THE GLASSMAKER

From the author of international bestseller ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’, this enticing historical novel by Tracy Chevalier, transports the reader to Venice and the island of Murano, world famous for its glassmaking tradition. A wonderful escape and opportunity to experience a story that evolves through the world of an industry whose lifeblood was tied to an island and its families who worked there as masetros of their art.

This is a story of the Rosso family, beginning in 1486, with a focus on one of the daughters, Orsola who is eager to find a role in her family’s trade of glassmaking but as a young woman her opportunities are limited as the positions in the business, especially the respected role of maestro are kept only for men. However with the help of an elder glass artist, Maria Barovier, Orsola is encouraged to learn the art of bead-making which enables her to craft a skill in secret.

The book takes its readers on a journey that spans 500 years, but with an intriguing and novel approach - as Chevalier allows Orsola and her family to skip time, enabling them to take advantage and experience the island in different historical periods. We follow Orsola through plagues, war, tragedies and romance. As her skill, independence and business acumen develops she becomes vital in saving her family from financial ruin. Through the skipping of time, the reader enjoys her success, overcoming the bumps of life and crossing paths with historical figures such as Napoleon’s wife, Empress Joséphine, Casanova and Peggy Guggenheim who are thought to been likely visitors to Venice, which was an important trading city during these periods.

This ‘skipping of time’ and magical realism may have jarred with a few of us in the Den but Orsola’s adventures certainly makes for an enjoyable read as we ‘skim a flat stone skilfully across water’ through Orsola’s window on the world.

If you haven’t been to Venice this is a wonderful glimpse into its history and art. Maybe inspiration for your next weekend break?