Overview
Many years ago, a pragmatic friend cautioned me against visiting Venice for the first time with my then partner. He made cryptic remarks about the “Venice wobble” and the “Venice curse.” I chose to go anyway, and I must admit he had a point. In the autumn, the city exuded an eerie charm: fog-laden canals, winding alleyways, and an overall sense of decay. If my mini-break were a literary genre, it would lean more towards cosmic horror than romance.
Why It Matters
Literature has long foreshadowed the tumult that couples face in Venice, from Othello and Desdemona to Daphne du Maurier’s “Don’t Look Now,” which inspired Nicolas Roeg’s haunting film. Ian McEwan’s “The Comfort of Strangers” also clearly evokes the city, as does Thomas Mann’s “Death in Venice,” where the location serves as Von Aschenbach’s demise. In this tradition, we encounter Evelyn Dolman, the protagonist of John Banville‘s novel, *Venetian Vespers*. Evelyn, a lackluster writer, marries American heiress Laura Rensselaer, but their honeymoon in Venice is delayed due to the death of Laura’s father. They finally arrive in the winter of 1900 to stay in the ominous Palazzo Dioscuri, just steps from St. Mark’s Square. The name Dioscuri refers to the twins Castor and Pollux, hinting at the pair who will inadvertently lead to Evelyn’s unpredictable downfall.
Evelyn, as the narrator, prompts readers to brace for something unsettling. The setup echoes elements of Henry James, enriched with a darker narrative thread. The Palazzo Dioscuri bears a grim history and an array of peculiar characters—a noble owner, a taciturn servant, and a flirtatious serving wench—that immerse us in gothic intrigue. The story teases with nods to Du Maurier and Von Aschenbach, incorporating surreal twists, hints of insanity, and unsettling sexual encounters.
Key Takeaways
Throughout his illustrious career, Banville has drawn comparisons to literary giants such as James, Proust, and Beckett. While known for his mastery of mood and sentence structure, he often faced claims of neglecting plot. However, in *Venetian Vespers*, Banville crafts an expertly woven narrative. The story unfolds over just a few days, with each vividly described moment leading into the next with mounting intrigue. The dense prose belies a clearly conceived plot that plays out with cinematic intensity against the backdrop of the city and the Palazzo Dioscuri.
Banville skillfully captures the brooding atmosphere of a wintery Venice while signalling that a disturbing conclusion lies ahead; I was genuinely surprised by the ending, which resolved beautifully. Despite Evelyn’s penchant for elaborate prose—a characteristic that adds to his unreliability—his monologue can feel overwhelming and redundant. While his writing style offers a glimpse into his character, it may alienate some readers.
As I reflect on my evolving perspective as a reader, it seems that so-called literary novels are becoming niche interests. With a gripping story and setting, it feels paradoxical to encapsulate the narrative with overly complex prose. At times, Evelyn’s extended sentences veer into tiresome territory, such as: “However, this was one of the instances, rare in that time of intense upset and bereavement, that I put my foot down, with a firmness that came as a surprise, not to say a shock, to all concerned in the matter, including, I suspect, myself.”
The richness of his vocabulary can often feel excessive, detracting from the compelling narrative. For instance, Evelyn’s self-reflective musings can seem neurotic and overdone, leading to a sense of mockery from Banville towards his own character. This distance may make it challenging for readers to fully connect with Evelyn.
Ultimately, *Venetian Vespers* leaves a lasting impression as a memorable and unsettling read. However, I can’t help but feel that with more streamlined prose, it could have transformed into a truly gripping literary piece.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, *Venetian Vespers* offers an intriguing, atmospheric exploration of Venice that combines historical richness with psychological depth. While it might challenge readers with its style, the poignant narrative and captivating setting ensure it resonates long after the last page is turned.
