Bellissima

⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ I was very excited to journey to Tracy Chevalier's Murano and Venice in this, her most recent novel. It did not disappoint, a rich reminder that Venice was once the center for trade and commerce hundreds of years ago. It was as vivid and touching a tale as one might expect. Sumptuous reading that brought this unique place to life along with more than a few historical characters, to give context of the times.

The story is constructed around the Rosso family who are glass blowers living and working on the island of Murano. Orsola Rosso, the eldest daughter, must realise her talent for working with glass when the family falls on diffiuclt times. We travel through time from 1486 to modern day, which spans a lifetime on Murano, where time moves at its own, glacial pace. A great narrative device catapulting this generation of the family through much turbulent history and family dramas.

Having vacationed in Venice, and visited Murano for the day, I was transported back to this magical place and shared in its historical ups and downs through the last 500+ years. I clearly recall the beauty of this region and am keen to go back and be one of the millions of tourists who go to see the sights, eat the food and buy handmade glass. Bellissima, Tracy. Another extraordinary novel, thank you.