Millwater Book of the Month

10 millwaterbook of the month

The Violinist of Venice by Alyssa Palombo

This month, author and guest reviewer Karen McMillan introduces another great read:The Violinist of Venice by Alyssa Palombo

A lyrical, beautifully written historical novel; the author of this debut novel draws on the real life of composer Antonio Vivaldi for inspiration. He was well known in eighteen century Europe, but later in his life his relationship with young opera singer Anna Giro ruined him. People claimed she was his mistress, but the author explores the theory that Anna was actually his daughter. In which case: who was Anna’s mother?

Alyssa Palombo creates the fictional character of Adriana d’Amato. She adores music, but her overly strict father forbids her from playing the violin that she so loves, but she begins sneaking out to have lessons with Vivaldi, who can see she is naturally talented. However, what begins as secret music lessons soon turns into a passionate love affair. But they can’t marry. Vivaldi is a priest while Adrianna will have to marry whoever her father deems to be suitable. The consequences of their love affair will haunt both of them for all their lives as things quickly spiral out of control.

The book spans more than 30 years of Adriana’s life, and this is one of the strengths of the book. The reader gets to see what can happen in life, even when your heart has been broken. This book is beautifully romantic – every page full of music, love, despair and passion. I loved it!

Karen McMillan, author of Unbreakable Spirit and The Paris of the East www.karenm.co.nz

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