writer, he blends art work with his own brand of storytelling. He write about love, infinite love. His Griffin and Sabine books are art work more than stories but well worth checking out.
The Venetian's Wife is my favorite of all his books. I haven't kept up with his latest ones. My last one was Alexandria in 2002 which I loved and ended up giving it as a gift to a friend.
I loved it when I first read it and again with this reread. It's one book I usually recommend to people with different tastes in literature. People that have read the latest Goncourt or pretend they have, people who love discovering something different. It's not high literature, far from it. Bantock is more an artist than a writer, he blends art work with his own brand of storytelling. He write about love, infinite love. His Griffin and Sabine books are art work more than stories but well worth checking out.
The Venetian's Wife is my favorite of all his books. I haven't kept up with his latest ones. My last one was Alexandria in 2002 which I loved and ended up giving it as a gift to a friend.
October 10, 2007
THE VENETIAN'S WIFE came out in 1996, when former children's book illustrator Nick Bantock was riding the wave of popularity following his tale of a curious correspondence, the Griffin and Sabine trilogy. That trilogy was tolerable, because its exotic format with real envelopes to be opened and an abundance of beautiful paintings made up for the derivative and hackneyed storyline. In THE VENETIAN'S WIFE, Bantock continues to adorn the book with art, but it's very limited compared to the G&S trilogy, so that Bantock's poor skills as a writer show all the more clearly.
THE VENETIAN'S WIFE begins with the death of an explorer, Niccolo dei Conti, in 15th century Italy, when he had lost his Indian wife and two children to a plague. More than 500 years later, Sara Wolfe, a restorator of art in San Francisco, receives an e-mail message from an "N. dei Conti." This mysterious employer hires Sara to bring together a group of Hindu statues that Niccolo dei Conti gathered in his travels in India. It turns out that the messages are sent by Conti's ghost, who can travel through computers and other electrical devices. Thus, THE VENETIAN'S WIFE joins other lackluster "ghost in the machine" tales of that part of the 90's, like Astro Teller's EXEGESIS.
THE VENETIAN'S WIFE eventually becomes slightly "sensual." Or so the dust jacket says. I found its kooky New Age eroticism to be highly annoying. Sara enters a relationship with a fellow employee of her museum and the two are brought into a dark plot of Indian sex magic. Or whatever, Bantock doesn't write any portion of this aspect of the book convincingly.
The Griffin and Sabine trilogy was a gimmick that was still worth reading because of its lovely art. THE VENETIAN'S WIFE, however, is a waste of time in which Bantock's skills as a painter are so rarely visible that nothing saves the book from a silly and badly-prosed plot. I'd recommend avoiding this one.
THE VENETIAN'S WIFE begins with the death of an explorer, Niccolo dei Conti, in 15th century Italy, when he had lost his Indian wife and two children to a plague. More than 500 years later, Sara Wolfe, a restorator of art in San Francisco, receives an e-mail message from an "N. dei Conti." This mysterious employer hires Sara to bring together a group of Hindu statues that Niccolo dei Conti gathered in his travels in India. It turns out that the messages are sent by Conti's ghost, who can travel through computers and other electrical devices. Thus, THE VENETIAN'S WIFE joins other lackluster "ghost in the machine" tales of that part of the 90's, like Astro Teller's EXEGESIS.
THE VENETIAN'S WIFE eventually becomes slightly "sensual." Or so the dust jacket says. I found its kooky New Age eroticism to be highly annoying. Sara enters a relationship with a fellow employee of her museum and the two are brought into a dark plot of Indian sex magic. Or whatever, Bantock doesn't write any portion of this aspect of the book convincingly.
The Griffin and Sabine trilogy was a gimmick that was still worth reading because of its lovely art. THE VENETIAN'S WIFE, however, is a waste of time in which Bantock's skills as a painter are so rarely visible that nothing saves the book from a silly and badly-prosed plot. I'd recommend avoiding this one.
September 22, 2011
Read the full review, with photos of the art at:
http://guiltlessreading.blogspot.com/...
The book in one sentence: A bored young art conservator rekindles her passion for life starting with an unlikely encounter with a drawing of the Hindu God Shiva.
