The Gondola Maker by Laura Morelli
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Historical fiction
In 16th century Venice, gondola making is a proud profession. Each boatyard is run by a family who passes down their style of craftsmanship to their sons. Luca is learning the trade from his father but chafes under his domineering manner. When the tension flares into violence, Luca is forced to flee and try to make a life away from the only business that he knows.
I loved this book from the first page. The author set the scene and the mood so well that I was immediately caught up in the story and the time. This is very well researched historical fiction where the plot isn’t the most important thing that you’ll take away from reading the book. The history of Venice, the role of the gondoliers in society, and the prestige of the artists and costumers all come alive.
I was given a copy of this book to review as part of a book tour. I also am able to give away a copy so another reader can discover this wonderful world.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
If you’d like to read more reviews of this book, you can follow the book tour.
April 28 –The Written World – Historical Tapestry – review / guest post
April 28 – Chronicles – review
April 30 -Â The YA Lit Chick – review
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May 9 –  Reviews by Molly – review / giveaway
May 12 -Â Savings in Seconds – review / giveaway
May 13 -Â Library of Clean Reads – review / author interview
May 13 – Historical Tapestry – book spotlight / guest post
May 14 -Â The 1000th Voice – review
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May 19 -Â Svetlana’s Reads and Views – review / spotlight
May 20 -Â FLY HIGH! – guest post / giveaway
May 20 – Views From the Countryside – review
May 21 -Â Tales of the Marvelous – review
May 22 -Â Musings from Sri Lanka – review
May 23 -Â In This World of Books – review
May 23 -Â Griperang’s Bookmarks – review
May 26 – Every Free Chance Reader – review / giveaway
May 27 – Rose & Beps Blog – book spotlight
May 28 – Ivory Owl Reviews – review / author interview
May 28 – Black’n Gold Girl’s Book Spot – review / giveaway
May 29 – PageCravings – review
May 30 – 2 Kids and Tired Books – review
I just finished Year of Wonders and am reminded of how much I love historical fiction, even though it hasn’t been on my list for awhile. This sounds great, especially since Venice is one of my favorite cities that I’ve visited.