An enjoyable book. Even though I have been to Bologna, I had not realized it's importance in the silk industry. The plot was good, but I felt that the writing lacked some spark. The detail of how Elene traveled from one part of the city to another alley by alley and piazza by piazza was excessive.
Despite my negative comments it was well worth the read. I'm sure readers will enjoy it and I will certainly look out for future books by this author.

This was a compelling, relatively fast-paced historical fiction novel. The sights and sounds of 1600s Bologna is drawn almost tangibly, and the historical setting was captured well. However, I felt like the characters lacked nuance - esp the ‘bad’ people who seemingly have no redeeming qualities. And this could have done with some editorial oversight on the sewing-related similes - some similes kept being repeated annoyingly. But overall, a good, light read!

NOTE FOR READERS who get this off NetGalley:
The narrative is disrupted on page 168 and skips a couple of pages withoit warning. The missing pages are given right at the end from page 176 (after the Author’s Note and a couple of blank pages).

*

Thanks to NetGalley and the author for an ARC.

During a recent extended vacation in Tuscany, I had several opportunities to pass through the Bologna train station, though never ventured out into the city. I always knew Bologna was celebrated for its educational institutions but had no idea of the history of the silk industry there. Now sorry I missed the opportunity to walk some of the historical areas that Virgo so richly describes. I found this to be historical fiction at its best, exploring the society of the time from many view points while delving deeply into its fashion and customs. The theme of a woman trying to break into a typically "man's profession" is a recurring theme in a lot of historical fiction today so it can become a bit tiring. However, Virgo overcomes this with the beginning of Elena's story in an orphanage. We are deep into the initial story before we realize the lead character is nameless, one of many young seamstresses working in the well-known drapperie of Signora Ruffo, just another orphan who is being "groomed" to develop the womanly skills that will ultimately allow her to leave the orphanage as someone's wife. We see the soon to be named Elena's story from her perspective; her desire to be a tailor, having learned the trade at her father's knee, and her ongoing frustrations at being relegated not only to the orphanage but to having to work on women's clothing rather than men's, her multiple talents recognized but her dream unfulfilled. The story of Elena breaking away from the expected path despite being dogged by the PTSD caused by the predations of the orphanage's major financial supporter that she experienced and also led to the suicide of her best friend, is inspiring not only because of her talent, but also because of her struggles and fortitude as she pursues her dream, the friendships she makes and the love she cultivates that enable her to achieve her dreams and heal psychologically. I highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction that richly describe a place and time and social mores, many of which any reader may recognize as ever-present even today.

This is really wonderful historical fiction! Right from the beginning the author does a terrific job of immersing us in the scenes. Virgo has clearly done her research, and the details are sumptuous and evocative. She brings Bologna in 1575 to life in such a vivid way. I was really impressed.

I also loved Elena as a protagonist and her quest for revenge/justice against the villain Fontana kept me turning the pages. Elena's ambition to become a tailor is also relatable and helps us pull for her even more.

In summary, the historical details are immersive, the plot is well-crafted, the pacing is great, and the characters are fully-fleshed. I highly recommend CITY OF SILK for fans of historical fiction.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-galley; all opinions in my review are 100% my own.

The blurb of this debut novel states: 'With sumptuous detail that brings the sights, sounds and textures of Renaissance Italy to vivid life, City of Silk is a breathtaking historical fiction debut'. Well, can't argue with that because that's exactly what this novel is. Thoroughly enjoyable; lots of rich, 'sumptuous' detail but not so much that it slows down the story. And in Antonio della Fontana, we have a despicable villain (think Mohamed Al Fayed). We cheer Elena along as she faces so many obstacles in the course of her tale. A wonderful read. I hope it storms up the charts!

An easy read. I found the historical details about society, the status of women and cultural traditions very interesting, somehow more than the storyline. The descriptions regarding clothing and sewing were very vivid and often fascinating. I felt the characters needed a bit more refining as their ways of being and acting were a bit too predictable. An easy and quick read.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.

