The Glassblower of Murano

In 1681 in the Republic of Venice, glassblowing is the major industry; throughout the continent everyone especially the wealthy demands Venetian glass and mirrors. The Council of Ten controls the city-state's glassblowing guild to the point they will kill to keep scabs out. The most famous Venetian artist Corradino Manin is forced to sell his secret methods to French King Louis XIV in order to keep his hidden daughter safe though by doing so the cost is his heart and soul. Centuries later, descendant, Leonora Manin leaves a broken marriage and London having obtained work as a modern day apprentice glassblower in the Venetian suburb Murano. Her boss knows of her connection to the greatest glassblower ever and plans to take advantage of her illustrious ancestry. Jealousy as it did several hundred years ago leaves the British expatriate in trouble with her vocation and with hAlessandro Bardolino; however, as she researches her great ancestor she realizes her troubles are minor envies compared to what Corradino faced from invidious villains. The descriptions of seventeenth century Venice as a literally backstabbing dangerous place will hook the audience even as the contemporary subplot is exciting and well written. The story line is fast-paced as the two Manin's three plus centuries apart face some of the seven deadly sins though the difference in how deadly what each confronts is quite startling as his lethal to the body and the soul while hers is more spiritual. Marina Florato provides a strong thriller. Harriet Klausner

Hard to believe this is the author's first book. This is an excellent and spell-binding story. The characterizations are terrific and highly believable. The author is adept at weaving a saga across the centuries about a woman glassblower in the famed Venetian city of Murano and her ancestor who lived and died there a long, long time ago. The prose is rich, both from a historic viewpoint as well as a great tale. How exactly did Louis XIV's famous Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles come to be? Did the greatest glassmakers and mirror artisans of Venice have a hand in this famed Gallerie des Glaces? This is a wonderfully written tale. The pages turn themselves as the reader is transported into a world of long ago. Do not miss this book! Truly wonderful!

How I wish I was Italian! Venice must be a fantastic city, now and then! This story is so well written that it brought tears to my eyes at one point. Corradino Manin lived during the 17th century during a dark history of Venice. His family was murdered by "The Ten", but he was saved by a bit of luck. A kindly glassblower on the island of Murano hid him away and taught him the art of glassblowing. Corradino became famous for his beautiful and perfect artworks of glass, and mirrors. He also had a secret, his daughter Leonora whom he adored, hidden at the Pieta Orphanage. (note: read another great book about the Pieta in 18th century: The Four Seasons, by Laurel Corona) In his later years Corradino was pursued by "The Ten", and finally escaped to France to teach the secret art of perfect mirrors, therefore destroying the hold on the trade industry of Venetian Glass. Now, shift to present day to a young woman named Leonora Manin, descendant of Corradino's daughter. She has moved back to her birthplace of Venice after a heartbreaking end of her marriage. Her English mother had met, and fell in love with a descendant Bruno Manin, while a University student, but moved back to London after the birth of Leonora. Leonora is an artist and glassblower by trade, and is able to secure a job of glassblower on Murano, realizing the dream of her birthright. She is curious and haunted by the story of her famous ancestor Corradino, and wants to know more. Circumstances happen that bring her to the realization that history is not always as it seems, and she has to come face to face with the truth.

Growing up I was absolutely enchanted with the twisty vertiginous novels and stories of Daphne du Maurier. One of my favorites and, like many of her works, reflective of her own captivating family history, THE GLASS BLOWERS read well time after time. So, too, I suspect, will be the case with Marina Fiorato's premiere opus. The characters are fully drawn and compellingly interesting; the plot is sufficiently byzantine, and the historical detail sparkles like Waterford. Fiorato manages a tight, well-tempered prose that is yet also evocative and frequently lyrical. I look forward to more from this author. The earlier comparison with du Maurier is not inappropriate as would be other authors such as Jean Plaidy, Margaret George, Tracy Chevalier, and the nonfiction of Antonia Fraser and Nancy Gladstone. A great beach read for those weary of Steel, Grisham, Patterson, Scottoline, and Baldacci.

"The Glassblower of Murano" is one of the best new novels I have read. The author takes you back and forth from the 1680's to the 2000's with a smoothness unusual to a first nove. The story line is excellent and the characters are so well-fleshed out that the reader becomes part of the story. I started this book and could hardly put it down. A great "beach" book. A totally encompasing experience. If you have been to Venice, and especially to Murano, this book will take you back. If you you have never been, take my word this book will take you there.