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The Gondola Maker: A Novel of 16th-Century Venice (Venetian Artisans Book 2) Kindle Edition

by Laura Morelli (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 1,858 ratings

Award-winning historical fiction set in 16th-century Venice


  • Benjamin Franklin Digital Award
  • IPPY Award for Best Adult Fiction E-book
  • National Indie Excellence Award Finalist
  • Eric Hoffer Award Finalist
  • Shortlisted for the da Vinci Eye Prize

    From the author of     Made in Italy comes a tale of artisanal tradition and family bonds set in one of the world's most magnificent settings: Renaissance Venice.

    Venetian gondola-maker Luca Vianello considers his whole life arranged. His father charted a course for his eldest son from the day he was born, and Luca is positioned to inherit one of the city's most esteemed boatyards. But when Luca experiences an unexpected tragedy in the boatyard, he believes that his destiny lies elsewhere. Soon he finds himself drawn to restore an antique gondola with the dream of taking a girl for a ride.

    The Gondola Maker brings the centuries-old art of gondola-making to life in the tale of a young man's complicated relationship with his master-craftsman father. Lovers of historical fiction will appreciate the authentic details of gondola craftsmanship, along with an intimate first-person narrative set against the richly textured backdrop of 16th-century Venice.

    A Venetian page-turner



    "I'm a big fan of Venice, so I appreciate Laura Morelli's special knowledge of the city, the period, and the process of gondola-making. An especially compelling story." --Frances Mayes, author of     Under the Tuscan Sun

    "Laura Morelli has done her research, or perhaps she was an Italian carpenter in another life. One can literally smell and feel the grain of finely turned wood in her hands." --Pamela Sheldon Johns, author of     Italian Food Artisans

    "Romance, intrigue, family loyalty, pride, and redemption set against the backdrop of Renaissance Italy." --Library of Clean Reads

    "Beautiful, powerful evocation of the characters, the place, and the time. An elegant and thoroughly engaging narrative voice." --Mark Spencer, author of     Fiction Club: A Concise Guide to Writing Good Fiction

    Scroll up and get your copy today!

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  1. Book 2 of 2
    Venetian Artisans
  2. Print length
    300 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    3 Mar. 2014
  6. File size
    5.3 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product description

Review

"I'm a big fan of Venice, so I appreciate Laura Morelli's special knowledge of the city, the period, and the process of gondola-making. An especially compelling story." --Frances Mayes, author of Under the Tuscan Sun


"Laura Morelli has done her research, or perhaps she was an Italian carpenter in another life. One can literally smell and feel the grain of finely turned wood in her hands." --Pamela Sheldon Johns, author of Italian Food Artisans


"Romance, intrigue, family loyalty, pride, and redemption set against the backdrop of Renaissance Italy." --Library of Clean Reads


"Beautiful, powerful evocation of the characters, the place, and the time. An elegant and thoroughly engaging narrative voice." --Mark Spencer, author of Fiction Club: A Concise Guide to Writing Good Fiction

From the Inside Flap

From the author of Made in Italy comes a tale of artisanal tradition and family bonds set in one of the world's most magnificent settings: Renaissance Venice.When Luca Vianello, the heir to a renowned gondola-making enterprise, experiences an unexpected tragedy in the boatyard, he believes that his destiny lies elsewhere. Soon he finds himself drawn to restore an antique gondola with the dream of taking a girl for a ride. Lovers of historical fiction will appreciate the authentic details of gondola craftsmanship, along with an intimate first-person narrative set against the richly textured backdrop of 16th-century Venice.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00IOBQ9VQ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Laura Morelli
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 3 Mar. 2014
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 5.3 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 300 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0989367103
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 2 of 2 ‏ : ‎ Venetian Artisans
  • Customer reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 1,858 ratings

About the author

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Laura Morelli

Laura Morelli

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The first time I visited Venice as a wide-eyed teenager, I knew I was supposed to go home with Murano glass, but I had no idea why.

All I knew was that I was whisked to the famous “glass island” on an overcrowded, stinky boat. I waited behind two dozen tourists to pay an exorbitant price for a little glass fish—what a bewildering experience!

Still, it was the artistic traditions of the world that lured me to travel and inspired me to pursue art history. Today, my mission is to EDUCATE, ENTERTAIN, and INSPIRE with the stories of art history, both real and imagined.

Join me at lauramorelli.com to read a free story, take an online art history class, or to learn more about my work. Thank you!

***

LAURA MORELLI holds a Ph.D. in art history from Yale University and is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling historical novelist.

Laura has taught college students in the United States and Europe. She is a longtime trusted guide in the world of cultural travel and authentic shopping, known for her Authentic Arts guidebook series that includes MADE IN ITALY and other guides. She has been a columnist for National Geographic Traveler and Italy Magazine, and has also developed lessons for TED-Ed.

