Palace of the Drowned Book Review

I received a review copy of this book from Jonathan Ball Publisher. I found myself way out of my comfort zone with this title and I was not sure what to expect when I started reading. However, this twisted tale of ambition, friendship and insecurities had me intrigued from the very first page.

Set in Venice in 1966, the author tells a gripping story about a troubled author trying to regain the success of her first novel. Christine Mangan has a beautiful voice that comes through loud and clear as she draws you back in time. You find yourself in the mind of a rather unstable woman, yet you are left understanding her actions and emotions.

When Frankie Croy reads a bad review of her latest book, it sends her over the edge. She is convinced that she has lost her touch and that her career as a writer has come to an end. On the recommendation of her closest friend, she travels to Venice. Where she spends time alone to forget the horrible review and the effect reading it had on her. She tries to rediscover the magic she felt while writing her first novel.

When things start looking better and she finally starts putting that horrible night at the Savoy behind her she unexpectedly meets a young woman named Gilly. Frankie finds the young woman unsettling, yet she is drawn to her as well. Uncertain about the reason for Gilly’s appearance in her life Frankie battles to trust the girl.

When a storm hits Venice, causing the city to flood, these two women find themselves in unfamiliar water as the truth emerges and they finally start seeing each other clearly.

Reading this book allows the reader a peek into the mind of a troubled author. A woman who is shattered after a bad review and battling to accept that her fans are not enjoying her latest offering. There is a strong undertone about ageing and changing times. The author draws you into her story and when you reach the end you find yourself drifting back to the story, considering the twists and Frankie’s choices.

The woman in this book is wonderfully created. You are drawn back in time with them and experience their emotions first-hand. I found it extremely sad how affected Frankie was by the bad review. It left me wondering how modern-day author’s deal with all the bad reviews that are so easily flung around on social media. I would hate to think that anything I have to say about a book could cause someone that much unhappiness.

This book with its beautiful setting and deep emotion will keep you reading late into the night. I would recommend that all book bloggers and reviewers spend some time with this book, it will leave you thinking twice before publishing a bad review.