Murano in 1496 is the setting of this breathtaking novel by Tracy Chevalier. Our protagonist, Orsola Rosso, comes from a long line of glassmakers and aspires to follow in her family's footsteps. Orsola finds her calling with unwavering determination as she crafts multi-colored glass beads. She matures into an expert in the field in a... Continue Reading →
This book transports us to the 1950s. Hettie Carlin is a journalist for Harlem Heights. She has recently committed a significant error, and her boss has graciously not fired her. Instead, he gives her a new challenge. He wants her to write pieces about the growth of African American tennis star Althea Gibson, who dislikes... Continue Reading →
Venice, 1696. A baby is abandoned at the orphanage Ospedale della Pietà. The orphanage is a hard place to grow up in. But for its girls, it also offers a chance to receive an education as part of the figlie di coro. It is well known for teaching them to play musical instruments. The orphanage... Continue Reading →
A really nice illustrated biography of Vincent Van Gogh. His life is told from the point of view of his sister in law, Jo, who was Theo’s wife. It is told with kindness and also admiration for Van Gogh’s talent, in spite of all the hardships this created for Theo and his family. The book... Continue Reading →
Cunning Folk is a fascinating book. It really brings to life those cunning folk who, in the medieval times, helped with their special powers. Sometimes to find love, often to fight disease, to get rid of an enemy or be protected in battle, and so many other purposes. The book also shows how the attitude... Continue Reading →
I enjoyed reading this story, which starts in 1937 when Sophia, Teresa and their father Thomas are living a happy life in Berlin. But it is already clear that things are changing around them. The nazi regime is changing many lives. It certainly changes theirs drastically, even more during the war. Sophia is a nurse... Continue Reading →
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