My thoughts: This is an unusual book. The title alone gives you an inkling that it's not a typical story. In fact, it may seem such an odd combination that it may put you off. After all, what on earth could these things have in common: a Renaissance Explorer, a Computer, and a Metamorphosis?
But that is exactly what you'll get and there is nothing remotely corny about it. In fact, I found the experience of flipping through this book quite heady - a combination of romance, a mystery story, the mysticism of India, and rich luxuriant images.
The book opens with the renaissance explorer - a flashback to Niccolo Conti's anguish as he loses his beloved wife. It then comes back to the present-day and Sara Wolfe's arousing encounter with a drawing of Shiva in the museum where she works.
An unlikely correspondence ensues. Someone who has witnessed her extreme reaction in the museum contacts her through email, and she is offered a job: to track down the missing pieces of a 15th-century adventurer's collection of Indian sculptures. Her employer, Niccolo Conti - curiously of the same name as the explorer - insists on communicating solely through the computer. Who is he? Why does he want to communicate only through email?
Curiouser and curiouser.
Read the full review, with photos of the art at:
http://guiltlessreading.blogspot.com/...
http://guiltlessreading.blogspot.com/...
The book in one sentence: A bored young art conservator rekindles her passion for life starting with an unlikely encounter with a drawing of the Hindu God Shiva.
My thoughts: This is an unusual book. The title alone gives you an inkling that it's not a typical story. In fact, it may seem such an odd combination that it may put you off. After all, what on earth could these things have in common: a Renaissance Explorer, a Computer, and a Metamorphosis?
But that is exactly what you'll get and there is nothing remotely corny about it. In fact, I found the experience of flipping through this book quite heady - a combination of romance, a mystery story, the mysticism of India, and rich luxuriant images.
The book opens with the renaissance explorer - a flashback to Niccolo Conti's anguish as he loses his beloved wife. It then comes back to the present-day and Sara Wolfe's arousing encounter with a drawing of Shiva in the museum where she works.
An unlikely correspondence ensues. Someone who has witnessed her extreme reaction in the museum contacts her through email, and she is offered a job: to track down the missing pieces of a 15th-century adventurer's collection of Indian sculptures. Her employer, Niccolo Conti - curiously of the same name as the explorer - insists on communicating solely through the computer. Who is he? Why does he want to communicate only through email?
Curiouser and curiouser.
Read the full review, with photos of the art at:
http://guiltlessreading.blogspot.com/...
October 19, 2012
This is the first book by Nick Bantock that I read. Perhaps because of when I read it, in the late 1990's, it seemed so innovative, clever. The idea of deities acting through the Internet, and mortal agents, was not a common theme. It still isn't common.
I read most of this book in the New York Public Library, during several rainy afternoons, and wished it was longer, or that there were a sequel. There wasn't though. I liked this much better than anything else written by Nick Bantock. Although Griffin and Sabine had an original and appealing notes-in-envelopes, interactive format,
it was weaker that The Venetian's Wife, in terms of plot and character development. Other Bantock books were almost incomprehensible to me e.g. The Museum at Purgatory
The reason I especially enjoyed The Venetian's Wife was because it consistently alluded to a few basic themes in the Hindu pantheon, so that I was able to guess or imagine for myself, whenever Bantock omitted detail or descriptions. I liked Bantock's sketches and diagrams. Lord Shiva They were simple, vivid, memorable. Also good: The high quality printing and production of the hardback edition, which was quite reasonably priced, as I later noticed.
I read most of this book in the New York Public Library, during several rainy afternoons, and wished it was longer, or that there were a sequel. There wasn't though. I liked this much better than anything else written by Nick Bantock. Although Griffin and Sabine had an original and appealing notes-in-envelopes, interactive format,
it was weaker that The Venetian's Wife, in terms of plot and character development. Other Bantock books were almost incomprehensible to me e.g. The Museum at Purgatory
The reason I especially enjoyed The Venetian's Wife was because it consistently alluded to a few basic themes in the Hindu pantheon, so that I was able to guess or imagine for myself, whenever Bantock omitted detail or descriptions. I liked Bantock's sketches and diagrams. Lord Shiva They were simple, vivid, memorable. Also good: The high quality printing and production of the hardback edition, which was quite reasonably priced, as I later noticed.
