Once Upon a Time in Venice

by Monique Roy

An intriguing, middle-grade chapter book that takes young readers, ages 9-12, on a physical and emotional journey to Venice, Italy.This enchanting story revolves around the relationship between Samuelle, a young boy, and his grandfather Leo. Leo has learned that he suffers from a terminal illness, and in his wistful skimming of artifacts from the past, he uncovers treasured mementos of his earliest years growing up in the romantic city of Venice. Sharing them with Samuelle, he infects the boy with an infatuation for the city, one they will both share when Leo decides to accept an invitation to participate in the annual Regatta, a rowing festival that his own great-grandfather had competed in with great success. The two embark on their journey without Samuelle knowing about Leo's illness, but Leo makes a promise to himself that it is in Venice, after he has passed on his knowledge and fondness for the city to his grandson, that he will reveal the truth about his fate. Venice becomes a special place in their hearts forever.This beautiful, middle-grade chapter book will show young readers, ages 9-12, the strong impact and importance of family, love, and the community in our lives. Read this preteen book with your kids, grandchildren, nieces or nephews, and you will be instantly transported to the romantic city of Venice, Italy! The vivid descriptions of Venice enliven the story. From the food and the architecture to the art and the magical canals, you are right there in Venice, without the long flight and the icky airplane food! All adventurers preteen readers are taken on an emotional journey that is educational, sad, sweet and heartwarming, and opens their eyes to geography and cultures.

64 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 30, 2007

About the author

Monique's passion for writing began as a young girl while penning stories in a journal. Now she looks forward to deepening her passion by creating many unique stories that do nothing less than intrigue her readers.

Monique holds a degree in journalism from Southern Methodist University in Dallas and is the author of a middle-grade book Once Upon a Time in Venice, historical fiction novel Across Great Divides, and historical fiction novel A Savage Kultur.

Monique was born in Cape Town, South Africa, and her grandparents were European Jews who fled their home as Hitler rose to power. It’s their story that inspired her to write Across Great Divides, her first historical novel.

Historical fiction lets you escape to another time and place; and Monique likes to explore the past so that we can potentially better understand the future.

Monique resides in Dallas, Texas, with her husband and son. She also works as a freelance writer.

Discover more at http://www.monique-roy.com

Reviews

[Tiffany Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

** I was given this audio book for free from Audiobook Boom and the author, Monique Roy for a honest review.**

Title: Once Upon a Time in Venice
Author: Monique Roy
Narrator: Kevin E Green
Length: 1 hr and 27 mins
Publisher: Monique Roy
Date: 8-1-2017

This enchanting story revolves around the relationship between Samuelle, a young boy, and his grandfather Leo. Leo has learned that he suffers from a terminal illness, and in his wistful skimming of artifacts from the past, he uncovers treasured mementos of his earliest years, growing up in the romantic city of Venice. Sharing them with Samuelle, he infects the boy with an infatuation for the city, one they will both share when Leo decides to accept an invitation to participate in the annual Regatta, a rowing festival that his own great-grandfather had competed in with great success. The two embark on their journey without Samuelle knowing about Leo's illness, but Leo makes a promise to himself that it is in Venice, after he has passed on his knowledge and fondness for the city to his grandson, that he will reveal the truth about his fate. Venice becomes a special place in their hearts forever.

This was a really emotionally charged audio book. The mix of Monique Roy's words and Kevin E Green's narration really brought this story to life for me. I know reading this you would still understand the emotion but I feel like I connected more deeply with the characters through the audio book. Green does a fantastic job at making every character unique, either through accent or age, they are all different. You really get a feel for Italy, not only as someone returning, or visiting for the first time, but from those who have spent their whole lives there and see the progression of the city. Italy has always fascinated me with it's history and architecture, and Once upon a Time in Venice explores the city as well as the bond between family.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this is a short tale, Monique Roy packs quite a lot into it. Grandpa Leo and his grandson Samuelle take a vacation in Venice, a city Leo knows well. Samuelle’s parents are gone and Leo wants him to get to know his Venetian relatives. The city of Venice really shines in this story.