As a historical novelist, Laura's passion is bringing the stories of art history to life. Her debut novel, THE GONDOLA MAKER, was one of the first independently published novels to earn a starred review in Publishers Weekly; it went on to win an IPPY Award and Benjamin Franklin Award. THE PAINTER'S APPRENTICE was a finalist for the 2018 Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards grand prize, and was an Editor's Choice in the Historical Novels Review. THE GIANT won an IndieBrag Medallion. THE NIGHT PORTRAIT was a USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestseller and book club pick at Costco, Target, Veranda, and Hudson News. THE STOLEN LADY, Laura's latest historical novel, follows the Mona Lisa from 16th-century Florence to World War II France.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
1,858 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this historical novel to be a wonderful read with a fascinating story set in Venice. The book is well written and easy to read, with lovely descriptions of the city. They appreciate the evocative writing style, with one customer noting how it brings memories back. The character development receives mixed reactions from customers.

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25 customers mention ‘Readability’25 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well written and engaging, describing it as a wonderful and enthralling read.

"...the intricacies and depth of of those authors' works, but it is a satisfying read with a strong sense of its place and time." Read more

"...reading about the City and it’s residents and this book I found enthralling and difficult to put down...." Read more

"This is a very enjoyable tale filled with well crafted images of Venice and of the trades of Gondola making and of Gondoliers...." Read more

"...This is really good book that pays great attention to gondola making and the general day to day life of the citizens of Venice, both rich and poor." Read more

22 customers mention ‘Story quality’19 positive3 negative

Customers find the book's story engaging and flowing well, set in Venice, with one customer particularly appreciating the insights into Venetian culture.

"Morelli is passionate about Venice and knowledgeable about its history...." Read more

"Fact and fiction combined to make this romantic, historical account of by gone days of Venetian life into a remarkable story...." Read more

"...The storyline is a real page turner and I didn't want the book to end...." Read more

"Good story line, interesting characters, and lots of well researched detail about the period, the place and the making of gondolas." Read more

16 customers mention ‘Sex scenes’16 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the sex scenes in the book, which are rich in detail and vividly describe Venice, with one customer noting the accurate portrayal of gondola construction.

"Morelli is passionate about Venice and knowledgeable about its history...." Read more

"...eye so throughout the book we are treated to gloriously vivid descriptions of sixteenth-century Venice. I loved this aspect of the novel!..." Read more

"...It is a book to remember and to talk about." Read more

"This is a very enjoyable tale filled with well crafted images of Venice and of the trades of Gondola making and of Gondoliers...." Read more

9 customers mention ‘Evocation’9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book evocative, with one review noting how it brings memories back and provides insight into a different life, while another describes it as honest to tradition.

"...because this aspect of the novel always felt authentic and honest to tradition...." Read more

"...for even though the plot has aspects that are not credible, it has a charm and an internal logic that appears to work." Read more

"I visited Venice a couple of years ago and this book brought all the memories back. It is wonderfully clear, concise and very descriptive...." Read more

"...smells as well as colours and emotions that made Venice so unique and unforgettable." Read more

5 customers mention ‘Writing quality’5 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, finding it very well written and easy to read, with one customer noting its wonderful clarity.

"...It is wonderfully clear, concise and very descriptive...." Read more

"Excellent easy reading. For those who have been to Venice very believable. Should encourage readers who have not been there to make a visit...." Read more

"...I haven't read much of it yet, it seems quite interesting and well written." Read more

"A really beautiful story. Took it on holiday read in the sun. Well written really enjoyed it Thanks" Read more

6 customers mention ‘Character development’3 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the character development in the book.

"...Luca is a sympathetic character, somewhat introverted which is unusual for a male lead...." Read more

"...found here is too MUCH description, very little happening, slightly insipid characters - and this is making me want to flip through it...." Read more

"...The main characters are so vividly portrayed that one hopes that a sequel will be written in order to continue their story...." Read more

"Atmospheric yet ultimately unsatisfying. The main characters lack something, a force that makes me care about what happens to them." Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Phil Whitney
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant and evocative
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 November 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Morelli is passionate about Venice and knowledgeable about its history. The research she has done has allowed her to get inside the head of her character allowing us to feel what he feels, see what he sees and smell what he smells. I can't imagine anyone not liking this book, but those who know Venice will love it. Morelli is to renaissance Venice what Donna Leon is to 21st century Venice.
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  • Stephanie Jane (Literary Flits)
    4.0 out of 5 stars Rich in detail and authenticity
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 October 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I was invited to join an Italy Book Tours spotlight tour for Laura Morelli's new novel, The Painter's Apprentice, next month. That story takes place in the same historical Venice setting as The Gondola Maker and, on the strength of this first book, I am certainly looking forward to the next in the series!

    The eponymous Gondola Maker, Luca, is the son of a boat-building family whose expertise, passed down through the generations, means his life expectations are limited to continuing the family business in which he has grown up. Unexpected - and very plausible - circumstances however see him cast out on his own and I loved how Morelli explores the concept of someone whose fate appeared predetermined now having an opportunity to choose their own path.