October 11, 2020
3.5 stars
Sara works at a museum and isn’t looking for a new job when she is contacted by email, out of the blue, but someone she doesn’t know. This man is offering her a mysterious well-paid job, and their contact is to only be via email. It turns out he would like her to help him find and acquire 4 original sculptures from the 15th century. Meanwhile, she does miss seeing the man at work she has a crush on.
This is something very different, with illustrations peppered on most (if not all) pages; it was part in diary form and part email. This surprised me. I was a bit doubtful about it and could not remember why I added it to my tbr. I’m not that much into art, and it has an odd subtitle. It was good, though. It moved quickly, so was not very long and did not take long to read.
Sara works at a museum and isn’t looking for a new job when she is contacted by email, out of the blue, but someone she doesn’t know. This man is offering her a mysterious well-paid job, and their contact is to only be via email. It turns out he would like her to help him find and acquire 4 original sculptures from the 15th century. Meanwhile, she does miss seeing the man at work she has a crush on.
This is something very different, with illustrations peppered on most (if not all) pages; it was part in diary form and part email. This surprised me. I was a bit doubtful about it and could not remember why I added it to my tbr. I’m not that much into art, and it has an odd subtitle. It was good, though. It moved quickly, so was not very long and did not take long to read.
August 30, 2008
The art and the words of this book are beautiful, sensual and captivating. I found myself drawn in - wondering where it would go and what image I would see when I turned the page. As always with Bantock - his collages just amaze and inspire me. It didn't get 5 stars because I didn't like how it ended. It wasn't a neat package that answered questions. Instead it left me with more questions then answers.
January 11, 2024
I love the ideas in this book and the art is typically amazing. The story is very interesting, intriguing even...but it felt like it was really heating up to an exciting last act, but Mr. Bantock just kind of wraps it all up, without a whole lot of development. I was hoping for more from the secret society in the Vatican, for example. Still, I'm glad I read this.
February 13, 2021
Almost like a grown up fairy tale complete with lush drawings. Enjoyable!
October 10, 2012
Definitely not my type of book. But I read it through until the end anyway just to find out what happened. Meh.
February 14, 2016
Absolutely LOVED the story!! I wish I could give this book 10 stars!
October 4, 2019
7/10 Stars
She moves like Mercury, circling the room, touching with golden fingers the pots, pans, candle holders and all things metal. She discovers the knife that Niccolo Dei Conti’s hand rests on, and because his feet are firmly planted on the floor she burns out his heart.
Recommendation: If you’re looking for something very different, check this out. Because it’s so short, I would suggest reading it without any prior knowledge of what it’s about!
The Good:
- The best part of this book was the first page. I know that’s not exactly a selling point, but I was absolutely enraptured by the delicate writing. It’s just the right amount of prose-y to avoid being pretentious.
- The formatting was very interesting and definitely helped keep me engaged. I loved the book pages and old journals and magazine leaflets. The broke up the narrative nicely.
The Bad:
- The dialogue was stiff and unrealistic, especially in the later chapters. It took a lot of suspension of disbelief to convince me that anyone would actually speak the way Sara sometimes did.
- Everything felt too convenient. I wanted the search for the statues to take longer and pose more challenges, and I wanted Sara to be more involved in seeking them out. I think that could have been an interesting way to develop her more naturally and maybe even to introduce Marco as a more central character.
- Sara’s character development seemed to happen because of external influences rather than internal contemplation. The statues felt like a bigger catalyst to her emotional opening up, which is really too bad because I think the plot had potential for a lot of introspection on her part.
Tl;dr: I think this was an interesting concept for a book, but the execution didn’t fully get there for me. I wanted it to be twice as long and a little more character focused. That said, it was a unique read.
She moves like Mercury, circling the room, touching with golden fingers the pots, pans, candle holders and all things metal. She discovers the knife that Niccolo Dei Conti’s hand rests on, and because his feet are firmly planted on the floor she burns out his heart.
