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The Glassblower of Murano: A Novel

The Glassblower of Murano: A Novel

by Marina Fiorato

St. Martin's Press | May 26, 2009 | Trade Paperback

Based on 13 ratings | Rate this | 3 reviews
Venice, 1681. Glassblowing is the lifeblood of the Republic, and Venetian mirrors are more precious than gold. Jealously guarded by the murderous Council of Ten, the glassblowers of Murano are virtually imprisoned on their island in the lagoon. But the greatest of the artists, Corradino Manin, sells his methods and his soul to the Sun King, Louis XIV of France, to protect his secret daughter. In the present day his descendant, Leonora Manin, leaves an unhappy life in London to begin a new one as a glassblower in Venice. As she finds new life and love in her adoptive city, her fate becomes inextricably linked with that of her ancestor and the treacherous secrets of his life begin to come to light.
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Reviews of The Glassblower of Murano: A Novel

3 reviews from our community
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  • 3 months ago
    Wished for something more from this story...
    There are two storylines - one in present day where you follow Nora and one in seventeenth century where you follow Corradino. Both are trying to survive their personal challenges but both have a flair for glassblowing as their passion. But will history repeat itself, find out to see what happens with Nora and Corradino. (the story/characters a lacking in development which is sad, as it has some great bones to chew on).
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  • 2 years ago
    Not bad overall
    Wasn't really a fan of the style of writing but having read Marina Firoato's The Bottecelli Secret (which was one I couldnt put down), I know her style gets better. Enjoyed the story, overall a good read. Good for a light, quick read over a weekend. Happy reading :)
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  • 4 years ago
    evocative debut novel
    The modern day characters and plot line are a little flat, a little predictable... but the story of Corradino the glassblower is fascinating and leaves you wanting more. The real magic of the story, however, is Venice itself. The author evokes Venice clearly, turning the city into a character all its own, magical and brooding. A beautiful novel, here's hoping the author grows into her writing. I look forward to reading her next novel.
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– More About This Product –

The Glassblower of Murano: A Novel

The Glassblower of Murano: A Novel

by Marina Fiorato

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From the Publisher

Venice, 1681. Glassblowing is the lifeblood of the Republic, and Venetian mirrors are more precious than gold. Jealously guarded by the murderous Council of Ten, the glassblowers of Murano are virtually imprisoned on their island in the lagoon. But the greatest of the artists, Corradino Manin, sells his methods and his soul to the Sun King, Louis XIV of France, to protect his secret daughter. In the present day his descendant, Leonora Manin, leaves an unhappy life in London to begin a new one as a glassblower in Venice. As she finds new life and love in her adoptive city, her fate becomes inextricably linked with that of her ancestor and the treacherous secrets of his life begin to come to light.

About the Book

In this internationally bestselling debut, a heartbroken woman embarks on a grand exploration of life and love as a glassblower in the city of her ancestors, Venice, and learns that the past may not be as clear as blown glass.

Format: Trade Paperback

Dimensions: 368 Pages, 5.12 × 8.27 × 0.79 in

Published: May 26, 2009

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Language: English

The following ISBNs are associated with this title:

ISBN - 10: 0312386982

ISBN - 13: 9780312386986

Read from the Book

"When Nora had arrived in Venice she felt unmoored - as if she drifted, loosed from harbour, flowing here and there on the relentless arteries of tourism. Carried by crowds, lost in babel of foreign tongues she was caught in a glut of guttural Germans, or a juvenile crocodile of fluorescent French. Wandering, dazed, through San Marco she had reached the famous frontage of the Libreria Sansoviniana in the broglio. Nora fell through its portals in the manner of one stumbling into Casualty in search of much needed medical attention.  She did not want to act like a tourist, and felt a strong resistance to their number. The beauty that she saw everywhere almost made her believe in God; it certainly made her believe in Venice...." --from The Glassblower of Murano
 

From the Critics

"I would never have guessed that this was a first novel; Marina Fiorato has beautifully recreated the bright, glittering world of the seventeenth-century glassblower, and nestled it surely within a compelling contemporary romance." -Jeanne Kalogridis, author of The Borgia Bride and I, Mona Lisa

"The Glassblower of Murano is a compelling story, richly detailed, with wonderful, memorably drawn characters." -Diane Haeger, author of The Secret Bride and The Ruby Ring

"Fiorato captivates her reader as surely and intricately as the beautiful city of Venice enchants her characters. A fascinating tale of mystery and dedication, of love and betrayal." --Kate Furnivall, author of The Russian Concubine

About the Author

Marina Fiorato is half-Venetian and a history graduate of Oxford University and the University of Venice, where she specialized in the study of Shakespeare's plays as an historical source. She has worked as an illustrator, an actress, and a film reviewer, and designed tour visuals for rock bands including U2 and the Rolling Stones. Her historical fiction includes The Daughter of Siena, and The Botticelli Secret. Her debut novel, The Glassblower of Murano, was an international bestseller. She was married on the Grand Canal in Venice, and now lives in London with her family.
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