the_lady_reads's review against another edition
2.0
As seen on Ed and Em's Reviews!
Sisters of Glass was very, very short. I read it in less than two hours. Just because I read it quickly, does not mean that I enjoyed it. I liked it, yes, but I would never immediately recommend it to anyone. It's not that Sisters of Glass is a bad novel, because it's not. I just won't remember it after awhile. In my opinion, it is an easily forgotten novel.
Even now, just a few days after finishing it, I'm having trouble remember the characters' names. Besides Luca… Because I kind of adore Luca. A lot. More than a lot. I love him immensely. As you read, you don't see a whole lot of him. The focus of the novel is usually on the sisters, Giovanna and Maria, and how they are changing as they get older. But his role in the story is larger than it seems and what you do see of him? He just is brutish, all quiet and strength. For some reason, I find it irresistible.
I didn't enjoy the flashbacks. The setup of the novel often confused me. The story is written in verse and I've never really enjoyed reading those kinds of novels. This was very short though, so that made it easier to get through. There were parts of the plot I enjoyed and found myself immersed in the story, but there were other parts that I grew bored and sped through.
There was a part closer to the end that tugged at my heartstrings. The sisters are trying to find their way as their thoughts war against what they want to do and what they need to do. Duty and honor or lifelong happiness. Maria and Giovanna must work together so that they can have all three. The lack of communication is what really is the driving force behind the conflict. If the sisters had opened up about their true feelings, things would've gone much smoother. I believe that with the time period and setting of where Sisters of Glass took place, the conflict fits very well. It's set in 1291, during the rein of the Venetian government over the glassmakers, which if you didn't catch from the title, includes Maria and Giovanna's family.
This book was a sweet, short read. Like I said earlier, I probably won't remember it later, but as I think of it now, I would definitely recommend it to the younger age group of young adults. I think the fast pace and quick read that ends on a happy note.
I received an e-copy of this novel from the publisher via Netgalley.
Sisters of Glass was very, very short. I read it in less than two hours. Just because I read it quickly, does not mean that I enjoyed it. I liked it, yes, but I would never immediately recommend it to anyone. It's not that Sisters of Glass is a bad novel, because it's not. I just won't remember it after awhile. In my opinion, it is an easily forgotten novel.
Even now, just a few days after finishing it, I'm having trouble remember the characters' names. Besides Luca… Because I kind of adore Luca. A lot. More than a lot. I love him immensely. As you read, you don't see a whole lot of him. The focus of the novel is usually on the sisters, Giovanna and Maria, and how they are changing as they get older. But his role in the story is larger than it seems and what you do see of him? He just is brutish, all quiet and strength. For some reason, I find it irresistible.
I didn't enjoy the flashbacks. The setup of the novel often confused me. The story is written in verse and I've never really enjoyed reading those kinds of novels. This was very short though, so that made it easier to get through. There were parts of the plot I enjoyed and found myself immersed in the story, but there were other parts that I grew bored and sped through.
There was a part closer to the end that tugged at my heartstrings. The sisters are trying to find their way as their thoughts war against what they want to do and what they need to do. Duty and honor or lifelong happiness. Maria and Giovanna must work together so that they can have all three. The lack of communication is what really is the driving force behind the conflict. If the sisters had opened up about their true feelings, things would've gone much smoother. I believe that with the time period and setting of where Sisters of Glass took place, the conflict fits very well. It's set in 1291, during the rein of the Venetian government over the glassmakers, which if you didn't catch from the title, includes Maria and Giovanna's family.
This book was a sweet, short read. Like I said earlier, I probably won't remember it later, but as I think of it now, I would definitely recommend it to the younger age group of young adults. I think the fast pace and quick read that ends on a happy note.
I received an e-copy of this novel from the publisher via Netgalley.
nataliesboooks's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
rachel_abby_reads's review against another edition
3.0
The story of two sisters in Venice in the 15th century. Their father owns a -I'm sure there's a better word for this- glass blowing business. His sons and daughters participate, but his youngest is destined to marry well and assist the family fortunes. When he dies, the family feels bound by his wishes.
But the youngest lives for glass, loves the glass, doesn't want to hurt her older sister, and oops, the family had to hire a nameless apprentice to help keep things going, and my my my, he's so good-looking. What will happen next?
This story is told not in prose, but in first person free verse poetry. I wasn't sure I'd like it at first, but now I think many more stories should be told in this way. It limits the narrative to the most essential points, and they become more meaningful for not having been buried in description.