I loved the relationship between Leo and Samuelle. Gramps really cares about the boy and takes great joy in showing off his old stomping grounds. Even though Samuelle is young, he soaks it all in. Their combined excitement on this vacation is palpable throughout the story.

Leo has a secret he’s been holding back from Samuelle because he wants the lad to enjoy Venice and not be troubled by Leo’s health issues. This made the last quarter of the story really standout. I was worried what Samuelle would do if his gramps passed away, being as young as he is.

Meanwhile, Samuelle continues to make friends in Venice. His impromptu explorations of the old Jewish ghetto was interesting. I also liked that Samuelle got to know Leo’s old flame, the one that got away. All these people are scattered throughout Venice and that let’s the author show off her own knowledge of this beautiful and historical city. In the end, it was Venice that captured my heart (sorry Samuelle). 5/5 stars

The Narration: The Narration: Kevin E. Green was a great pick for the narration. He had a great old, slightly gravelly voice for Leo and a great kid voice for Samuelle. He also did Italian accents for all the Venetian natives. His female voice (I believe there was only 1) was believable. There were no recording or technical issues. 5/5 stars

[Gabbi Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touching Tale

Samuelle has been living with his grandfather since his parents were tragically killed in a car crash a number of years ago. The two of them have a good relationship, but Grandfather Leo suspects his health is failing and he wants to show Samuelle his homeland before it’s too late.

Immigrants have been coming to America from the time it was a colony and Leo is no exception, escaping from Italy when he was a young man. By taking Samuelle home, Leo is nabbing an opportunity to go home and reconnect with family and more.

At first blush, this might just be a tour of Venice provided by one generation to another, but it’s also about a young boy discovering family he knew nothing about. Family he may be reliant on very soon. The love Leo feels for Samuelle is heartbreaking, but there are good things that come out of their visit. The truth is laid bare between the two.

Books written in omniscient third person often lack the deeper connection with the characters, but Monique Roy provides just enough insight into each character to draw the listener in. The length is perfect for the young audience it is intended for.

Kevin E. Green does a good job with the narration. His deep voice works for Leo and I quickly got used to the voice he used for Samuelle. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet, short story for children. This is not related in any way to the Bruce Willis movie, thankfully, because that was horrible. I quite enjoyed this story that deals with grief and coming of age and travel. The descriptions of Venice are beautiful and bring my time there back to mind. The narration added an extra layer of reality and I found my mind sinking into the story. I was brought back to the sights and sounds of my visit, seen through a child's eyes. I could see myself reading this to my son when he gets a little older.

I received a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this honest review. The free copy did not influence my review in any way.

[Kimberly Westrope · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this enchanting tale of a grandfather's remembrance of his past and sharing it with his young grandson. It's a lovely story that takes the reader along with them as they journey to Venice, Italy, and the grandfather shares the family history with his grandson. I felt like I was there with them. The writing is beautiful and the descriptions vivid and memorable.

I listened to the audio version and narrator, Kevin E. Green, did such a fantastic job of bringing this story to life. I'm not sure I would have enjoyed it as much if I'd been reading it myself.

My only complaint is that is is so short. I would have enjoyed a little bit longer of a story, but the author did a fine job and it is a beautiful story.

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. A short, quick read that readers of all ages would enjoy. Set mainly in Venice, Italy with a 9-year old boy (Samuelle) and his Grandfather, the reader will experience what that historic city has to offer. Monique Roy does a good job in describing the city. I could picture the places she writes about. I could hear and smell all the activities that Samuelle experienced. Well done!
I won this book through the Goodreads giveaway program. I thank Monique Roy and Goodreads for giving me the chance to read this book.

[Monique Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My book! Please read. You will love it!

[Kozette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice first works!