Like youth, this book may be somewhat wasted on the young. The small ruminations, the reflections on how we find a place and make a place in life may seem over-wrought. Until the onset of my own middle-age, I felt the same way about such memoirs. Now, I greet writings like this with a mixture of recognition and enthusiasm: recognition of the silly ways we fumble along and enthusiasm for another's discovery that it is not too late to savour what is delicious about life. In that, I find a parable of encouragement.


Such a charming book!   May 30, 2002
 16 out of 17 found this review helpful

I have spent the last two nights in Venice... not really, but I feel as though I have, lying in bed amidst fluffy pillows, with a glass of red wine and my hot-off-the-presses copy of A Thousand Nights in Venice. What delightful book it is, Marlena takes us all on a romantic journey into the unknown. What happens when you meet the love of your life in, um, for lack of a better term -- middle age? How do you pick up and move across the world to an unknown place and cast your lot with a charming stranger? So many of us have had this fantasy while traveling, Marlena had the courage to act on the opportunity when it appeared. She has a lovely way with words, her descriptions of people, places, and best of all -- food, will sweep readers into an exotic world. Enjoy!


Romantic, sensual tale.........   August 16, 2003
 16 out of 17 found this review helpful

Venice immediately conjures up visions of romance and beauty, so with a wonderful backdrop this love story has a sensual headstart. This is the story of two unlikely people that fall in love in Venice and then through a series of events that are both funny and endearing, decide to spend their lives together. It is the tale of them learning about each other and in this process, they also learn about themselves. Venice is so delicately and intimately described that the author's love for this city is clear. The discussions of the meals and wines and the strolls through the shops paint a warm and vivid picture. When the author learns to adjust to the cultural differences of her new life in Venice and her life in the United States she learns much about herself, her lover and the people in general. This is a romantic adventure that is a delight to read.


ponderous tale of weighty self-reflection   March 4, 2004
 16 out of 24 found this review helpful

everyone else seems to love this book - the star I awarded it was only in recognition of the wonderful city of venice in which it is set and the not frequent enough references to food and recipes contained therein. for the rest of it - I could have screamed. I think I might have.

Ms de Blasi has a very ponderous writing style - when I finally hit her expression in which I paraphrase she savoured time like an apronful of warm figs, I hit my limit. Every step she takes is weighty, every mouthful she eats has depth and every observation she makes she imparts as if burdened with wisdom.

and a healthy dose of self-esteem - we are assured she transferred a grotty venetian apartment into a haven of domesticity and style with a deft hand and some old scarves. After taking such a bold move in moving countries, she then seems to decide enough decisions have been made and leaves every other turn and ramble their life takes to The Stranger, who appears kinda weak-willed and slack jawed and rather irritating after a while.

for venice and an appreciation of food and the role it plays in life, only just enough to get me through the self-satisfied prosey prose.