I was really pushing myself out of my comfort zone reading this book as I don’t normally read historical fiction. Was I disappointed? No way, I really enjoyed this book, the story was captivating, the characters likeable and the story kept you guessing. I would highly recommend this book

Bologna, Italy 1575, a place of well dressed citizens and busy workrooms, mainly occupied by men. Women won't make it beyond seamstress.
But of course there's always one who perseveres. Meet Elena, our seamstress working hard to realise her dream of becoming a tailor.
City of Silk is fast paced historical fiction at its best. Set in artistic surroundings, filled with interesting and well developed characters, intrigue and politics, but most of all strong women and comradery. Pageturner!

Thank you Netgalley and Allison&Busby for the ARC.

Oh! what a tale.

This glorious, richly descriptive story tells of Elean who is a skilled seamstress and wants to become a tailor.

As a dressmaker myself I adore stories such as these. Elena is a mganificent character, I loved following her journey and all that happened to her in her quest.

The writing is polished and the story is well told... I will be buying a paper copy for my shelf and will be re reading again and again..

Perfection..

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this. City of Silk is a sweeping, historical read. I love the rich, detailed writing style of Glennis Virgo and the emotional impact of both abuse and triumphs as the MC tries desperately to forge a life for herself.

"City of Silk" by Glennis Virgo had me captivated from the start. I am familiar with Bologna so I knew where most of the places were. However, I was unfamiliar of the history of the silk merchants. I was fully immersed in the story and Elena's plight to become a female tailor.

City of Silk introduces us to Elena Morandi, a remarkably skilled seamstress determined to pursue her ambition of becoming a tailor—a profession traditionally barred to women. Set in Bologna in 1575, the story unfolds as Elena gains a fragile foothold in the workshop of a master tailor, only to have her past collide with her present when she encounters Antonio della Fontana, a man wielding power and influence, particularly over the vulnerable at the Baraccano orphanage.

Elena is driven by a fierce desire for justice against Fontana, who has abused his position and harmed those around her. With a plan for retribution, she seeks to avenge not only herself but also a lost friend and others still victimized by Fontana's actions. Her journey is marked by the challenges of navigating a world that wants to confine her to the traditional roles of marriage and subservience. Despite her talent, she faces the formidable Guild that prohibits women from pursuing tailoring.

The narrative beautifully interweaves flashbacks that deepen our understanding of Elena's character while propelling us into a plot filled with subterfuge, danger, and suspense. The characters are vividly drawn, some inspired by real artists and others echoing portraits of artisans in London’s National Portrait Gallery. The extensive research is evident, transporting readers to the streets of Bologna, where the rich historical context enriches the story.

Ms. Virgo's writing is lyrical and evocative, prompting moments of pause that enhance the reading experience. The pacing of this slick, roller-coaster narrative invites readers to take their time, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in Elena’s world. City of Silk is a captivating exploration of ambition, resilience, and the fight against injustice that deserves to be savoured.

Read more at The Secret Bookreview.

This is so good! Only downloaded it two days ago and already finished. I wanted it to last longer and I might have to read it again.
Oh the world of tailoring and silk is just wonderful to discover. The lead character is fully formed as are the others and I cared for them from the off. It was a story of many layers and it was so visually stunning. A gripping story told wonderfully and I recommend it whole heartedly!

Historical fiction set in Bologna in the 16th century. Elena is raised an orphan, but she wants to be a tailor like her father was. This is a job that isn’t suitable for women at that time - but Elena is determined.

Definitely a book I would recommend, it's written beautifully and there was obviously lots of research put into it. A great read.

Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy.

Glennis Virgo's 'City of Silk' is a historical novel set in sixteenth-century Bologna. It follows the orphaned, Elena, as she navigates a life in which gender and poverty leave her prey to the mores of a restrictive society and the whims of the rich who she serves first, as a seamstress and then as an assistant tailor. One of her customers, the flamboyant and seemingly charitable Fontana, she previously encountered in the orphanage where Fontana has used his power to abuse young girls. Elena seeks revenge.

I'm not usually a fan of historical fiction as I often find myself trying to catch anachronisms or struggling with the author's delight at showcasing their research through long explanatory paragraphs or unnatural expository dialogue. Virgo's novel doesn't fall into either of these traps. There isn't a bum note in the book. We are transported to sixteenth-century Bologna without fanfare or folderol. Her language evokes the era without feeling forced or heavy. And the subject matter feels simultaneously of the period while also being relevant to today addressing themes of gender, sexuality, race, poverty and abuse of power. Despite such weighty topics, I didn't find the novel heavy. It flows easily with moments of drama arriving exactly when needed. The protagonist may not be universally likeable, but that's what makes her compelling. She's selfish and obsessed, traits that not only help her achieve her ambitions but allow room for her growth as the novel progresses. By the end, imperceptibly, Elena has become an adult and I have no idea how Virgo pulled off that trick. That this is a debut novel is astonishing. I look forward to seeing where Virgo takes us next.

