A CREATIVE TIMELINE SKIPPING THROUGH CENTURIES

SUMMARY
THE GLASSMAKER tells the story of Orsolo Rosso, the eldest daughter in a family of male glassblowers on the island of Murano off the Venetian coast. When her father dies suddenly, Orsolo secretly starts making glass beads to support her family. The story follows Orsolo and her family through centuries of triumph, transformation, love, and loss.

REVIEW
Tracy Chevalier, the author, creatively accelerates the THE GLASSMAKER timeline through the centuries while the characters age at a much slower pace. The story begins in 1486 during the Renaissance, and Orsolo is only nine years old. By Chapter Two, 80 years have passed, but Orsolo is only eighteen. This acceleration of time allows us to see Orsolo and her family spanning the years from the Renaissance to 2019, with Orsolo being only 65 years old. It was fascinating to witness the family adapt and transform through the ages.

I found the tale mesmerizing and difficult to put down. It was a captivating portrait of a woman with strength and perseverance. Chevalier's writing is masterful.

While Orsolo is the central character, her mother and brothers play key roles, as does the glass dealer in Venice and a caring woman from a competing family in Murano who helped Orsolo get her start in bead-making. Each character is unique and pivotal to Orsolo’s life.

Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.


Publisher Penguin Group Viking
Published June 18, 2024
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com

If you’re itching to travel to Venice, this book is for you. A book that combines the history and progress of glassblowing on Murano over 500 years with story about a female glass blower, family, relationships and tradition. It’s a compelling story using an interesting literary device. bellisimo!

I love this book. A very clever wy to tell the history of glassmaking using the same characters throughput history.
Ms Chevalier has come through with another great book!

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Viking for the opportunity to read The Glassmaker by Tracy Chevalier, a writer unsurpassed in historical fiction. Another meticulously researched, beautifully written novel not to nbe missed.

The Glassmaker is the latest novel by Tracy Chevalier, author of such others as Girl with the Pearl Earring (1999), The Lady and the Unicorn (2003) Burning Bright, (2007), New Boy (2017) and A Single Thread (2019)—some inspired by arts and crafts, others by literature.

Set on Murano, the island of glassmakers near Venice, The Glassmaker tells the story of one glassmaking family, the Rossos, with a central focus on Orsola, the oldest daughter. After falling into the water as a small young child, Orsola is sent into the workshop of a famous glassmaking family to warm up near the fire. As she is being kicked out as a potential spy, she meets the impressive Maria Barovier, believed to be the only female glassmaker. Little does Orsola know that Barovier will take an interest in her and influence Orsola’s direction in life.

When a glassmaking accident takes the life of Orsola’s father, the maestro of the family business, her hot-headed, self-centered brother Marco takes over the business. When his lack of business knowledge and attempts to change the types of glass for which the family is known endanger the family’s financial well-being, Orsola secretly determines to take up lampwork—tabletop glass beadmaking—to help the family make ends meet.

Opening in the Renaissance, Chevalier covers more than five centuries of Orsola’s and the Rosso family’s lives. Yes, five centuries! Yet her characters age very slowly as history marches on. Repeatedly, the author employs an image of a stone skipping over water. The more the stone skips, the more time passes. The bubonic plague strikes Europe, explorers setting out by ship and discover new lands, Napoleon conquers Italy, the climate undergoes changes, a new plague—Covid-19—strikes the world. Murano, Venice, customer demands, the glassmaking business, and the rest of the world change. Orsola and family must adapt to survive. The timeline makes this an odd story, yet Chevalier makes readers believe in the Rossos and in their place in their changing surroundings as they transition from Renaissance to 21st Century.

A glossary of Italian and Venetian words and expressions help readers understand the place-specific language that helps the setting come to life.
My thanks to NetGalley and Viking/Penguin Group for an advance reader egalley of this highly- recommended new novel by Tracy Chevalier.

I adore this title - so rich and full. I felt like I was stepping in the road of Murano and Venice. I'm on the fence about the time fluidity - but I did like seeing the same regions and core characters develop through (extended) time. Overall, an immense delight. I've already recommended this title numerous times.

I love this writer's work. The deep dive into a person, into another era--but the suspension of disbelief that has e follow one woman over several centuries--too much..esp when everyone else around her seems to age normally --almost everyone--certain characters also make the time transitions with her.
I am guessing this was an experiment on the part of the author--one which still shows her power over description, dialog, and even to some extent the plot but I, for one, did not find her skipping stones stories as charming a device as she likely hoped. I cannot commend the book but neither can I say, stay away, because her pictures of Venice and the craft of glassmaking are outstanding--So, I rank it a three

I really enjoyed this rich and complex multigenerational family saga about the art of glassmaking in Murano and Venice, Italy. This story beautifully captures how history and the passage of time has changed the artistry and business of this craft, as well as the structure and interrelationships within a family of glassmakers.

