The Glassmaker

There was a great deal of historical research in this novel, and I really appreciated that. The descriptions of Venice are amazing and the main character is well drawn. I loved the novel and would recommend it highly.

The Glassmaker by Tracy Chevalier is an absolute gem, a shimmering, multifaceted bead of a story that had me completely spellbound! From the very first page, I was transported to the magical world of Renaissance-era Venice, where the air practically hums with the heat of the glass furnaces on Murano. Orsola Rosso, our fiercely determined heroine, grabbed hold of my heart and refused to let go as she defied every expectation to become a glassmaker in a world that insists it’s a man’s craft.

Chevalier’s writing is nothing short of stunning; her prose flows as smoothly as molten glass, reminding me of the lyrical beauty of Maggie O’Farrell and the rich, atmospheric depth of Lauren Groff. I couldn’t help but be utterly entranced by the way she plays with time, skipping effortlessly across centuries, yet keeping Orsola and her family's legacy at the core of the narrative. It’s as if Murano itself exists in a bubble where time bends and stretches, allowing us to witness the Rosso family’s triumphs and heartbreaks as they echo through the ages.

And let’s talk about the magical realism! The way Chevalier weaves it into the fabric of the story is simply enchanting. Time on Murano flows differently, and this slight distortion adds a layer of mystique to an already rich tale. The island feels almost alive, a character in its own right, timeless and enduring, much like the glass Orsola crafts with such love and care.

Oh, and the beads! Those tiny, seemingly inconsequential bits of glass that Orsola begins to make in secret, they’re like little jewels in the narrative, each one holding a piece of history, a sliver of beauty. Chevalier’s metaphor here is exquisite, showing us how these small things: these beads, this family - can carry so much weight, so much meaning across time. I was immediately Googling the images of Murano Millefiori beads and now need some in my life!

I must also gush about the audiobook! The narration was some of the best one I have listened too, absolutely perfect.

By the end, I was in tears, completely overwhelmed by the emotional depth and the sheer beauty of the story. If you love stories that are as delicate and strong as the glass they’re about, this one’s a must-read!

Huge thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Audio for an audiobook ARC of this book! All opinions are mine.

I have read many Tracy Chevalier books and enjoyed them all. This book had a lot to live up to and it didn’t disappoint.
It’s quite a unique idea, people age more slowly where the glassmakers live- so the book spans 500 years of time, but the characters don’t age very much.
The book covers many key periods of time, but the main focus is on the characters relationships, the unwritten rules of families and love interests.
I loved every minute of this book. As I listened to it as an audio book, I was able to really feel the characters and their emotions. I loved the narrator and felt she did a fantastic job with all the voices.
Really clever!

The audiobook for the Glassmaker takes the listener in to an enthralling and enchanting world where time moves much more slowly but its impact is no less devastating to the families caught up in a changing world. The book begins in a time of plague and ends with the modern equivalent of Covid, moving with the main characters through successes and failures, sacrifices and joy as technological advances, changes in fashion and culture and wars make their impact on a family who make their living through the creation of glass.
A wonderful story which was enhanced by excellent narration

"The Glassmaker" by Tracy Chevalier is an absolute gem, and I can’t help but rave about my experience while listening to this remarkable audiobook narrated by the talented Juliet Aubrey. From the moment I hit play, I was whisked away to the enchanting world of Renaissance Venice, specifically the mystical island of Murano where glassblowing is more than just a craft—it's an art form steeped in history and tradition.
Our fiercely determined protagonist Orsola Rosso is a breath of fresh air in a world that seeks to confine women to traditional roles. Her courage to pursue her passion for glassmaking against societal expectations made her a character I couldn't help but root for. Chevalier crafts Orsola's journey with such depth that I felt her struggles and triumphs as if they were my own. The narrative delves into Orsola’s secretive work, her pursuit of perfection, and the painstaking effort it takes to carve out her place in a man's world.
Chevalier’s writing is nothing short of exquisite—lyrical and evocative, each sentence flows like molten glass, drawing you deeper into the story. The way she weaves through time, skipping effortlessly across centuries while keeping Orsola and her family’s legacy at the heart of the tale is masterful. I felt transported through the ages, witnessing the Rosso family face trials of war, plague, love, and loss, all while the beauty of Murano and its traditions unfurl around them.
The magical realism that Chevalier infuses into the narrative is particularly captivating. The idea that time flows differently on Murano creates a dreamlike quality to the story, making the island feel like a living, breathing character. That subtle distortion adds layers of mystique and wonder, intertwining Orsola’s life with the enchanting beads she creates—each one a tiny universe of history and emotion.
Juliet Aubrey’s narration truly elevated the experience. Her voice brought Orsola to life, capturing the essence of her character beautifully. The way she imbues emotion into every word allows you to feel the weight of Orsola’s struggles, the joy in her triumphs, and the heartbreak of her sacrifices. As I listened, I could feel the heat of the glass furnaces and the tension in the air as Orsola pushed against the boundaries that confined her.
By the end of the story, I was in tears, completely overwhelmed by the emotional depth Chevalier so expertly conveys. "The Glassmaker" is a poignant tale about resilience, identity, and the indelible marks we leave behind. It’s a story as delicate and strong as the glass it celebrates, making it an absolute must-read for anyone who cherishes beautifully crafted narratives.

I read this title a few months ago and I love Tracy Chevalier’s books. She writes with authority about so many different periods and niche activities and takes the reader into another world. I’ve really enjoyed listening to this tale again. The narration is superb and I was whisked away to Venice and such incredible detail of Murano glassmaking. More than that, major historical events are acknowledged along with their impact on trading. There’s a strong and plausible female lead and I have to say I binged on this title and finished it in a couple of sittings, totally immersed. Simply brilliant. My earlier review of the printed title follows.


The Glassmaker is a truly astonishing work of historical fiction. Tracy Chevalier is a gifted writer with an incredible eye for detail and in this book, as in others, she has brought a specific and little known skill to life in an ingenious way. Centred around glassmaking, Orsola makes glass beads. I was fascinated by the process and it adds an amazing factual perspective to glimpses through time as the beads skip over some six centuries. Retaining a simple singular viewpoint, the story weaves around other important events and their impact including plague, Napoleon, the First World War and Covid. It’s a clever and imaginative literary device and works seamlessly here.

Chevalier is adept at bringing things to life, be it places or people. I felt I was in Venice when it was a trading centre of the world some five hundred years ago. There’s a vibrancy and elegance to her writing which never seems laboured and her characters are so real. Without doubt, she’s one of the greatest living authors and this is destined to be a best seller. Simply outstanding and totally immersive.