The Lost Diary of Venice

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Rose is a bookseller and restorer living in a college town in Connecticut. She receives an interesting commission to restore a book from artist William, who has found an old manuscript written by an Italian ancestor. Rose discovers that the text is a treatise on art, but hidden underneath is a more private document written by Giovanni Lomazzo. The reader switches between present-day Rose and Renaissance Italy Gio until the document's mysterious story is revealed.

Let’s be honest, I was first drawn to this book because of the gorgeous cover. It definitely stood out to me in a sea of galleys being offered for free at the Public Library Association convention in Nashville. I also love historical fiction, so I really looking forward to reading this title from debut author Margaux DeRoux.

This is an engaging historical fiction following the model of jumping back and forth from the present day to Renaissance Italy. The characters are compelling and I found myself wanting to know more about their stories. It’s not a predictable story either as there are twists and an ending that I thought was unexpected.

I enjoyed this book because I was also able to learn things I didn’t know about 1570s Venice through an engaging story instead of a dry history text. I didn’t know anything about the naval battle that takes place in the book, and I also wasn’t aware of the Jewish ghetto in Venice. The Jews were also required to identify themselves with yellow badges... Hundreds of years before World War II. Fascinating history and story, even though the present-day romance wasn't to my taste.

Spoilers ahead!

Rose and William's romance (or lack thereof) was the only thing I did not like about this novel. William is married and having a tough time with his wife, and Rose is really into him. But the whole thing fizzles before anything happens and Rose ends up with another guy who was there the whole time. I guess it happens in real life, but it doesn't make for a good romance story. Gio's historical romance was much more exciting.

Margaux DeRoux is a former teacher from a family of artists. As such, her works center around art. She is an Alaskan native living in California.

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Length: 336 pages

Release date: June 9, 2020

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I received an electronic galley copy from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I also received a print galley from a convention with no strings attached. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.