The author does a wonderful job of transporting readers to a different time and place and makes you feel like you are walking through a Venetian Marketplace, or working alongside glassmakers in their hot shop, or riding in a gondola on the canals of Italy.

As readers, we are taken along on the life journey of our strong protagonist, Orsola Rosso, from the age of nine up until her late sixties. Her life story is one that is as interesting, as it is captivating. The narrative expertly follows the entire Rosso family through the ups and downs of the decades of their lives.

The only thing that I didn't like was the unusual intro into each chapter. Hundreds of years are covered, describing what was going on in the history of Italy, Europe, and the rest of the world, while the body of the story only moves ahead in eight-to-twenty-year increments. I found this to be odd and incongruous, but it did not detract from my enjoyment of the story.

I highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction and well thought out family sagas.

My sincere thanks to Penguin Group-Viking and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Viking for this review copy!

Celebrated for her historical fiction, Tracy Chevalier delivers yet another rich and immersive narrative in THE GLASSMAKER. Set against the vibrant backdrop of early 17th-century Venice, Chevalier crafts a tale that seamlessly weaves together art, ambition, and the complex tapestry of human relationships. Known for her meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Chevalier explores the intricacies of the Venetian glassmaking world, capturing the shimmering beauty and perilous intrigues that define this unique craft.

THE GLASSMAKER follows the journey of Orsola Rosso, a young woman born into a prestigious glassmaking family on the island of Murano. From a tender age, Orsola is captivated by the alchemy of glass, an obsession that sets her apart in a society where women are rarely seen beyond the domestic sphere. The novel opens with Orsola as a child, enchanted by the furnace’s glow, and traces her evolution into a skilled glassmaker, despite the myriad societal barriers she faces.

Orsola’s world is upended when her father, a master glassmaker, mysteriously dies, leaving the family workshop in turmoil. As she battles to keep the family’s legacy alive, she encounters betrayal, love, and the ever-present threat of the Venetian authorities, who fiercely guard the secrets of glassmaking. Alongside her personal struggles, the narrative delves into the broader societal tensions and the political machinations of Renaissance Venice.

Chevalier’s characters are as intricate as the glassworks they create. At the heart of the story are the resourceful Rosso women. Each generation faces unique obstacles, but they all share a fierce determination and a deep connection to their family legacy. Orsola Rosso is a compelling protagonist, defined by her resilience and passion. Her growth from a curious girl into a determined and talented artisan is portrayed with depth and nuance. Isabella’s relationship with her brother, Marco, a gifted yet conflicted glassmaker, adds layers of familial loyalty and rivalry to the story. Each generation of Rosso women faces new challenges, navigating political turmoil, societal shifts, and the ever-changing art world.

The narrative unfolds across generations, with each descendant of Orsola inheriting not only the family business but also a fierce determination and artistic spirit. Chevalier expertly braids personal stories of love, loss, and family struggles with the larger historical context.

THE GLASSMAKER delves into themes of artistry and innovation, highlighting the delicate balance between tradition and progress. Chevalier explores the idea of glass as a metaphor for fragility and strength, reflecting Orsola’s own journey. The novel also tackles themes of gender roles and societal expectations, showcasing the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated world.

Chevalier’s portrayal of Venice as a character in itself is masterful. The city’s opulent beauty and underlying danger are vividly rendered, creating a backdrop that is both enchanting and foreboding. As the story progresses, we experience Venice’s transformation – the devastation of the plague, the rise and fall of empires, and the city’s evolution from a center of commerce to a tourist destination. From the bustling Renaissance to the decline under Austrian rule and the transformation into a tourist destination, the city comes alive with rich descriptions.

Another one of the author’s strengths lies in her ability to bring the world of Venetian glassblowing to life. She paints vivid descriptions of the furnaces, the molten glass, and the meticulous techniques employed by the artisans. Readers are transported to the heart of Murano, the island where glassmakers held an almost mythical status. However, the detailed descriptions of glassmaking, while fascinating, may occasionally slow the pacing for those less interested in the technical aspects.

Moreover, the novel jumps through time, following descendants of the original protagonist. Some readers might enjoy this dynamic view of history, while others might prefer a more linear narrative. Additionally, the focus on the female characters, while empowering, can leave some aspects of the male characters underdeveloped.

Tracy Chevalier once again demonstrates her prowess as a storyteller who can illuminate the past with vivid clarity. The novel’s rich historical setting, complex characters, and exploration of timeless themes make it a compelling read. Chevalier’s portrayal of a woman’s struggle to forge her own path in a world that seeks to confine her is both inspiring and thought-provoking. THE GLASSMAKER is a captivating novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction that explores the lives of artisans and craftspeople, or those that enjoy stories with strong female characters and a touch of family drama.

