I picked up 'Sérénissime' on a whim, drawn by the promise of Venice and a story from over a century ago. What I found was a novel that reads with a freshness that completely surprised me. Ernest La Jeunesse, writing in the early 1900s, crafted a tale that feels remarkably contemporary in its anxieties and its dark humor.

The Story

The plot follows a young, somewhat aimless man who unexpectedly inherits a grand but decaying palazzo in Venice from a distant relative. Seeing it as his ticket to a new, sophisticated life, he arrives full of dreams. Reality hits fast. The palace isn't just old; it's a living, breathing problem. It's filled with a bizarre cast of tenants—artists, faded aristocrats, mysterious servants—who have no intention of moving out. As he tries to navigate his new role as landlord and restore some order, he's pulled into a web of local gossip, half-told family histories, and unsettling events within the palace walls. The story becomes less about renovating a building and more about the protagonist trying to understand the strange legacy he's been handed, all while Venice itself—damp, beautiful, and secretive—watches on.

Why You Should Read It

For me, the magic of this book is in its mood. La Jeunesse has a fantastic eye for the absurd. The protagonist's mounting frustration as his grand plans fall apart is both funny and painfully relatable. The supporting characters aren't just background; they're brilliantly odd obstacles, each with their own stubborn claim to a piece of this crumbling world. Underneath the comedy, though, there's a real sense of melancholy. The book asks what we really inherit from the past—is it property, or is it baggage? Can you ever truly own a place with so much history? The Venice here isn't a postcard; it's a character, all damp stones, echoing footsteps, and shadows that might just hold secrets.

Final Verdict

'Sérénissime' is a perfect pick for readers who love atmospheric settings and character-driven stories with a bite. If you enjoyed the gothic vibes of 'Rebecca' but wished it had more dark comedy, or if you like stories about chaotic inheritances (think a historical, less murder-y 'Knives Out' scenario), you'll sink right into this. It's also a great, accessible entry point for anyone curious about literature from the turn of the 20th century but wants something that doesn't feel like homework. This is a hidden gem that deserves to be rediscovered.