Reviews

Glassblåseren fra Murano by Marina Fiorato

real_life_reading's review against another edition

3.0

A fascinating story of the work of Venetian glassblowers in 17th century Venice, and the Venetian Republic's monopoly on the beautiful glass they created. Corradino, the main character, sells the secrets of his trade to King Louis XVI to build the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles. The story also follows the life of his descendant, Leonora, and her quest to be the first woman glassblower on Murano, the glass-makers island in Venice. It is a lovely interwoven story as Leonora searches for the truth of her ancestor.

haley_b's review against another edition

hopeful mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

1.0

bookgardendc's review against another edition

3.0

Some interesting history and insights into the creation of an artistic medium I've never read about. The two parallel stories are pulled off fairy well, although I do think the growth of the contemporary character is a bit harder to buy. An easy read, entertaining, with moments that are really quite good.

Oh and I think I'm supposed to disclose that I got this book as a goodreads first read giveaway. Yes, you actually can win free books that are worth your time!

ceegreen's review against another edition

1.0

I bought this because Amazon recommended it to me constantly, and I like a historical novel, so gave in. Amazon, I think we need to talk.
Actualy I quite liked the historical bits, I could have done with more of that. I could have done with an awful lot less of the dreadful cliched Mills-&-Boonsesque modern day 'romance' counterpoint.

thelaurasaurus's review against another edition

4.0

This is another split timeline novel; it’s set in Venice in both the 1600s and the modern day. It covers the stories of Corradino Manin, who sold Venetian glass making secrets to the French, and his ancestor Nora Manin, who has split up from her husband and decided to move to Venice and become the first female glassblower.

While it sounds a little schmaltzy it wasn’t overdone and I sped through it, really enjoying it. I thought the author described Venice really well; I often find that books don’t do it justice.

So, yep - I’d recommend this book. It’s an easy yet interesting read.

miakve's review

4.0

Okay book. The story was interesting and I liked the way the perspectivs changed and went together. I do however ting it is meant for a slightly older audience.

lynnmarie78's review against another edition

3.0

Ok. started it a couple times before I got into it. Part historical novel, part romance. descriptions of Venice and glassblowing were interesting.

theoneandonlyredrose's review against another edition

1.0

If only I could give this NO STARS! Rubbish for halfwits! Forced to read by book club :(

kristariehl's review against another edition

adventurous relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

micaelamariem's review against another edition

challenging informative mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

Perhaps this type of book just wasn’t for me, but i found the writing style to be pretty boring. The past timeline was more interesting than the present timeline, but I wanted more of the characters and their emotional journey instead of, well, glassblowing. Instead, I felt no connection with the characters and therefore couldn’t connect with the book. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Infertility, Infidelity, Sexism, Abandonment, Alcohol, Pregnancy, and Vomit