"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.

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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.

A good historical fiction set in Renaissance Bologna and featuring some strong characters. The main protagonist, Elena Morandi, is a talented seamstress with ambitions of becoming a tailor. However, at that time tailors were only men and so her ambition was thwarted. We have the villain, Antonio della Fontana , who has the city under his control. There is no chance for Elena. Feeling that this is unjust, she puts together a plan to get revenge for herself and those who are under his thumb. There were so few choices at that time, except for marriage or going into service and becoming a maid, a woman had little to offer for herself. Elena was lucky as she left orphanage at the age of 10, she was very much a protector of women, keeping them from becoming prostitutes and how to survive. This was well written and well researched. A very interesting and enjoyable read, I would highly recommend. My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Elena Morandi is a supremely talented seamstress in Bologna, who wants to follow in the footsteps of her father as a tailor. But women are forbidden to be tailors so she must be satisfied working on feminine garments. Her life is not her own and she is offered in marriage to a man she does not love. Determined to get away she leaves the house of her mistress and tries to make a living in the city in her own, when her life takes a dramatic turn. I really enjoyed this book, and thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for the advance reader copy.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, a good historical fiction set in Renaissance Bologna and featuring some strong characters.
It's a bit a sort of Renaissance fantasy, my own opinion, but I enjoyed it and liked the characters.
Well done, compelling, well written.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I liked this. I think it captured the spirit of this period of history well. I liked the politicking and found the characters to be enjoyable.

1500’s Bologna, Elena is a seamstress dreaming of being a tailor. But woman are not allowed to be tailors. Raised in a Baraccano orphanage she has already come a long way. When an unwanted marriage is imminent she strikes out on her own to chase her dream and her independence. But a man who left his mark on her past now threatens her future.
I adore imperfect characters, and Elena is not perfect, but she is compelling and tenacious and I loved reading her story. From the first line I was ensnared and needed to know how the woman of the city were going to handle their problem.
Thank you to @allisonandbusby and @netgalley for letting me review @glennisvirgo debut novel #cityofsilk
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This was a new author for me but as I love Italy and sewing I thought I’d give it a try. I’m so glad I did, it’s a lovely book. Characters are all well developed and descriptions of Bologna are beautiful. I was rooting for Elena right from the beginning. Highly recommended.

A wonderful story of Renaissance Genoa, and one woman’s quest to become a dressmaker. That said, I’d argue that most women who could afford someone to make a gown would have the seamstress come to her home instead of going to the seamstress’s shop in this era in Genoa. The era of a Bridgerton like seamstress shop wouldn’t exist.

This historical fiction novel takes place in the 1500’s. I thought the book was a good story about pursuing your dreams. If you like sewing, i found it to be very accurate. The author did a beautiful job with the characters. Fontana quickly turned into my favorite book villain.

City of Silk by Glennis Virgo

This is a historical fiction novel set in Bologna in the 1500’s. Elena is orphaned at 10, when her parents succumb to illness and she is raised in the Baraccano Orphanage. As the daughter of a tailor she possesses dreams of following in her father’s footsteps, a career not allowed to women. She pursues the only path available to her, that of a seamstress. She is not satisfied, and convinces Francesco Rondinelli to take her on as an apprentice tailor. Her world is turned upside down again when the rich, corrupt and evil Antonio della Fontana re-enters her life. He terrorized the girls in the orphanage and is seemingly untouchable as he brags about his proclivities. Elana is filled with rage and is determined to seek justice.

This is such a great book. I read it so fast as couldn’t put it down, especially once Elena started hatching her plan for revenge. Although set in the 1500’s there are so many archetypal female characters in this novel. The women are strong, fearless and brave and not willing to accept the life that they are told is their allotment as women.

Signora Ruffo was one of my favorite characters. She is open minded and non-judgemental, looking past the dictates of society into the character of the person. She is a protector of women, looking out for women who are forced to prostitute themselves to survive, saving Sofia from slavery and young women from the orphanage. She is well respected by men, first because she is a widow and then because she deserves it. In a time when women’s only choices are marriage or limited employment the defiance of the main female characters is empowering.

This is a story about friendship and acceptance - accepting those who are not considered acceptable. Sofia, a black woman; Elana, a female tailor; and Francesco and Giorgio, two men in love. I love how Elena works her way into the hearts of the men in the tailor shop through her skills and her perseverance. They become a found community, supporting each other. The characters are all so loveable. I felt drawn into the novel and felt connected to their experiences. Although Elana is the main character, you love all of the surrounding cast.

Fontana is a great villain. He is so detestable. His swagger and bragging of his conquests makes you grit your teeth/.

The setting in Bologna is magnificent. I have been to Bologna once, I could envision the piazza’s, canals and churches. Such a splendid backdrop to the story and the inclusion of all the historical celebrations was an added bonus.

If you have any interest in dressmaking and tailoring the descriptions of stitching and fabric is a story on its own. It was fascinating how each individual piece such as a sleeve is made. The craftsmanship and pride in the individual stitches and choices of materials was so interesting.