The Secret of the Glass [Paperback]

Right from the start I knew I would be interested in reading THE SECRET OF THE GLASS. How could I pass up a novel on fabulous 17 c Venice and the art of glassmaking? I was hooked from the beginning. Sophia Fiolario, the eldest of Zeno Fiolario's three daughters, learned the secret of this art.

Taught by her father, and with his comsent, Sophia dared to create the glass- but at a very dangerous price. Women were banned from working the glass and anyone discovered of doing so would risk imprisonment or worse. When Zeno is no longer lucid enough to continue his practice, Sophia worked `underground' to keep the business going. Noone knew.

Betrothed against her will to the arrogant, cold, poor- but of noble class, Pasquale, Sophia is torn by the thought of what wil happen to her sisters, mother and grandmother if her father passes away. Happiness is only a distant dream...until Teodoro comes into the picture. Will Sophia keep her secret? Will the women in her family end up in convents? Will her soul perish muffled in a life of bondage? What will happen when Zeno dies?

The book immediately begins with detailed historical information and luscious descriptions of Venice. Now I know that this can sometimes drag a book, but in my case, I appreciated the details and found it most interesting. I love everything Venetian, and just can't get enough- and this book certainly gave me my fill. I think this is what I loved best about the book. I pictured every single calle and palazzos in my mind. I never knew that there was a golden book listing all the nobles of Venice. Even Veronica Franco makes an appearance! But, best of all- I loved learning the details of the glass making process and all the politics behind it. This truly was a secret world guarded with their lives.

THE SECRET OF THE GLASS had me dreaming of Venice. If you're as passionate about the place as I am, you will enjoy reading this tale of romance, picturesque history and the shaping of a great republic ruled by the Doges. And, if you know some Italian, it's a bonus! This book is filled with the language. As for myself though, I was a bit disappointed that in those instances the Veneto dialect wasn't used; which would have given the novel more life and flair.

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of Donna Russo Morin's work.

I enjoyed this second book from Donna Russo Morin and I was happy to see that the research she put into her first book (The Courtier's Secret)The Courtier's Secret was carried over. Because of the painstaking detail, you cannot help but to be swept up in Venice and the time period. I was quickly drawn into the story (see above) and the non-fiction bits about Galileo added a nice layer. Great build up to a very steamy love scene but she leaves the act to your imagination, which I liked. I also appreciated the twist at the end and I didn't think it ended abruptly. You don't always have to have the character's future spelled out for you. I am looking forward to her next book!

Donna Russo Morin's second historical novel "The Secret of the Glass" takes place in 17th century Venice among the courts and canals of Le Serenissima's Island of Murano. For centuries Murano has been renowned for the gorgeous and shimmering glass it creates. Many families have taught generation after generation, the secret of glass making, a secret forbidden to leave the island.

With polished writing and a penchant for historical detail, Morin tells her story of young Sophia, daughter of Murano's best glassmaker, who in secret has learned the art of glassmaking from her father. Not a soul but they know that she is a proficient and talented artisan, and her knowledge must be kept in confidence. The Doge and politicians governing Venice forbid women to work the glass under threat of punishment, imprisonment or death. The author begins the story with Sophia's father developing dementia, causing his glassmaking hands to falter and no longer create. Worried for her family's future, Sophia works the glass in concealed operation by night, keeping the family shop profiting with no one to know but herself. A knock on the door one day surprises her, none other than the famed astronomer Galileo is requesting an unusual glass lens for a scientific invention he hopes to impress the Doge and his council with. Realizing she is up for the task, she agrees to the commission and manufactures the fragile work for him, producing Galileo's first set of telescopic lens.

Unfortunately for Sophia, with her father failing rapidly, her parents make a marriage match for her to a local noble. A man Sophia finds repulsive and arrogant. He has no promises of love, holds no respect or kindness for Sophia, and out and out informs her he is marrying her for the benefit of taking over the glassworks. In shock she is told that once wed, after her father has died, he will send her sisters and mother to a convent. Doing her family duty by acquiescing to this folly, she and her fiancé Pasquale begin to show face amidst the grand fete's and festivals as he properly courts her before marriage bands are set. Wishing a way out of her dilemma, Sophia is introduced to another handsome gentleman at one evenings event, and from this blooming friendship she finds the love of her life, as well as a dear friend with a plan to outwit Pasquale and to save Sophia's family livelihood.

Glamour and glitz, opulent parties and romantic gondola rides permeate the pages of this historical novel, setting the atmosphere for an alluring portrayal of Venice in the 1600s. Although I found the novel a bit long and drawn out and came across many boring sections, all and all it is an enjoyable read well told. Morin's writing style is very accomplished, her historical research allowed me a detailed view of the times, and her character development very endearing. I feel the short fall was within the plot itself. There were a lot pages for a very simple story that was not very complex, and I found it very predictable as it fell into the formula of most historical romance novels of this kind. Having Galileo make a cameo appearance will more than likely be the key interest for readers deciding to purchase the book or not, But I warn that his presence is scarce. Venice is one of my favorite locations to escape to when armchair traveling, and I felt the author did an exquisite job of taking me there, and presenting me with a fairytale Venice of the past.