Recommendation: If you’re looking for something very different, check this out. Because it’s so short, I would suggest reading it without any prior knowledge of what it’s about!
The Good:
- The best part of this book was the first page. I know that’s not exactly a selling point, but I was absolutely enraptured by the delicate writing. It’s just the right amount of prose-y to avoid being pretentious.
- The formatting was very interesting and definitely helped keep me engaged. I loved the book pages and old journals and magazine leaflets. The broke up the narrative nicely.
The Bad:
- The dialogue was stiff and unrealistic, especially in the later chapters. It took a lot of suspension of disbelief to convince me that anyone would actually speak the way Sara sometimes did.
- Everything felt too convenient. I wanted the search for the statues to take longer and pose more challenges, and I wanted Sara to be more involved in seeking them out. I think that could have been an interesting way to develop her more naturally and maybe even to introduce Marco as a more central character.
- Sara’s character development seemed to happen because of external influences rather than internal contemplation. The statues felt like a bigger catalyst to her emotional opening up, which is really too bad because I think the plot had potential for a lot of introspection on her part.
Tl;dr: I think this was an interesting concept for a book, but the execution didn’t fully get there for me. I wanted it to be twice as long and a little more character focused. That said, it was a unique read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2019
After discovering the "Griffin & Sabine" series, I became a Thriftbooks detective and ordered several of Nick Bantock's other volumes, both within the trilogies and without. I loved his obscure pop-up "Kublai Khan", his puzzles, his pyramids, etc. He has such a unique and refreshing perspective, and his artwork reminds me of Gustave Moreau. When I came across "The Venetian's Wife", I was really excited. It didn't matter that I had no inkling what a "sensual tale" was. Venice! Renaissance! Transformation! I was invested.
Of all the Bantock books I've read thus far, this had the least amount of artwork, and was also the least plausible. I'm just so perplexed. Though the characters are well fleshed out (sensual pun!) and likable, and the plot meanders nicely, I didn't understand the POINT of this book. The most important parts and motivations are never really elucidated. Additionally, it didn't feel sexy or romantic - it honestly felt like a ghost voyeur show. The action was too conveniently handled, predictable when it should've been breathless, and unpredictable when it should've been developed and explained.
I guess here's the gist of it: Do you like your job? If some rando called you on the phone and offered you tons of money to quit and help him track down super rare and priceless Indian artwork, would you accept? If the answer is yes, read this. If it's an unequivocal no, you're not missing out.
Of all the Bantock books I've read thus far, this had the least amount of artwork, and was also the least plausible. I'm just so perplexed. Though the characters are well fleshed out (sensual pun!) and likable, and the plot meanders nicely, I didn't understand the POINT of this book. The most important parts and motivations are never really elucidated. Additionally, it didn't feel sexy or romantic - it honestly felt like a ghost voyeur show. The action was too conveniently handled, predictable when it should've been breathless, and unpredictable when it should've been developed and explained.
I guess here's the gist of it: Do you like your job? If some rando called you on the phone and offered you tons of money to quit and help him track down super rare and priceless Indian artwork, would you accept? If the answer is yes, read this. If it's an unequivocal no, you're not missing out.
January 5, 2026
I really liked the Griffin & Sabine trilogy, but pretty much hated the next three books in that series (like dude, WTF?). When I spotted this at the thrift store the other day, I decided I'd give Nick Bantock one more chance. This book is similar to the G&S books in that it's epistolary and mixed media, but not in the tactile physical sense that those were (nothing to touch here other than standard book pages). This is a strange story that feels very on par with his others, but I DID enjoy it... until the shit ending. Why he gotta be like this??? I know now that this is just his style and it is not mine. But at least this one actually HAD an ending... I guess I'll be thankful for that.
I have been wanting to read Pharos Gate, hoping for ANY kind of resolution to the original Griffin and Sabine story, but it's impossible to get my hands on. After this one, I don't even care anymore. I know it would just give me more weird shit ending I don't want. So goodbye, Nick Bantock. Your books are beautiful, but far too metaphysical WTF for me.