But the youngest lives for glass, loves the glass, doesn't want to hurt her older sister, and oops, the family had to hire a nameless apprentice to help keep things going, and my my my, he's so good-looking. What will happen next?
This story is told not in prose, but in first person free verse poetry. I wasn't sure I'd like it at first, but now I think many more stories should be told in this way. It limits the narrative to the most essential points, and they become more meaningful for not having been buried in description.
sngick's review against another edition
4.0
what a surprise that I enjoyed this verse novel! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
abigailbat's review against another edition
4.0
Beautiful prose poems tell the story of sisters on the glass-making island of Murano, near Venice, in the 15th century. This would make a great readalike for Stravagazna: City of Masks or The Falconer's Knot, both by Mary Hoffman.
wereadsgood's review against another edition
4.0
A wonderful historical novel told in verse. Though sometimes I shy away from novels in verse, this one is very accessible but still immerses the reader in historical Venice. Thoroughly enjoyable.
theuncreativeperson's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
It was pretty good, if you don't like story through poetry maybe don't read it. Pretty quick read, enjoyable overall, fast moving plot. It kind of feels unresolved, like the problems with the mother, and some of the characters kind of just disappear at the end.
leeann20's review against another edition
3.0
quick tale, misguided love, family traditions. I liked it
jowillwrite's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars rounded down because I'm feeling crotchety.
I picked up this book because I was told it was written in verse.
Also because of the cover because I'm a fickle, fickle reader who only likes the pretty things in life.
To me, this book wasn't written in verse.
It was basically
normal prose which was
actually quite lovely to read
but just set out
in this way
so it looks
like people think
poetry should look
like.
Also,
there was so much dialogue
that many of the "poems"
consisted of
people just
having a
chin wag.
Setting your
words out
fancy
does not
a poem
make.
This may just by my interpretation, but I feel that each poem should convey some kind of emotion. I always feel that books written in verse are much more emotional than prose because they can zoom in on a particular feeling and really scrutinize it.
Maria's story had all these emotions - loss, betrayal, love, wonder, sadness, anxiety - that were practically begging for a poem to be written for each of them.
But alas.
I believe that each of the poems in a verse novel should, to some extent, be able to stand on their own. Even if you had no idea what was happening in the story you'd be able to get a glimpse into the emotions of the character and you'd want to read on.
I can't help but think if you read one of these poems without the others you'd just get completely confused.
I loved the setting (It made me want to go to Venice again!), loved the premise and it was refreshing to read a book set in a period of history that I've never read about before.
But I'm really disappointed, I thought it was going to be amazing.
:(
I received a copy of this book from the publishers.
I picked up this book because I was told it was written in verse.
Also because of the cover because I'm a fickle, fickle reader who only likes the pretty things in life.
To me, this book wasn't written in verse.
It was basically
normal prose which was
actually quite lovely to read
but just set out
in this way
so it looks
like people think
poetry should look
like.
Also,
there was so much dialogue
that many of the "poems"
consisted of
people just
having a
chin wag.
Setting your
words out
fancy
does not
a poem
make.
This may just by my interpretation, but I feel that each poem should convey some kind of emotion. I always feel that books written in verse are much more emotional than prose because they can zoom in on a particular feeling and really scrutinize it.
Maria's story had all these emotions - loss, betrayal, love, wonder, sadness, anxiety - that were practically begging for a poem to be written for each of them.
But alas.
I believe that each of the poems in a verse novel should, to some extent, be able to stand on their own. Even if you had no idea what was happening in the story you'd be able to get a glimpse into the emotions of the character and you'd want to read on.
I can't help but think if you read one of these poems without the others you'd just get completely confused.
I loved the setting (It made me want to go to Venice again!), loved the premise and it was refreshing to read a book set in a period of history that I've never read about before.
But I'm really disappointed, I thought it was going to be amazing.
:(
I received a copy of this book from the publishers.
literary_princess's review against another edition
3.0
Verse novel that's really just stretched out paragraphs.
Renaissance Venice/Murano. Glass blowing family.
A lot about sisters and their relationships. Completely unbelievable, especially with its super neat and tidy "they all lived happily ever after: ending. Still, it was sweet and something different.
Good rec for those wanting to learn something from their novels. Also would lead to further investigation on glass blowing, Venice and Murano, and the true story of Maria B.
Renaissance Venice/Murano. Glass blowing family.
A lot about sisters and their relationships. Completely unbelievable, especially with its super neat and tidy "they all lived happily ever after: ending. Still, it was sweet and something different.
Good rec for those wanting to learn something from their novels. Also would lead to further investigation on glass blowing, Venice and Murano, and the true story of Maria B.