The Unfinished Palazzo

Commissioned in 1750, the Palazzo Venier was planned as a testimony to the power and wealth of a great Venetian family, but the fortunes of the Venier family waned, and the project was left abandoned and unfinished. Yet in the early 20th century, it attracted three fascinating women: Luisa Casati, Doris Castlerosse and Peggy Guggenheim. Luisa held parties as extravagant as Renaissance court operas. Doris hosted film stars and royalty at glittering gatherings. And for Peggy, the Palazzo served as a home for her exquisite collection of modern art.

©2017 Judith Mackrell (P)2017 W.F. Howes Ltd

Three fascinating women

This book was a window into the lives of three amazing women --- all trailblazers and free spirits. Loved it. But when the narrator gets to the Peggy Guggenheim part of the book, her versions of American accents are really bad--cringeworthy. It's still worth a listen despite that but brace yourself.

Nostalgia At Its Best

A great read and insight into a bygone era and to three incredible women of that time.

How many hours were still left when I was done

This was painful to get through. I kept wishing it was over with. Tons of research, clearly. But it read as if I was thumbing through the author's entire collection of 3x5 cards. Oh here is a quote, let's jam that in, even though it's just a dopey observation of the weather. It is a chronicle of the events but with nothing added to weave a story or develop a character. Dull dull dull. I only finished it because I thought I was learning some history, but just like in school I've already forgotten every bit of it. Except how selfish and bizarre all these women were. Sorry. I know you put a lot of work into it.