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Kim
Rating:
Review
I was blown away by this half picture book, half captivating work of fiction. By the author of the “Griffin & Sabine” collection (oh c'mon, even I've heard of Griffin and Sabine), Mr. Bantock begins this story with the death of Niccolo Dei Conti in 1469, and quickly switches to present day museum worker Sara Wolfe's computer diary, and her observations on a drawing of an ancient Indian goddess. When an alleged descendant of Niccolo's contacts Sara, and offers her a dream job, the story moves into the fast lane. It has to, since it's a mere 131 pages long, and did I mention there are a lot of pictures? I'm not sure what I was expecting when I picked up this book, but it certainly wasn't this. I was extra impressed by the author's ability to weave 1400s India into a 21st century story, and make it enjoyable for us World History/Art Appreciation flunkies.
Best Line:
"Only the Chihuahua clasped to the breast of the bejeweled purple rinse three rows in front of me seemed oblivious to the Celestial Woman."
Suzanne
Rating:
Review
Nick Bantock is famous for his Griffin and Sabine series, but it's his slender volume The Venetian's Wife that's most near and dear to my heart. If you're new to his work, you're in for a treat. The reading is easy, but very satisfying. The artwork, which Bantock creates himself, is just as important as the written story. In this case it's Hindu sculpture, which our heroine Sara is tracking down for her strange new employer, who insists on only communicating via e-mail. I would love to be Sara – she is offered my dream job, one that combines a love of art with travel and the history of a 15th century Venetian merchant explorer. As Sara searches for the lost artwork, a tantalizing erotic tension pulses through the storyline – Bantock's words seem to undulate around this theme, without ever being graphic. This is truly a delight in many ways, as Sara overcomes her stagnation and starts living the life she's been wanting to live. The only way it could be better would be if it were longer.
Best Line:
"Mr. Conti, before you contacted me I was bored and neurotic. My neurosis has probably developed into psychosis, but I am a million miles from being bored." (pg. 70)
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