When I saw Tracy Chevalier was coming out with a new historical fiction book of course I had to read it asap. Soooooo beyond happy NetGalley sent it to me for review. I knew nothing about Venice or Murano prior to reading this, and now I feel that I know it well, and it is dear to my heart. Two things I loved about this book in addition to feeling as though I was there (my stamp of approval for the best historical fiction writers): 1. I loved Orsola, the protagonist. Every time I thought about the book, I wanted to know what would happen to her. 2. The time factor. At first, I was like huh? Wha? During the first time change, but as the book went on, I realized it was genius. I won’t spoil it, but it allowed me to understand this tiny island on a larger scale.
My only downside: a few sentences didn’t flow beautifully for me. Other than that, it is clearly a 5 star book. -and I look forward to her next one. ♥️♥️♥️

It is 1486 and Venice is a wealthy, opulent center for trade. Orsola Rosso is the eldest daughter in a family of glassblowers in Murano, the island revered for the craft. As a woman, she is not meant to work with glass—but she has the hands for it, the heart, and a vision. When her father dies, she teaches herself to make beads in secret, and her work supports the Rosso family fortunes.

Skipping through the centuries, in a Venice where time moves as slowly as molten glass, we follow Orsola and her family as they live through creative triumph and heartbreaking loss, from a plague devastating Venice to Continental soldiers stripping its palazzos bare, from the domination of Murano and its maestros to the transformation of the city of trade into a city of tourists. In every era, the Rosso women ensure that their work, and their bonds, endure.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Viking for this e-arc.*

I love Chevalier’s writing style and have come to trust her research and historical accuracy when available. In this book she uses creative license as she tells of a family of glassmakers living on Murano, an island near Venice. It begins in 1486 when Orsola is a young woman. The family are glassmakers by trade and the family men run the business. Orsola learns to make beads to try and make money, enduring insults from her own brother as he takes over the business. The story follows Orsola, who ages slowly, meaning it is her story as she lives from 1486 to present times. It follows the history of the family, glassmaking and Venice/Murano society from the Renaissance till now. I’ve been to Murano and seen glassblowing in the tourist shops. It gave me a touchpoint to the story. As always I enjoyed the author's notes at the end of the story. Tracy Chevalier novels have become regular reads in my neighborhood book club. I can see this being easily recommended when we make up our next year's list. Thank you to Penguin Group Viking for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.

The Glassmaker is a captivating work of historical fiction that depicts one family of glassmakers living on Murano. It is a glimpse into the life of a women, Orsola, who has a passion for glass in a time where it is looked down upon. Readers are shown her triumphs, her losses, her successes, her love, her passion, and her drive throughout time.

1486- Murano, Italy

Venice is the center for trade. The Rosso family are glassmakers living on Murano, who have recently lost their patriarch. Orsola is the eldest daughter who aspires for more in her life, as her brother Marco takes over as glassmaker. He is young, stubborn, cocky and lacks the experience, expertise and skill that his father possessed. The family struggles and Orsola learns to make glass beads from a female mentor and does her best to make money for her beads. She experiences scorn, jesting, and insults from her brother Marco, but is determined and keeps making them.

This book takes place during the times of Renaissance-era Italy to the present day. It follows one family who age slowly during this time. It was a very clever touch, and readers are shown how the characters grow, adapt, struggle, triumph, and survive. During this time, they will fall in love, endure heartbreak, grow, marry, become parents, and survive the many changes that Venice will experience through time.

Who knew I would be so invested in a tale about glassmakers? Years ago, I took a Vaporetto from Venice to Murano. I visited a touristy glass shop and had to smile as Orsola discusses the tourist shops vs. the other glass shops on Murano.

I enjoyed how the book transcended time and the family endured through time, experiencing all the changes and challenges of each decade.

Tracy Chevalier discusses her extensive research and visits with glassmakers that were made prior to writing this book. Her research paid off and the result was this beautifully written book. I enjoyed the vivid descriptions, the writing, the family dynamics, and the well thought out plot.

Beautifully written, well thought out, and gripping.

I found The Glassmaker to be an extraordinary story both in its depth of context of the glassmaking economy and society of Murano as well as in the way in which Chevalier contextualizes the central character of Orsola Rosso through hundreds of years of history. Chevalier's use of "Venetian Time" to tell the scope of this story is unique and incredibly well done. The reader/listener becomes easily engrossed in familial rivalries and expectations, the challenges faced by women in a patriarchal economy and tradecraft, and especially in the social and economic mores of Muranese and Venetian society across this significant time span. By tackling essentially three separate histories: insularity of glass making in Murano, its rise and decline, Murano/Venetian societies and economies, and Orsola Rosso's personal history, Chevalier provides depth as well as breadth so the reader/listener comes away with a fulsome story with all its highs and lows, disappointments, failures, and successes, adaptations, and personal triumphs. I highly recommend this title.

