As music and splendour

While living in Italy for I time, I came across this novel. Often bookstores will stock foreign language titles that are either best sellers or take place within that country. This novel follows the story of two young Irish girls sent to France and then to Italy to hone their musical talents. Through hard work and hard times, they each make a name for themselves in the dazzling opera world in the time of Verdi. Their stories intertwine with other musician and singers shedding light on the sacrifices that people must make for such art. O'Brien's style is quite natural; her world never seems trite or implausible. Any one who is a fan of opera will appreciate this glimpse into that strange world.