The Venetian's Wife: A Strangely Sensual Tale of a Renaissance Explorer, a Computer, and a Metamorphosis

Sara, an art restorationist in San Francisco, has an oddly moving and sensual experience when viewing a drawing of Shiva at the museum. She receives an email message offering her a position based on her passion for the art. As she is bored and lonely, she takes a chance and begins work for her mysterious employer who wants her to help in recollect the art collection of a 15th century explorer, Conti, presumbably his ancestor. Sara pursues both the art and the history of the explorer as she travels around the world, and becomes more open and engaged. She begins a relationship with a former co-worker and the mysterious Conti acts as a friend/guide/father figure. As with all Bantock books, it is beautifully illustrated and the mystery is intriguing. In fact, I wanted to know more and in some ways, I wish it had been developed into a regular novel, but it is very enjoyable in its current form, even though it leaves you wanting more.

I accidentally read about this book in a magazine and was intrigued, so I hopped over to my library and checked it out. It was a fabulous combination of art, history, mystery and romance. The style of writing - done in email and journal format and the unique illustrations done by the author made this book one of a kind. Reminded me of another one of my favorites - The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. I knew that I would want to read it again, so I ordered it. Not available in any bookstores in my area.

This book is beautifully written; mysterious and engaging. The illustrations are lovely and complex, best appreciated using a magnifying glass.

When I first read this book in high school, over 14 years ago, it began a lifelong of intrigue regarding all things Hindu and eastern. What a unique story and lovely art.

Bantock is a true magician with words and pictures. I love his work and his new iPad App based on this book is incredibly rich and immersive. I have all his books and just got the App. If you are a fan of Bantock or Griffin & Sabine, or just love art and storytelling, check it out in the App Store.

The Venetian's Wife revisits classic Nick Bantock territory--a creative loner facing an intellectual and emotional challenge with elements of mystery and magic. Perhaps because the story revolves around computer correspondence, there are fewer of the rich illustrations found in the Griffin & Sabine books. However, in compensation, the story involves forty-two antique Indian sculptures, an ancient illustrated memoir, a New Orleans artist, and various postcards and maps and is peppered with the usual array of wonderful Bantock stampings and collages.I loved Sara's computer diary which seemed to reflect the relative ease of quickly typing in an unedited conversation with oneself--something I am more inclined to do at a computer than when journaling with a pen. I also appreciated how the email correspondence between the main character, Sara, and her mysterious employer Nicholas Conti, became less formal and more revealing as the story developed. The deeper character development was an unexpected bonus, adding to an intriguing storyline and entrancing illustrations.

Nick bantock never disappoints with his intriguing ,we'll-spun tales that capture the reader's imagination and attention with settings rich in historical quality and fictional detail.

very interesting idea & beautifully laid out

I loved this book, the ideas and the story helped me escape from the real world for a while.

Very good deal. Perfect conservation and reception. I enjoyed the book as if it was new. I will buy more at this store

Wonderful book. Nick Bantock is one of a kind

This is one of Nick Bantock's best novels - Richly illustrated by the author, It's a tale of a young woman who is about to take a journey into the imagination - One in which she is transported in time to the XVth Century via an unseen and unknown man who conveys her to discover some artifacts of his time . . . but by way of e-mails !