Leonora's story makes you believe in karma or fate! born in Venice but brought up throughout in England by a very matter of fact English mother who does not want her daughter to know anything of her Venetian ancestry, Leonora's story is almost foretold with events unfolding that you knew would take her eventually to Venice.
Divorced by a husband who wants a child and (Nora as she is known, he actually thought the name Leonora was too fanciful) unable to provide one, Leonora decides to up and go back to Venice to the glass blowing industry of Murano and find out for herself the background of Corradino a very famous glass blowing maestro who is incidentally her very famous ancestor. Looking for her late father Bruno was just incidental to Leonora. (thought this was a bit strange).
The plot is very good. We have the first female glass blower in Murano history - returning to her roots and being offered the top job in the industry. We have romance in the form of Alessandro a policeman who is in the process of becoming a detective and the romance blossoms in Venice. We have Corradino himself very famous but at the same time with a murky past as a traitor to both the industry and to Venice for having sold the secrets of the glass and mirror industry to the Court of France. We have Leonora's determination to clear Corradino's name once and for all as she firmly believes in his innocence. To top it all we have the most descriptive views of Venice at all times and from different perspectives. From the point of view of Venetians who seem antagonistic that they have to live their lives purely for the purpose of pleasing the tourist and then we have Leonora's views on Venice as well. First as an outsider and then as a "sort of" born again Venetian herself!
The storyline was good, the characters fell off a bit. The descriptiveness of the novel was enchanting and this made up for me any shortfalls in the actual story.
Leaving Melbourne tonight with twelve hours in Singapore in transit. Looking forward to to ION Orchard and Mahaco Impex (for silk) and to eat a good Laksa!
I'm glad you enjoyed it. Have a good trip home!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the trip and the reading.
ReplyDeleteI had this book but donated it unread. I am happy you enjoyed it. Have a nice week.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great book. I'll have to keep it in mind.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like this book has something for everyone!
ReplyDeleteHi Mystica,
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great new to me author, to add to my list.
I do like a good historical fiction novel occasionally and I have never read anything with such a strong 'Venetian' theme to it, so I am sure I shall learn plenty from reading this book and others that Marina has written.
I always like to read a book, which although clearly fiction, has much of the basis for its premise, in fact. I am hoping that it will make up for the void left by the fact that I don't really read much non fiction, including memoirs.
Great review and thanks for the recommendation,
Yvonne.
I have this one on my bookshelf but have yet to read it. Your review is compelling me to pick it up sooner rather than later. The whole Venetian theme is captivating to me.
ReplyDeleteI fell in love with Venice when we visited. I've had this on my shelf for a while but haven't picked it up yet.
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