    Luca is a sympathetic character, somewhat introverted which is unusual for a male lead. He has a keen eye so throughout the book we are treated to gloriously vivid descriptions of sixteenth-century Venice. I loved this aspect of the novel! I have visited Venice myself so particularly enjoyed imagining the colours, energy and aromas depicted! Morelli obviously has a great love for the city herself and this comes through, via Luca, in her writing. She must also have spent many hours researching this historical period and the craft of gondola building because this aspect of the novel always felt authentic and honest to tradition.

    In reading The Gondola Maker, I was reminded of the historical richness of books by Tracy Chevalier and Jessie Burton. Perhaps this story does not quite have the intricacies and depth of of those authors' works, but it is a satisfying read with a strong sense of its place and time.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Tootiredformost
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Venetian Story at its best.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 November 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Having spent a couple of weeks walking round Venice, I enjoy reading about the City and it’s residents and this book I found enthralling and difficult to put down. In fact I had two late nights because of reading it and fell asleep with the book in my hands.
    It is a book to remember and to talk about.
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  • Elizabeth Webster
    4.0 out of 5 stars Gondolas are not just boats....
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 October 2015
    Verified Purchase
    This is a very enjoyable tale filled with well crafted images of Venice and of the trades of Gondola making and of Gondoliers. If you like light historical fiction this will appeal to you, for even though the plot has aspects that are not credible, it has a charm and an internal logic that appears to work.
    Helpful
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  • Ms. A. Traczykowski
    4.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating story set in Venice.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 November 2017
    Verified Purchase
    The son of a gondola maker, our hero loves working with wood, but his Father is a brutal man. After a heated argument with his Father a lamp is knocked over and the workshop erupts into a blazing inferno. The son , afraid of his Father`s wrath runs away. And so begins a future that involves near starvation until he gets a job on the gondolas.
    This is really good book that pays great attention to gondola making and the general day to day life of the citizens of Venice, both rich and poor.
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  • CDW
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very well written and informative book.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 January 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I visited Venice a couple of years ago and this book brought all the memories back. It is wonderfully clear, concise and very descriptive. I liked this book so much, I purchased the other book in the series (which is also exceptionally good!). Well worth a read if you have been to or are visiting Venice in the future.
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  • Lynda
    5.0 out of 5 stars Venice at its finest
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 November 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I so enjoyed this novel. Whether you have been to Venice or not you will feel as if you know it by the time you have finished reading the book. Learning about the network that revolves around the profession of crafting gondoliers was enthralling as well as the variety of people involved.The class system of the time was explored as well as the corruption within it. There were hints of homosexuality and the trading of young patrician daughters in exchange for money. My favourite sections were the ones with the painter and the descriptions of his paintings and the intricate, all absorbing work involved. An open ending for the future of the young gondolier was refreshing. A great read.
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  • Jeanne
    4.0 out of 5 stars Venice comes to life
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 October 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Fact and fiction combined to make this romantic, historical account of by gone days of Venetian life into a remarkable story. The accurate description of the gondola and lifestyle of Venetian culture through the generations is the heart beat that preserves Venice for the 21st century. Laura Morelli has give life to the people, places,sights and smells as well as colours and emotions that made Venice so unique and unforgettable.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • JRL from Brooklyn
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great historic fiction set in 16th century Venice
    Reviewed in the United States on 17 April 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed reading this book about 16 century Venice. She is a very good storyteller. I couldn’t put it down. This is the second book that I have read by this author. I look forward to reading more of her novels.
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  • iWei
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Gondola Maker
    Reviewed in Germany on 30 October 2014
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    Netter Roman aus dem 16. Jahrhundert, welches die Gesellschaft in dieser Zeit beschreibt und speziell die der Gondelbauer aus Venedig. Erzählt wird die Geschichte eines jungen Gondelbauers, der in der Werkstatt seines Vaters arbeitet, bis es zu einem Zwischenfall kommt... Nebenbei kann man seinen Wortschatz erweitern.
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  • Leslie631
    5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable read
    Reviewed in Canada on 10 November 2017
    Verified Purchase
    The. Gondola Maker was well written and informative. Lots of great details about Venice in the 16th century and about early gondola making. The story was realistic for the time period.
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  • Jockaboy
    5.0 out of 5 stars A most enjoyable read.
    Reviewed in Australia on 23 October 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I’m not sure how I came to read this book (free in Kindle?) but I am ever so glad I did ! A charming and enjoyable story. I am from Australia and knew almost nothing of the history of the gondola, or Venice for that matter. I am wiser now and look forward to learning more due to the beautiful way the author presented the story. Surely the fate of Luca, and his secret love must be made known to us in a future book (please!).
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  • lualpa
    4.0 out of 5 stars Amable y fácil de leer
    Reviewed in Spain on 15 August 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Se deja leer rápido. Demora un poco en plantearse el objetivo pero lo recomiendo. Imaginar Venecia todo el tiempo es gratificante.
    Report

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