Shannon's Library

LET’S GET EXCITED ABOUT THIS BOOK!

Venice is a carnival of opposites, and Liona Carvatti thinks she understands it all: canal and palace, magician and merchant, plague and pantomime. As a patrician’s daughter, Liona enjoys the sparkling life of a noble family – although she would prefer to be tending to her flowers than practicing violin or standing around in a ball gown. But what Liona fails to realize is that Venice is a city of stone in a world of water. And ruling the dark waters are the Seleni – ageless, cold, and calculating. When she loses everything she relies on, Liona must set a new course that will shake the foundations of Venice itself.

Shannon’s Rating — PG

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LET’S TALK ABOUT THIS BOOK!

Christine Cohen, author of “The Sinking City,” describes her book as a “fairytale with teeth.” Such a perfect description! The story takes place in Venice, Italy – but it’s a completely reimagined version of Venice. The setting feels familiar with the stunning canals, gondolas, and architecture that we all associate with Venice. Interwoven within this familiar setting, however, are magical spells, powerful magicians, crafty sea-creatures and soul-stealing demons.

One of my favorite scenes in the novel takes place at the Carnival. Is there anything more distinctively Venetian than a carnival with beautiful gowns, riotous dancing, fire-breathing jugglers, swinging marionettes, and, of course, decadently gorgeous masks?

The Carnival of Venice originated during the Renaissance. However, under the Rule of the Holy Roman Emperor, the festival was outlawed in 1797 and the use of masks became strictly forbidden. After a long absence, the Carnival returned in 1979. The Italian government wanted to bring back the history and culture of Venice and decided that the traditional Carnival was the perfect way to do that. Since then, the Carnival has been held yearly and attracts around 3 million visitors to Venice.

One of the most favored events of the Carnival is the contest for “la maschera piu bella” – “the most beautiful mask.” This coveted award is determined by a panel of international costume and fashion designers.

Who won “the most beautiful mask” contest this year, you ask? Her name is Karen Duthoit, a 40-year-old Frenchwoman. Her creation entitled, “Astrostar” was made up of hundreds of mirror fragments – cut, sewn and glued on completely by herself. Karen had been coming to Venice’s Carnival for 11 years and had entered the contest 4 previous times. She declared her 2023 victory “the realization of a dream!”

I must confess… after researching the Carnival of Venice… I might have gone down a rabbit hole and become slightly obsessed with all of these extraordinarily elaborate masks. I’m not one who gets into Halloween much and rarely dresses up – but I could totally get on board with this unique tradition! Here are a few of the masks I discovered. Aren’t they fascinating?

If this doesn’t make you want to visit Venice during the Carnival season, I don’t know what will! It’s definitely been added to my bucket list!

You know what else will persuade you to visit Venice? This book, “The Sinking City.” There is one downside, though. Now, when I visit Venice someday, I’ll want to believe there are a group of magicians living there – busily weaving spells to keep the city from sinking. All while fighting off evil sea-creatures and demons!

To sum up…I really enjoyed this book! It’s a perfect story for the tweens and teenagers in your life. It’s clean – no swearing at all, which was a refreshing change. It’s a stand-alone book – no need to commit to a whole series. A few reviewers stated that they didn’t enjoy the ending. That it was too nicely wrapped up with a bow on top. But I will disagree with that. What’s wrong with a happily-ever-after ending? Nothing I say!! Bring on the bows! Bring on the happy endings!

“And they all lived happily ever after. The end!”