Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.97 AVERAGE
3.97 AVERAGE
I enjoyed it a lot, especially because I have always been interested in glassmaking, Murano glass and have done a bit of glassblowing myself. I wasn’t sure about the magical handling of time at first, but it did work for me in the telling of the story.
I haven’t enjoyed a historical fiction novel like this in a long time.
I haven’t enjoyed a historical fiction novel like this in a long time.
As someone obsessed with glass history, I worried this book might be misinformed or lacking in terms of glass process, but I think it was actually quite well done for an author who hasn’t spent much time around glass communities. Anyway, I loved the time skipping concept at first and the description of flow for craftspeople. The literary device of time jumping both showed the stability of glass in Murano for an unfathomable amount of time while also sketching out nuances, especially related to geopolical, social, and economic conditions. I will say I was somewhat dissatisfied by the ending, as I was picturing Orsola’s life to have been picked up and recontextualized from chapter to chapter, rather than her actually experiencing 500 years of history. I wanted the Antonio plot to be more satisfying as well. Regardless of that, I think the book took a risk that is fascinating to think about and it was quite touching, even if I think it isn’t perfect.
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
informative
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
3.5 stars rounded up for the ending! This was a fascinating and immersive look into Venice and Murano and the glass trade there - perfect prep for my trip in May. I’ve never read a book that uses time quite like this one does, so that was fascinating as a technique, and I was enamored with the family, particularly the women and all the many offspring, and touched by the romance. I found the historical portions to be a bit slow in the first half but things really picked up for me towards the second half, and once again, that last chapter hit so hard.
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Another excellent book from one of my favorite authors. I really loved the "skipping stone" time jumping element. Great characters, great history.