Rachel Reviews: The Glassmaker by Tracy Chevalier

Tracy Chevalier has always been one of my favourite authors. I can remember being wowed by "Girl with a Pearl Earring" and "The Virgin Blue". She is a great storyteller.

I was thrilled when I saw a book of hers with Venice on the front, the title conjuring images of Murano and its famed glass. And, of course, that is exactly what the book is about. In particular, it follows the fortunes of one family, the Rossos and more precisely, Orsola.

It has all the hallmarks of a family saga story: a business in which all of the family members are involved; tensions between siblings; unexpected tragedy which shakes their world and has an impact on their ability to make a living; misplaced ambitions held by stubborn individuals.

What it also has, which gives it a sort of mystical magical element tying in with Murano's enduring appeal, is that events transpire for the same people but over many different time periods. It's not that the inhabitants of Murano are immortal but more that they age differently, at their own pace decreed by their island existence, being separate to Venice maybe? I don't know but it is a quirk of the book.

And what would a story set on Murano, so close to the enduringly romantic city of Venice, be without a little love and loss? We follow Orsola as she navigates hardship and the differing ideas of her elder brother, Marco with regard to the running of the business. She also has a domestic role to fulfil: looking after nieces and nephews and mothers and brothers, washing and cooking - but she carves out a role for herself to bring in income, an unorthodox pursuit at the time when she starts.

And what of love? She finds it (or it finds her) along with passion but there is uncertainty about whether it can last and if Orsola can reconcile her two worlds: that of the glass-making Murano and of her lover, Antonio.

There is much here to like. As a book about Murano, it is an introduction to its history which gives insight and vivacity. As a novel, Chevalier provides a clear window through which to look, presenting us with a gripping story played out by characters who come alive through dialogue and action.

A good historical read.

Rachel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars