Venetian Masters: Under the Skin of the City of Love by Bidisha

'this razor-sharp travelogue. . . explores not only the cultural life of the city but also its labyrinthine etiquette. . . there are a litany of comic episodes'
WATERSTONE's BOOKS QUARTERLY

The sinking city has been mythologized in history, art, literature and music for centuries, but few people experience the real Venice.

During one long, humid summer, Bidisha explores the truth of the revered City of Love. Guided through its intricate social conventions by her best friend's family, who reside at one of the most famous palazzi on the Canal Grande, she learns valuable lessons about he 'Italian way' but glimpses disturbing prejudices beneath the sophisticated surface.

With wit and elegance, Bidisha describes rubbing shoulders with the social elite at glamorous parties and sampling the exquisite delights of her favourite pasticceria, and takes us along on her daily runs through the winding, mysterious back-streets.