This book had me gripped from start to finish, a tale of loss, and strength of character it is beautifully written and engaging whist still having enough twists to keep the mind engaged.
Elena and the maestro especially are enigmatic characters who are well developed and learn through trust that life can be richer than you suspect this is history in all its sadness and joy well worth the read

"City of Silk" by Glennis Virgo is a beautifully written historical fiction. Set in 16th century Bologna.
Book description :
Elena Morandi is a supremely talented seamstress, at home among the bolts of fabric and cutting shears of her trade. However, she is determined that her ambition to be a tailor, a profession barred to her as a woman, will not slip through from her fingers like thread from the eye of a needle. With luck and perseverance, Elena gains a fragile foothold in the workshop of a master tailor, but then a man from her past crosses her path. Antonio della Fontana has every corner of the city in his pocket and, as Elena knows all too well, abused his position of power at the Baraccano orphanage. Driven to fight for justice against a man seemingly above the law, Elena hatches a plan to get retribution for herself, a lost friend and those still prey to Fontana's abuses.

My opinion
The author describes Bologna in such a detail that it makes you feel like you are there. Her language is fitting with an era but it's not too heavy or hard to decipher. Characters are smartly composed and develop over the time. Some are more likable than others but each of them have an important role to play. Despite being set in 16th century the book brings out universal problems that people are still struggling with. We have orphans, poverty and position of power determined by who you know and how much money you have. It's a really great read that makes you to slow down and think about your own life and decisions you made and sacrifices you took. I'd love the ending to be different but I'm also secretly hoping for next book about Elena and her friends.
Overall 5 stars
Big thanks to Netgalley, Allison and Busby Publishers and Glennis Virgo for the early copy in exchange for the honest review.

Really interesting story of a girl in sixteenth century Italy who wants to become a tailor. Her journey involves confronting her past - particularly a powerful figure of the community. This felt a bit like it was YA, rather than adult. I definitely wanted something more adult and gritty.

This book gives a woman in 16th century Italy the chance to enact her revenge fantasy on the man who victimised her and other orphans. And there is certainly an wishful quality, but it’s grounded by the material history demonstrated through Elena’s ambitions to become a tailor. The cast of characters were plucky and imperfect and satisfying to spend time with. One thing that slightly bothered me throughout the book, however, was WHY Elena was so determined to become a tailor when being a dressmaker was a much more accessible livelihood for her—she has an emotional connection to tailoring, since it was her late father’s profession, but I guess I just wasn’t 100% convinced. All in all, an enjoyable read despite the sobering topic of sexual assault.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

At first glance, City of Silk has much in common with The Instrumentalist, published in the summer. A talented girl, brought up in the harsh environment of an Italian orphanage, suffers sexual abuse before escaping and finding a way to fulfill her calling.

Apart from the excellence of both, they are completely different.

In City of Silk, Ms Virgo introduces us to the city of Bologna in 1575 through the eyes of Elena, who is desperately trying not to be married off to a rich and powerful abuser. All she wants is to be a tailor like her father, and she knows her sewing is up to it. Luckily she falls in with a widow, a seamstress for women’s clothing. But no, Elena wants to tailor. Women in tailoring is not only unheard of, the Guild prevent it.

We learn more about this wonderful character in flashbacks, before the story moves on to one of subterfuge, danger and suspense.

The characters are beautifully drawn, some based on real artists, others on portraits of artisans in London’s National Portrait Gallery. The research feels as sound as one can make it. I felt I’d been to Bologna and walked its streets. The phrasing is so beautiful it sometimes made me pause, but that helped to pace me through what is a slick and roller-coaster narrative. This book deserves taking your time over.

I’m finding it difficult to say how much I loved this book, which, btw, is not suitable for under 14s. The sights, the sounds, the reality of trade in a medieval city, and the utter invisibility of women… It’s a truly wonderful piece of literature.