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ClareR (6241 KP) rated The Glassmaker in Books

Sep 2, 2025  
The Glassmaker
The Glassmaker
Tracy Chevalier | 2024 | Fiction & Poetry, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This imaginative story begins in Murano, 1486 at the height of the Italian Renaissance, and ends in the modern day - and all with the same characters. And the thing is, never at any point did I feel that it was far fetched.

Murano comes across as a magical place, both in its ability to make beautiful pieces of art from glass, and also its ability to keep those who live there in a kind of time warp or stasis. If you live on Murano, you don’t age.

Such is the case with the main character, Orsola Rosso.

We join her family when she is 9 years old and her father dies suddenly. Her brother struggles with the responsibility and skills needed to run the business - that is until a rival matriarch teaches the Rosso women (via Orsola) how to make glass beads.

I loved how real people from history were brought into the story (Casanova and Josephine Bonaparte, amongst others), and how when time jumped hundreds of years, Orsola only aged a few in that time. We see how Italy changes over time, how it modernises and how climate change endangers both lives and livelihoods.

The story and characters felt as vibrant as the glass beads. This was such a refreshing, different read. Just outstanding 🤷🏼‍♀️
  
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Merissa (14030 KP) rated Femina: A New History of the Middle Ages in Books

Jul 19, 2022 (Updated Jul 26, 2023)  
Femina: A New History of the Middle Ages
Femina: A New History of the Middle Ages
Janina Ramírez | 2022 | Reference
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
"An intriguing and interesting book..."
FEMINA: A NEW HISTORY OF THE MIDDLE AGES provides new insight into the world of the Loftus Princess, Hildegarde of Bingen, and the Birka Warrior Woman - to name just a few. It shows us a world where women were better respected and listened to than we have previously imagined, or thought from reading historical documents. The works of these women, their voices, have disappeared through the years, some accidentally, some on purpose. Some of them have survived, but have been changed by male historians from the time periods that came after. And some, like Hildegarde, have been saved by brave and courageous acts.

Each section focuses on a different woman and gives the reader a glimpse into their lives and achievements. It shows how well-travelled the world was at a time when you think everyone stayed 'at home'. I have learnt about Jadwiga of Poland which I had never heard of before, plus others.

I found this to be an intriguing and interesting book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading and I have no hesitation in recommending it.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 19, 2022
  
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Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Anne Boleyn: A Kings Obsession (Six Tudor Queens #2) in Books

Oct 10, 2021  
Anne Boleyn: A Kings Obsession (Six Tudor Queens #2)
Anne Boleyn: A Kings Obsession (Six Tudor Queens #2)
Alison Weir | 2018 | Biography, Fiction & Poetry, History & Politics
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
165 of 250
Book
Anne Boleyn:A Kings Obsession (Six Tudor Queens book 2)
By Alison Weir

Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments

Anne Boleyn: A King's Obsession by bestselling historian Alison Weir, author of Katherine of Aragon: The True Queen, is the second captivating novel in the Six Tudor Queens series. An unforgettable portrait of the ambitious woman whose fate we know all too well, but whose true motivations may surprise you. Essential reading for fans of Philippa Gregory and Elizabeth Chadwick.

'Offers a spellbinding solution to the mystery of Anne's true nature . . . Enthralling' Sarah Gristwood

The young woman who changed the course of history.

Fresh from the palaces of Burgundy and France, Anne draws attention at the English court, embracing the play of courtly love.

But when the King commands, nothing is ever a game.

Anne has a spirit worthy of a crown - and the crown is what she seeks. At any price.

ANNE BOLEYN. The second of Henry's Queens. Her story.
History tells us why she died. This powerful novel shows her as she lived.

I absolutely love how this author writes! I was hooked from the start with this book. Anne Boleyn is one of those women who started with such good intentions but then became all dark and twisted! I have zero sympathy for how her life played out but found her story totally captivating. This is definitely a series worth reading!