I have been wanting to read Pharos Gate, hoping for ANY kind of resolution to the original Griffin and Sabine story, but it's impossible to get my hands on. After this one, I don't even care anymore. I know it would just give me more weird shit ending I don't want. So goodbye, Nick Bantock. Your books are beautiful, but far too metaphysical WTF for me.
February 9, 2020
I have been a fan of Nick Bantock’s work ever since discovering the Griffin & Sabine series on the new books shelf at my local library. While I missed having as much art as is usually present in his work, there was enough to create the right atmosphere.
And that is the best word for Bantock’s work: atmosphere. You are immersed into a little piece of the world that is recognizable, yet somehow very, very different. In this book, a young woman literally resonates with a painting, signaling her role in resolving a 500 year long love story, and the success of the tale is created with scattered drawings & artifacts; different means of communication; exposure to other experiences. And connecting it all is the leitmotif of love surviving time & physical transformation, of couples always finding each other.
And that is the best word for Bantock’s work: atmosphere. You are immersed into a little piece of the world that is recognizable, yet somehow very, very different. In this book, a young woman literally resonates with a painting, signaling her role in resolving a 500 year long love story, and the success of the tale is created with scattered drawings & artifacts; different means of communication; exposure to other experiences. And connecting it all is the leitmotif of love surviving time & physical transformation, of couples always finding each other.
December 28, 2022
Hm. It felt less sensual than a bit creepy? A bit dated, maybe... Sara had “a bad experience with a TA” (sexual assault, it seems) and is trying to re-find her sensual connection to the world instead of separating herself from it. So she gets a job re-assembling a sensual collection of South Asian sculptures that literally affect her physically and in the end lo, all is well. Not the treatment of this theme I would wish for.
I don’t even mind the conceits but it was so easy to find and get the last four sculptures. There really was no conflict. Also, was this Hindu theology being fetishized by the West? Quite probably.
I read it with interest but yeah, I don’t need to like keep it. The visuals were well done.
I don’t even mind the conceits but it was so easy to find and get the last four sculptures. There really was no conflict. Also, was this Hindu theology being fetishized by the West? Quite probably.
I read it with interest but yeah, I don’t need to like keep it. The visuals were well done.
August 6, 2024
This is not a perfect narrative - there are plot threads that are left dangling, there are a minimal number of characters, with several of them never being fully fleshed out, and there are ideas that just never go fully explored (even the central mysteries feel underbaked). But, that all being said, Nick Bantock books are always an experience. The narrative taking place through personal diaries and emails, and while there are some plot points that you just have to be willing to accept, I just love allowing myself to let go of my overly critical reading lenses and just have fun. And, that is I think the magic of Bantock’s work - he makes you feel like you did when you would read books as a child - the art and experience just take you on a journey, and sometimes, that is enough.
October 10, 2022
I found this on my mother-in-law’s bookcase. Being drawn to everything to do with Venice, I immediately picked it up. Two sentences in, I nearly put it back down again. ‘Steep hills’ on the ‘outskirts’ of Venice? Definitely not.
That being said, I’m glad I persevered, because the book is quite enjoyable. The unusual style of storytelling, the illustrations... its all very captivating.
The occasional mistakes continue, including some doggy Italian and a photograph of a traditional telescope being described as a radio telescope. And I have to admit I would have liked more of a link to Venice. Yet all in all, quite an interesting read.
That being said, I’m glad I persevered, because the book is quite enjoyable. The unusual style of storytelling, the illustrations... its all very captivating.
The occasional mistakes continue, including some doggy Italian and a photograph of a traditional telescope being described as a radio telescope. And I have to admit I would have liked more of a link to Venice. Yet all in all, quite an interesting read.
November 15, 2017
The 3 star rating is based on the illustrations and the photographs, which are stunning! I tend to sell books that I bought but don't really click with. These illustrations are making me want to hold on to this and add it to my collection.
The story itself is linear, nothing surprising, this shouldn't be classified as erotica, there is none at all; its more of sharing of experiences with a slight tinge of history and culture along the way. Its a quick read, I'd recommend it if you want something light, with a fantasy twinge and is a very visual person.
