The Gondola Maker

The book arrived in perfect time. It was well packaged. Although I haven't read much of it yet, it seems quite interesting and well written.

Enjoyed this immensely

Netter Roman aus dem 16. Jahrhundert, welches die Gesellschaft in dieser Zeit beschreibt und speziell die der Gondelbauer aus Venedig. Erzählt wird die Geschichte eines jungen Gondelbauers, der in der Werkstatt seines Vaters arbeitet, bis es zu einem Zwischenfall kommt... Nebenbei kann man seinen Wortschatz erweitern.

It takes the educated eye of an artist to see and communicate the beauty of handmade physical objects, such as the gondolas, buildings, paintings and costumes in this story. The author is more than equal to this task. The hero is such a skilled artisan that in his hands, craft becomes art. The author breathes life into this fascinating period and speaks of ordinary daily activities with the assurance that comes from immersion in the history. Beyond that, the characters and their feelings stand out clearly against the beautiful background. As the story built to a climax, I desperately hoped that all would experience happy outcomes.My grandfather and father were artists in woodworking. Her descriptions of the gondola maker’s work brought back vivid memories of sawdust and varnish and objects taking shape under skilled hands.The writing is literary in quality, but also very readable. I highly recommend this novel to people who enjoy any of the following: Historical fiction in general, Renaissance Venice, art, craft, a fictional memoir in a voice that is hauntingly real, and/or a tender love story.

Ms.Morelli’s artistically crafted prose made this book a joy to read. None of my senses was left wanting. I tasted the food, smelled the canals, heard the chapel bells, witnessed the crowded canals, and felt the texture of fine woods. I was in Venice.I rooted for Luca, the protagonist, as he grew into a self-confident young man despite the many cards stacked against him. No matter the difficulties, and there were many, his work ethic and love for his city remained steadfast.