The Violinist of Venice by Alyssa Palombo

If you love history and romance, then I have the perfect novel for you to experience. I had to review this book due to the sweeping romance promised and I am so glad I did. This author has created a wonderful sweeping read that will takes you into historic Venice, right into the life of Vivaldi and into the depths of passionate music. A unique and engrossing read!

The Violinist of Venice by Alyssa Palombo: A Story of Vivaldi
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Publication Date: December 15, 2015
ISBN-13: 978-1250071491

Synopsis:

Like most 18th century Venetians, Adriana d’Amato adores music-except her strict merchant father has forbidden her to cultivate her gift for the violin. But she refuses to let that stop her from living her dreams and begins sneaking out of her family’s palazzo under the cover of night to take violin lessons from virtuoso violinist and composer Antonio Vivaldi. However, what begins as secret lessons swiftly evolves into a passionate, consuming love affair.

Adriana’s father is intent on seeing her married to a wealthy, prominent member of Venice’s patrician class-and a handsome, charming suitor, whom she knows she could love, only complicates matters-but Vivaldi is a priest, making their relationship forbidden in the eyes of the Church and of society. They both know their affair will end upon Adriana’s marriage, but she cannot anticipate the events that will force Vivaldi to choose between her and his music. The repercussions of his choice-and of Adriana’s own choices-will haunt both of their lives in ways they never imagined.

Spanning more than 30 years of Adriana’s life, Alyssa Palombo’s The Violinist of Venice is a story of passion, music, ambition, and finding the strength to both fall in love and to carry on when it ends.

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My Thoughts:

I have to admit I am neither a history buff nor a classical music buff but I do know who Vivaldi was, which along with the premise of this book, intrigued me enough to read and review this new release. I am a sucker for an amazing story of passion and romance and this one delivered the goods in many ways.

The author did an amazing job tying in the history of Vivaldi and what little is known about his life into a romance along with a bit of creative license. The best part about this book is the fact that the entire story revolves around the love of music and Vivaldi’s compositions.

The characters are driven entirely by music. Along with highs and lows, just like an opera – a quiet beginning, a crescendo in the middle and a smooth, somewhat happy ending. Even the chapter titles give reference to musical movements.

You are pulled into the story through highly detailed descriptions of musical movements that the author has woven into the storyline in such a way you feel like you can hear the music in your head. Reading this book is truly an experience you will love.

I was captivated by the unique story and even though the author used a lot of imagination in this novel, it was interesting to read of life in the city of Venice, the rules people had to live by, and the deep and everlasting love that was found by the characters. This book was written with passion about passion and for that it will be an unforgettable read for me.