Historical fiction set in Italy

Submitted: 9th September 2024

The Glassmaker – Tracy Chevalier

Tracy Chevalier is a top writer of historical fiction. She brings people to life from the page, weave a good story from small details and colour it all with her literary skill.

The Glassmaker is another one of her classics – Women are not meant to work with glass, but Orsola Rosso flouts convention to save her family from ruin. All she wants is to work well and earn the respect of others.

Are you ready to find out more?

Map of locations in The Glassmaker

Historical fiction set in Italy

Map of locations in The Glassmaker

BOARDING PASS INFORMATION

Destination : Murano

Author guide: Tracy Chevalier

Genre: historical fiction

Food and drink to accompany: Pasta and good wine!

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A novel to transport you to the glassmaking island of Murano

Map of locations in The Glassmaker

Tracy Chevalier really has the skill for creating vividly drawn scenes on the page. This time, I was swept into the world of glassmaking. Not something I had thought about before to be honest. But by the time I was a few chapters in, I was hooked!

The skill of creating such accurate and detailed worlds that reflect a real historical time period is amazing. The level of research which has gone into this is something else. Real historical characters walk on and off the page with the fictional ones. I love it when that happens. Makes it really special. What I also loved about the scenes in this book is that there are several Italian words and phrases sprinkled through the novel. All together, it sparkled like the pieces of glass she shows us.

Orsola Rosso’s father dies and her family is vulnerable as a result. Her brother Marco lacks the skills it will take to earn money for the family. However, Orsola is keen to work with glass even though women are not meant to work in this industry. Orsola’s work is stunning and soon she is crafting beauty of every colour. The industry is competitive and fierce and so her success cannot be advertised. Outside the window, Venice is one hotbed of competition and changing loyalties. I was fearful to Orsola but fascinated by her story.

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Map of locations in The Glassmaker

The location and setting

Oh this was sumptuous – Venice and Italy in the time of the Renaissance. This was the time when Venice was a major player of wealth and power. It was well known for trade and for influence and so to take readers there at this time is fascinating!

The setting of glassmaking was something I hadn’t read about before. How delicate the process and what an art! I had no idea the island of Murano had such a fascinating history. That’s what I love about how authors take you to the world they research and evoke. I immediately wanted to go and see some glass being made!