The Rosetti Letter by Christi Phillips - Book Review

The Rosetti Letter
By Christi Phillips
Pocket Books (PB) February 2008

Clair Donovan is writing her dissertation on a little known event in Venetian history - known as the Spanish Conspiracy. This event really did occur in Venice in 1617, but it is not known what actually did happen. Claire however cannot afford to go to Venice to do some research or to attend a history confernce being held there.


So Claire is prevailed upon to chaperone a teenager to Venice for one week while she attends the conference. She also plans to spend some time at the Biblioteca Marciani. Once they arrive in Venice, Claire spends her time running around looking for books and documents to complete her dissertation, and trying to keep the teenager out of trouble. Claire also discovers that she has competition. Another professor from England who is also writing a book on the Spanish Conspiracy. If this author gets their book published first, then Claires dissertation will be for nothing. Claire and the English professor meet at the conference in Venice, and the sparks fly.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book for the detailed infomation I learnt about Venice in the 1600s. I also enjoyed it for the tour through Venice of the present. I loved that both the heroines (past and present) were educated and interested in learning more. And at long last I know how a courtesan behaves and why.

The only extra I felt was really not necessary was the addition of the teenager. Her romances and teenage angst did not add to the story.