We’ll explore a different destination for each Book Club, and a lucky Silver Travel Book Club reader can win a free copy of that month’s book.
This month for our Silver Travel Book Club we are stepping into the enchanting world of Venice in 1486 with The Glassmaker by Tracy Chevalier.
Time flows like the exquisite glass crafted on the nearby island of Murano. At the heart of this story is Orsola Rosso, a woman defying societal norms to save her family from ruin. As she secretly navigates a male-dominated craft, Orsola’s journey unfolds against the backdrop of war, plague, and the complexities of love and loss.
Through her perseverance, she creates stunning beads that adorn the necks of empresses and courtesans from Paris to Vienna. Yet, despite her brilliance, will she ever gain the respect of those she holds dear?
Tracy Chevalier’s masterful storytelling offers a vivid, spellbinding portrait of a woman, her family, and the city of Venice, making The Glassmaker a captivating read that explores the themes of resilience and the pursuit of perfection. Join us as we delve into this beautifully crafted tale and discover the strength of a woman whose artistry transcends time.
Venice Awaits: Explore Its Hidden Treasures
Venice captivates visitors with its blend of rich history, timeless traditions, and stunning architecture. From the grandeur of St. Mark’s Basilica to the hidden charms of its winding canals, this iconic city is a treasure trove of unforgettable sights and experiences. Explore its labyrinth of alleys, discover the art of glassmaking on Murano, and lose yourself in the romance of a gondola ride.
Discover Venice
Venice is a city like no other, vibrant and rich in artistic expression. Its architecture reflects centuries of glory as a trading power, blending influences from across the Mediterranean. Explore iconic treasures like the Basilica di San Marco and Palazzo Ducale, or wander atmospheric backstreets to uncover hidden gems, from marble-clad churches to priceless artworks by Bellini and Titian.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Paris to Venice
Begin your journey in Paris aboard the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, enjoying exquisite cuisine, elegant dining cars, and stunning views of the Swiss Alps. Relax as the train glides through the Italian Dolomites, before arriving at Venice’s Santa Lucia Station. This luxurious experience is perfect for celebrating special occasions or simply indulging in an unforgettable holiday.
City Break in Venice
Venice’s canals, golden squares, and waterside palaces form a maze perfect for curious wanderers. Arrive by vaporetto to a skyline of gleaming palaces and marbled piazzas, then explore the hidden backstreets with quaint cafés and shops. Beyond the city, discover Murano’s glassblowing, Burano’s lace, and the Venice Lido, home to the renowned Film Festival.
How to win a copy of The Glassmaker
Comment below and tell us what would be top of your do-to list on a trip to Venice?
A winner will be chosen at random in early December 2024.
The competition closes on 30 November 2024.
Read more about all our Silver Travel Book Club reads.
18 Responses
To return to St Mark’s Square for coffee and listen to a concert. When I was last there in the 1960’s, I had my most expensive cup of coffee I have ever had! Also I would like to go on a gondola again.
Try to visit the places we did not have time to see on our first visit.
Discover the hidden gems in the backstreets and stop for good food & wine!
Definitely a gondola ride before we’re too old. Afterwards a cool glass of wine in St Marks Square.
I’d leave the tourists in the popular busy areas and find myself a quiet street with restaurants frequented by locals where I’d feast on some Venetian specialties like Bigoli in salsa and Baccalà mantecato whilst watching the world go by. And if there was a bottle of something chilled on my table, well that would be even better.
A long anticipated gondola ride would be wonderful.
Just to sit sit watch and take in the beauty of Venice the the bridge of sighs
Venice how wonderful and especially Murano glass, thank you for the chance
After a visit to St Mark’s Square and a romantic gondola ride with my partner, it would have to be a trip out to Murano for the glass. This is a trip on my bucket list.
Exploring the islands of Murano and Burano and soaking up the different way of living.
Just sitting and taking in the surroundings and being in the moment.
Just being in Venice is enough but to sit in St Mark’s Square and have a coffee whilst watching the crowds would be a great start.
Never been on a gondola, so that is the first thing that I would do!
I would love to hop on a Gondola to visit the glassblowers at Murano and bring home a beautiful souvenir.
Love to go on a gondola ride then have a look at all the architecture it’s such a beautiful place
I would love to browse the mask shops and end the day with a Bellini at Harry’s Bar.
It simply has to be oohing and dithering over the purchase of a piece of Murano glass. Surely!
You can’t go to Venice without enjoying a trip down the Grand Canal on a Gondola, stopping off at a coffee shop for a drink and a delicious patisserie.