Book Club: The Unfinished Palazzo: Life, Love and Art in Venice

The Unfinished Palazzo: Life, Love and Art in Venice 
Written by Judith Mackrell

Commissioned in 1750, the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni was planned as a testimony to the power and wealth of a great Venetian family, but the fortunes of the Veniers waned during construction and the project was abandoned. Empty, unfinished, and decaying, the building was considered an eyesore until the early 20th century, when it attracted and inspired three passionate and rule-breaking women at key moments in their lives: Luisa Casati, Doris Castlerosse, and Peggy Guggenheim. Each of their life stories is accompanied by previously unseen materials from family archives, as Judith Mackrell weaves an intricate history of these legendary art world eccentrics.

MNjcc Book Club reviewer Beverley Fingerhut is a former docent of the Art Gallery of Ontario, with honour degrees in both art and history. Currently Beverley is a National Program Director at the Centre of Excellence in Business Analysis at the Schulich Executive Education Centre, Schulich School of Business, and York University. She has over 30 years of experience in the areas of strategic planning, needs analysis, facilitation, and managing change. As an academic, Beverley has been the course director for Entrepreneur Business Development Skills for the University of Toronto’s School of Continuing Studies as well as a Director and an adjunct professor in the Professional and Technical Writing Program at York University. Beverley has assisted in researching, writing and editing two books and articles on complex decision making and strategic planning. In addition to her consulting and facilitation roles, Beverley has spoken at conferences on topics related to linking business and technology. Beverley has been curating and facilitating the Miles Nadal JCC Book Club since 2015.

Exchange ideas, connect with like-minded people, and participate in engaging discussions and book reviews at our free virtual monthly Book Club. Gatherings include a presentation with PowerPoint/visuals, along with smaller group discussions in Zoom breakout rooms. Even if you haven’t had a chance to read the selected books, you will most certainly enjoy the stimulating presentations and opportunity to connect with other JCC community members.