Venice Is a Fish - by Tiziano Scarpa (Paperback)

About the Book

One of Italy's brightest literary talents reinvents travel writing with a seductive, intoxicating celebration of the magical saltwater city.

Book Synopsis

One of Italy's brightest literary lights reinvents travel writing with a seductive, intoxicating celebration of the magical saltwater city

"Venice is a fish," writes Tiziano Scarpa. "It's like a vast sole stretched out against the deep. How did this marvelous beast make its way up the Adriatic and fetch up here, of all places?" Paying homage to his native city in a lyrical and evocative style, he guides readers down tiny alleys, over bridges, and through squares, daring us to lose ourselves, forget the guidebooks, and experience Venice as Venetians do.

Venice Is a Fish provides no hotel ratings or museum hours. Instead, in a delightful initiation, Scarpa tells us how to balance while standing on a gondola; where lovers will find the best secret hiding places; the finer points of etiquette and navigation during an agua alta; and how best to defend ourselves from the pitiless beauty of one of the world's most stimulating cities. Open Venice Is a Fish, and Scarpa's magnificent images, secret history, and hidden lore unfold like a treasure map of the senses.

Review Quotes

a"Venice is a Fish" is a gorgeous tribute to one of the strangest and most beautiful cities on Earth. Was it Henry James or Mary McCarthy who said, 'There is nothing new to say about Venice?" Tiziano Scarpa has proved them both wrong.a
-Erica Jong
aFor as long as Venice has existed, people have been writing about her, yet Tiziano Scarpa brings a remarkable freshness to his lively descriptions and explanations of the essence of Venice.a
-Jane da Mosto, co-author of "The Science of Saving Venice"
aScarpaas approach is from the soul, not the mind. [This book] says more about Venice than youad ever imagine.a
-"Independent on Sunday (UK)"
aPlenty of practical advice to steer a tourist through the city, and fascinating insights into its customs and historya]a lovely introduction to a magical city.a
-"Sunday Express (UK)"
aA splendidly fishy guide to Venice from a witty and imaginative writer. To write originally about Venice must be one of the greatest challenges a writer can take up. Every year, hundreds of books on the city are published, but none resembles this one.a
-"Independent (UK)"
aA beautifully written book with one of the most refreshing insights into Venice that has ever been published. Youall be gripped from the first linea]a
-"Italy Magazine"
aThis is a very unsettling guide to Venice. It contains the addresses of no museums, hotels or restaurants. In "Venice is a Fish," the author invites the reader to partake in sensual experiences that will enable her to discover the most intimate facets of the city. It's a funny initiation ceremony where one learns how to stand on a gondola, to cross barefoot muddy canals and caress eyesshut the faces of statues. Tiziano Scarpa's intelligence is a delight. Using stylistic audacity and literary remixes, he carries off an ambitious intellectual enterprise.a
-"Elle (France)"
"A short, wonderful ode to the city. To touch it, feel it, describe it in all its bends and angles, to caress the myth, this is the aim of the writer. He ends his stroll in the 'Venetian langour' with these words that constitute a declaration of love: 'There is no better place than this one." -"Le Figaro"

About the Author

Tiziano Scarpa was born in Venice in 1963. He is a poet, playwright, and essayist, and won the Italia Prize in 1997 for his writing. He has written a number of acclaimed novels, including Eyes on the Broiler and Stabat Mater, which was awarded Italy's most prestigious literary honor, the Strega Prize. His radio play Popcorn received international critical acclaim and aired on the BBC and other European radio stations. Scarpa regularly speaks at creative writing conferences and writes as a journalist for national newspapers. He lives in Venice.