The Glassmaker by Tracy Chevalier follows a family of glassmakers from the height of Renaissance-era Italy to the present day. It is highly recommended historical fiction melded with magic realism.

Orsola Rosso is the eldest daughter in a family of glassblowers on Murano, the island near Venice known for the craft. It is 1486 and Venice is a trade center for the glassmakers of Murano. After her father dies in an accident, her brother Marco takes over the family business and he is struggling to support the family. As a woman, she is not meant to be a glassmaker, but she learns the craft of making glass beads in order to help her family.

From this point the novel moves through six centuries, from the late 15th century, when Orsola is a child, on through to the present day, when she’s in her late 60s. Chevalier tells us that "time passes differently" on the island and Orsola and her family age slowly as they live through historical events across hundreds of years. History moves forward as they live from the Italian Renaissance through the plague, the Napoleonic era, and world wars into the 21st century and Covid-19. I found the time jumps interesting and the novel entrancing until they rushed into more current events. It was toward the end of a lovely novel that my rating dropped a point.

The writing is extraordinary in every way. The characters are all exceptionally well-written as fully realized individuals. They come to life on the pages. The descriptions of places, glass, historical times, events, and people are wonderful and perfectly capture the essence of every scene. I loved everything about The Glassmaker until the end and the time jumps went disastrously into current events. If you can accept and go with the magic realism and jumps through time, this is an enchanting novel. Thanks to Viking for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The review will be published on Edelweiss, X, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

The Glassmaker takes place through the centuries, focusing on the life of Orsola who was a woman born into a glassmaking family on Murano. The years advance in a unique way making the reader suspend reality. It works as we see the evolution of the world in Venice and Murano through the years. Tracy Chavalier had taken a different approach and created a well developed, interesting book.

Chevalier has taken an interesting approach with her latest book, about a woman from a Murano glassmaking family, by having the same set of characters age slowly through the centuries to highlight the history of Murano and Venice from the late fifteenth century through to the present. There is no fantastical 0r supernatural aspect to this story, rather the conceit of skipping a stone over water, the family being the stone and the water being time. For the most part it worked, though I still think I might have preferred a multigenerational tale instead. The setting and historical details are wonderful, always a strength of Chevalier's. I loved that Orsola, a rare woman in the predominantly male world of glass, honed her craft through years of practice and wasn't just naturally good at it from her first try. The book felt a little long at times, and that might have been because of all that time spent with the same people, century after century. The supporting characters were well drawn, and I really enjoyed learning about the history of Murano glasswork. Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Viking for a digital review copy.

In the 15th century, Murano (an island close to Venice) was the home of renowned glassmakers. Their factories supplied all of Europe with beautiful hand forged creations. In one glassmaking family, a young woman aspires to make glass, but bound by cultural constraints she is limited to being a homemaker. This is her story.

I was fascinated by the explanations of the processes and rules around the glass making industry. As with other Chevalier's books, it's clear that she has researched the subject thoroughly and her explanations are clear and engrossing. Orsolo is a wonderful character. Although she could have been one-dimensional, she is realistic and filled with emotion and heart. I loved how she grew into a strong woman.

There was one thing that really bothered me, though. Chevalier has structured this story in an odd way. It begins in 1486 with Orsolo as a young woman, at the heart of Murano's glory. After introducing the characters and beginning the story, the next chapter jumps in time a century. A brief explanation of the events of the century, then the story continues with Orsolo and her family only a few years older. This pattern continues throughout the centuries to the present time. Time passes, but Orsolo and her family only ages a few years. Yes, it works, but it's a bit disconcerting and certainly unusual. I loved learning about Murano glassmakers, I liked the characters of Orsolo and her family, but the novel's structure was a bit odd.

In "The Glass Maker," Tracy Chevalier takes her reader on a 500 year journey from 1486 to 2019 through the magical distortions of time on the glass-makers' island of Murano and neighboring Venice. Using the metaphor of a flat stone skimming across water to link the various time periods and the fascinating, sometimes daring, character of Orsola Rosso, Chevalier teaches the reader about glass-making and the joys, heartaches and challenges of being part of a large, extended family of strong women and talented artists. Thank you to #VikingPenguin and to #NetGalley for the ARC of this wonderful work of historical fiction.

I have to preface this by saying I love all forms of glass and I used to be a glass artist. So I was really looking forward to reading The Glassmaker. For the most part, I really enjoyed the storyline and the history of Murano glass and how that art evolved over time and was such a family endeavor. What did not resonate was the lack of aging as the story goes from the 1400’s thought WWII. I ended up ignoring that aspect