The story itself is linear, nothing surprising, this shouldn't be classified as erotica, there is none at all; its more of sharing of experiences with a slight tinge of history and culture along the way. Its a quick read, I'd recommend it if you want something light, with a fantasy twinge and is a very visual person.
May 6, 2020
Adoro o formato inovador dos livros de Bantock . Uma combinação criativa entre arte visual e literatura. Quando criança nos acostumamos a ler livros cujas imagens nos transportam a outros mundos. Adultos, já não temos tantas chances de ler livros incrivelmente ilustrados e com boas histórias. Foi um divertimento ler este livro e ver na história o poder transformador ou revelador da arte sobre as pessoas. É um livro visual, e como Griffin & Sabine que é um livro tátil, não funciona no formato eletrônico, melhor no papel. Fica a dica!
March 5, 2021
I love Nick Bantock's work, and what a pleasure to realize I had this on my bookshelf but had never read it. Although it's a fun story, this is not the sort of thing you read because it is great literature, but because it is a totally immersive experience. It's not as tactile as the Griffin & Sabine books, but still full of wonderful images of ephemera that support the story. It IS more "text on the page" and I'm fine with that. It's been years since I read the Griffin & Sabine books and now plan to rediscover them, as well as the works that came after.
February 19, 2019
Not enough adjectives to describe this book. Sadly I know next to nothing of Hinduism and its various Gods. The plot and illustrations are superb! It is like slipping into a hot bath after a bad day.
If you haven't read the Griffin and Sabine Trilogy it would be a good introduction to Nick Bantock's work. Ingenious, inventive and leaves a lasting impression. I read the G & S Trilogy decades ago so was thrilled to find The Venetian's Wife! ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you haven't read the Griffin and Sabine Trilogy it would be a good introduction to Nick Bantock's work. Ingenious, inventive and leaves a lasting impression. I read the G & S Trilogy decades ago so was thrilled to find The Venetian's Wife! ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 7, 2022
This book was a gift I’ve had on my shelves since the early 90’s. I must have read it then but not again until now, 2022. I like Nick Bantok’s brand of mysticism. He is very romantic in an Indiana Jones kind of way. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is clever and compelling. The story feels familiar and that’s probably because of Dr Who, which this book so easily conjures. A nice way to spend a raining afternoon.
September 22, 2025
I've been reading through the Sandman series by Neil Gaiman and needed a break from the darkness, so I picked this off the shelf and devoured it in about an hour. It has been many many years since I last read it, and it was exactly the tonic I needed to the darkness of Sandman.
The story is both fantastic and mysterious. The characters are pretty light, but the plot and the artistry within the pages is wonderful.
The story is both fantastic and mysterious. The characters are pretty light, but the plot and the artistry within the pages is wonderful.
December 28, 2025
Odd book for me to read (fiction) in the first place but I was intrigued by the title and neat format of diary entries, emails and lots of art pics. Stopped halfway as it was a little over the top. Went back and finished the book as, it is such a quick read and, I was wondering how the story was going to be wrapped up so quickly. Having just finished reading it, I found the ending sadly disappointing.
July 1, 2019
⭐⭐⭐ I loved this story and I wish it would have lasted longer. It felt rushed and I have so many questions still lingering. Usually it is so satisfying to finish a book but with this book I was sad that it wasn't longer.
📜 Book 1 of 5 is now done for my #BookJunkieTrials readathon!
#scribe #readathon @the.book.junkie.trials
📜 Book 1 of 5 is now done for my #BookJunkieTrials readathon!
#scribe #readathon @the.book.junkie.trials
July 30, 2018
A lovely, imaginative, magical tale that is perfect for reading over a quiet weekend when you have time to take in the charming illustrations and ponder how the arts and the gods might very well shape our lives.
June 9, 2021
Purchased used, thankfully. I didn't think the artwork was especially strong in this book. The writing was awkward and clunky and not very interesting once you get past the conceit that Sara is working for a ghost who "lives" on the Internet. Skimmed some, honestly. Definitely would not recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews