What do you think?
Rate this book
The Lover's Path: An Illustrated Novel
A visual and literary feast for historical fiction lovers. ”A full-color picture book for adults that tells a wrenching story of eternal love.”—NPR Books
"To truly love another, you must follow the lover’s path wherever it may take you . . . .”
Filamena Ziani is the much younger sister of the most famous courtesan in sixteenth-century Venice, Tullia Ziani. Orphaned as an infant, Filamena has come of age bent like a branch to her sister’s will, sheltered and lonely in the elegant but stifling confines of their palazzo by the sea. Then a dark-haired stranger offers a gift that will change the course of her life forever: a single ripe plum, and an invitation to walk along the lover’s path, wherever it may lead.
THE LOVER’S PATH, a moving tale of forbidden love, is an illustrated novella told in multiple layers. Through a sumptuous combination of Filamena’s narrative, famous love stories from history and mythology, ornate illustrations, and interactive maps, Filamena’s path is beautifully described and, finally, stunningly revealed.
Praised by The New York Times Book Review for her “quality of myth and magic,” Waldherr brings to life a remarkable period in Venetian history. Her glorious celebration of romance, the feminine spirit, and the power of love to transform will inspire and move readers everywhere.
"To truly love another, you must follow the lover’s path wherever it may take you . . . .”
Filamena Ziani is the much younger sister of the most famous courtesan in sixteenth-century Venice, Tullia Ziani. Orphaned as an infant, Filamena has come of age bent like a branch to her sister’s will, sheltered and lonely in the elegant but stifling confines of their palazzo by the sea. Then a dark-haired stranger offers a gift that will change the course of her life forever: a single ripe plum, and an invitation to walk along the lover’s path, wherever it may lead.
THE LOVER’S PATH, a moving tale of forbidden love, is an illustrated novella told in multiple layers. Through a sumptuous combination of Filamena’s narrative, famous love stories from history and mythology, ornate illustrations, and interactive maps, Filamena’s path is beautifully described and, finally, stunningly revealed.
Praised by The New York Times Book Review for her “quality of myth and magic,” Waldherr brings to life a remarkable period in Venetian history. Her glorious celebration of romance, the feminine spirit, and the power of love to transform will inspire and move readers everywhere.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2005
5 people are currently reading
498 people want to read
About the author
Kris Waldherr
49 books377 followersKris Waldherr is an award-winning author and illustrator whose books for adults and children include Bad Princess, Doomed Queens, and The Book of Goddesses. The New Yorker praised Doomed Queens as “utterly satisfying” and “deliciously perverse.” The Book of Goddesses was a One Spirit/Book-of-the-Month Club’s Top Ten Most Popular Book. Her picture book Persephone and the Pomegranate was noted by the New York Times Book Review for its “quality of myth and magic.” Waldherr is also the creator of the Goddess Tarot, which has a quarter of a million copies in print. Her Kirkus-starred debut novel The Lost History of Dreams was named a CrimeReads Best Book of the Year and her Unnatural Creatures: A Novel of the Frankenstein Women was an Editor's Choice at the Historical Novels Review.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 6, 2016
“To truly love another, you must follow the lover’s path wherever it may take you . . .”
Quite a feast for your eyes, such stunning illustrations complimenting beautiful prose. A forbidden love with plenty of tragedy along with numerous twists. The entire book will seep into your mind, imprinting both a stimulating visual and powerful story of two memorable lovers.
I can't recall the last time I read a story accompanied by illustrations with the exception of children's books. The artwork adds to the impact of the story. You're not inundated with a large amount of artwork, rather a sparse amount strategically placed gracing the characters and plot.
Savor your journey with The Lover's Path it truly is all about the journey not the destination. You will be immersed in 16th century Venice, the trials and tribulations of romance. A delicate, sensual yet powerful story leaving you stunned in beauty in its entirety. Exquisite.
June 21, 2015
In the intricate, exuberant manner of the Renaissance art to which it pays homage, Kris Waldherr's lavishly illustrated novella THE LOVER'S PATH tempts and tantalizes the reader into a unique reading experience. Originally released as a print book in 2005, Waldherr has recast her tale of forbidden love as an interactive iPad e-book. Convincing in itself, the fictional confession of a female musician's journey on the path of true love gains a patina of authenticity from the nest of maps, scholarly articles, museum brochures and other ephemera which encompasses it. The result is an intriguing artifact that blurs the boundaries between word and image, fact and fiction, myth and lived experience and haunts the reader's thoughts long after the screen goes dark.
The kernel of Walderr's book is Filamena Ziani's personal narrative, purportedly published in 1543 and dedicated to the musician's patroness on the occasion of her wedding. Wishing to demonstrate that, in order to truly love another, it it necessary to follow the lover's path wherever it might take one, Filamena reveals her own story. Orphaned in infancy, she is raised by her older sister Tullia, a famed Venetian courtesan. Tullia's assiduity in securing generous patrons allows the sisters to live in luxury, yet Tullia yearns to provide Filamena a future independent of the favor of men. Accordingly, she confines her sister to the house and limits her interaction with guests. Chafing at these restrictions, Filamena schemes to use her voice to win the patronage of a visiting cardinal. Her plan founders when Angelo, the cardinal's illegitimate son, falls in love with her after hearing her sing at Tullia's feast. Filamena surrenders her heart to this youth who sends her a book of maps and myths to guide her along the path of love. Fueled by startling revelations and mistaken identities, events mount to a bittersweet conclusion, one that ultimately teaches Filamena that, though the world be "a place of wondrous complexities, of unreasonable sorrows and unimaginable triumphs," it can never part her from the love she finds along the path.
Waldherr takes pains to create an aura of authenticity around Filamena's confession. She models Filamena's voice on letters and dialogues penned by Renaissance women writers. Weaving archetypal stories throughout Filamena's tale, she provides the allegorical commentary typical of sixteenth century narrative. Her stunning visual design evokes an unmistakable Renaissance aesthetic in its scrollwork borders, illustrated capitals, and fanciful section markers, elements that counterbalance the more modern sensibility of the book's lavish illustrations.
Waldherr's efforts to further an illusion of authenticity do not end with the material of the narrative itself. In a daring creative ploy, the author creates an elaborate extra-textual scaffolding to validate Filamena's sixteenth century world. The book opens with a letter from the supposed curator of the Museo di Palazzo Filomela that discusses Filomena's life in its historical context and celebrates the present book as the first English translation of her original Italian work. Following the story, the interactive article "About the Museo" outlines the museum's history as Filamena's former residence and provides a map that ingeniously displays the book's archetypal illustrations as frescoes on its gallery walls. By clicking on various rooms, the reader may examine artifacts from Filamena's life "currently on display," such as her travel journal and a decorated violin. The assurance that additional artifacts and documents will join the current exhibits as soon as they are uncovered contributes to the unsettling feeling that this museum, and the life it chronicles, might just perhaps be real.
So convincingly does Waldherr present her material, I must admit I did a little Googling to make sure the book, the museum, and Filamena herself were but the products of the author's fecund imagination. My admiration for Waldherr's impressive talents quickly overcame my disappointment at never being able to visit the Museo di Palazzo Filomela in person. Yet I can, and will, return to Filamena's imagined world again and again. Obtain a copy and travel THE LOVER'S PATH for yourself. This marvelous e-book is as seductive and satisfying as the love it purports to relate.
[Please note: Only the iPad edition of THE LOVER'S PATH is interactive. The other e-book formats contain identical content, but without the interactive features. ]
The kernel of Walderr's book is Filamena Ziani's personal narrative, purportedly published in 1543 and dedicated to the musician's patroness on the occasion of her wedding. Wishing to demonstrate that, in order to truly love another, it it necessary to follow the lover's path wherever it might take one, Filamena reveals her own story. Orphaned in infancy, she is raised by her older sister Tullia, a famed Venetian courtesan. Tullia's assiduity in securing generous patrons allows the sisters to live in luxury, yet Tullia yearns to provide Filamena a future independent of the favor of men. Accordingly, she confines her sister to the house and limits her interaction with guests. Chafing at these restrictions, Filamena schemes to use her voice to win the patronage of a visiting cardinal. Her plan founders when Angelo, the cardinal's illegitimate son, falls in love with her after hearing her sing at Tullia's feast. Filamena surrenders her heart to this youth who sends her a book of maps and myths to guide her along the path of love. Fueled by startling revelations and mistaken identities, events mount to a bittersweet conclusion, one that ultimately teaches Filamena that, though the world be "a place of wondrous complexities, of unreasonable sorrows and unimaginable triumphs," it can never part her from the love she finds along the path.
Waldherr takes pains to create an aura of authenticity around Filamena's confession. She models Filamena's voice on letters and dialogues penned by Renaissance women writers. Weaving archetypal stories throughout Filamena's tale, she provides the allegorical commentary typical of sixteenth century narrative. Her stunning visual design evokes an unmistakable Renaissance aesthetic in its scrollwork borders, illustrated capitals, and fanciful section markers, elements that counterbalance the more modern sensibility of the book's lavish illustrations.
Waldherr's efforts to further an illusion of authenticity do not end with the material of the narrative itself. In a daring creative ploy, the author creates an elaborate extra-textual scaffolding to validate Filamena's sixteenth century world. The book opens with a letter from the supposed curator of the Museo di Palazzo Filomela that discusses Filomena's life in its historical context and celebrates the present book as the first English translation of her original Italian work. Following the story, the interactive article "About the Museo" outlines the museum's history as Filamena's former residence and provides a map that ingeniously displays the book's archetypal illustrations as frescoes on its gallery walls. By clicking on various rooms, the reader may examine artifacts from Filamena's life "currently on display," such as her travel journal and a decorated violin. The assurance that additional artifacts and documents will join the current exhibits as soon as they are uncovered contributes to the unsettling feeling that this museum, and the life it chronicles, might just perhaps be real.
So convincingly does Waldherr present her material, I must admit I did a little Googling to make sure the book, the museum, and Filamena herself were but the products of the author's fecund imagination. My admiration for Waldherr's impressive talents quickly overcame my disappointment at never being able to visit the Museo di Palazzo Filomela in person. Yet I can, and will, return to Filamena's imagined world again and again. Obtain a copy and travel THE LOVER'S PATH for yourself. This marvelous e-book is as seductive and satisfying as the love it purports to relate.
[Please note: Only the iPad edition of THE LOVER'S PATH is interactive. The other e-book formats contain identical content, but without the interactive features. ]
April 17, 2013
This is a gem of a book, with all the ingredients of a love story: passion and desire; love and loss; jealousy and betrayal; but these are not the reasons the book is a gem. The setting is the mysterious and exotic Venice of the sixteenth century, with masks and cloaks and mistaken identities, but in fact the story itself is light-weight and didn't really engage me.
No, the reason this is pure delight is the book itself. Hard-back; thick sturdy pages, edged in gold; wonderfully illustrated (by the author); and glued to some of the pages are maps to be unfolded and envelopes to be opened. The text doesn't simply refer to a love letter; you take the letter out of the envelope to read it.
I often give books to charity when I have read them, but this one is staying in my book-case. If you want a good reason why e-books can never replace the old-fashioned version, this is it.
No, the reason this is pure delight is the book itself. Hard-back; thick sturdy pages, edged in gold; wonderfully illustrated (by the author); and glued to some of the pages are maps to be unfolded and envelopes to be opened. The text doesn't simply refer to a love letter; you take the letter out of the envelope to read it.
I often give books to charity when I have read them, but this one is staying in my book-case. If you want a good reason why e-books can never replace the old-fashioned version, this is it.
June 17, 2015
The Lover's Path "To truly love another, you must follow the lover's path wherever it may take you"
The Lover's Path is the journey that a young woman takes in pursuit of love. The myths of Dante and Beatrice, Isis and Osiris, Tristan and Isolde, Orpheus and Eruydice and finally Eros and Psyche are the inspirations for this story about star crossed lovers. The story tells us about a young woman, Filamena Ziani, who is writing in her journal to her Patroness Felicita Lando.
The tale starts out with Filamena as a 16 year old who lives in Venice with her sister Tullia, a famed courtesan. Even though Tullia entertains numerous men and benefactor's, Filamena is shielded from this carnal love by Tullia. Filamena rarely goes outside of the palazzo and is very lonely. She is well educated, she can read and write in Italian and Latin, she has been tutored in music, which she became well known for later in her life. Because Filamena was so sheltered, she began to yearn for something more, she loved her music and gave many recitals but she started feeling like she was in a prison, which she kind of was. On one of the evenings, she was to sing for a cardinal, but was hidden in the musician's gallery. She meets a young man who gives her two gifts, one of them is a ripe plum and the other is an invitation to walk the lover's path.
She runs and he follows and he tells her the tale of the lover's path. Then he disappears but the next day a small gift arrives for her, it is a small book or journal that belonged to the young mans mother. In this book are the stories of Dante and Beatrice, along with tales of other couples. The book is supposed to take her on the lover's path. In the note he says that "to truly love another, you must follow the lover's path wherever it may take you." Along with this gift she learns that the young man is Angelo, the cardinal's illegitimate son.
There are 7 chapters in the book, Grace, Fortune, Desire, Deception, Awakening, Passion and Love and each chapter is preceded by gorgeous chapter page, and with various other artwork. Simply beautiful. The author explains in the back of the book that her artwork in the book was inspired by a visit to Italy. The book is influenced by so many different things, by Tullia d'Aragona, who was also a courtesan, letters from feminist Laura Cereta, art, architecture and books of the fifteenth and sixteenth century.
Does the story have a happy ending? I can't really tell you that but what I can tell you is The Lover's Path is a beautiful novella, filled with gorgeous pictures done by the author and a bit of a history lesson on the 16th century Italian Renaissance. Included in the back of the book, is a section about the Museo which is The Palazzo Filomela, named after the musician Filamena Ziani who lived there. In the museum, which I would love to see, is a series of fresco's that depict the stories of the seven mystic couples that I mentioned at the beginning of my review.
There is also a map depicting where in the palazzo the frescoes are located, a picture of the journal belonging to Filamena What a pleasure is was to read this book and learn the lover's path. I highly recommend this wonderful little book. I read it on the iPad but would love to see it in print.
Among Kris Waldherr's works is Doomed Queens which is an awesome book also and The Book of Goddesses. She also created the Goddess Tarot. Ms.Waldherr's illustrations have been exhibited in galleries and museums. What an accomplished woman! It was my pleasure to read and review this phenomenal book and I was not monetarily compensated for my review. - See more at: http://www.celticladysreviews.blogspo...
The Lover's Path is the journey that a young woman takes in pursuit of love. The myths of Dante and Beatrice, Isis and Osiris, Tristan and Isolde, Orpheus and Eruydice and finally Eros and Psyche are the inspirations for this story about star crossed lovers. The story tells us about a young woman, Filamena Ziani, who is writing in her journal to her Patroness Felicita Lando.
The tale starts out with Filamena as a 16 year old who lives in Venice with her sister Tullia, a famed courtesan. Even though Tullia entertains numerous men and benefactor's, Filamena is shielded from this carnal love by Tullia. Filamena rarely goes outside of the palazzo and is very lonely. She is well educated, she can read and write in Italian and Latin, she has been tutored in music, which she became well known for later in her life. Because Filamena was so sheltered, she began to yearn for something more, she loved her music and gave many recitals but she started feeling like she was in a prison, which she kind of was. On one of the evenings, she was to sing for a cardinal, but was hidden in the musician's gallery. She meets a young man who gives her two gifts, one of them is a ripe plum and the other is an invitation to walk the lover's path.
She runs and he follows and he tells her the tale of the lover's path. Then he disappears but the next day a small gift arrives for her, it is a small book or journal that belonged to the young mans mother. In this book are the stories of Dante and Beatrice, along with tales of other couples. The book is supposed to take her on the lover's path. In the note he says that "to truly love another, you must follow the lover's path wherever it may take you." Along with this gift she learns that the young man is Angelo, the cardinal's illegitimate son.
There are 7 chapters in the book, Grace, Fortune, Desire, Deception, Awakening, Passion and Love and each chapter is preceded by gorgeous chapter page, and with various other artwork. Simply beautiful. The author explains in the back of the book that her artwork in the book was inspired by a visit to Italy. The book is influenced by so many different things, by Tullia d'Aragona, who was also a courtesan, letters from feminist Laura Cereta, art, architecture and books of the fifteenth and sixteenth century.
Does the story have a happy ending? I can't really tell you that but what I can tell you is The Lover's Path is a beautiful novella, filled with gorgeous pictures done by the author and a bit of a history lesson on the 16th century Italian Renaissance. Included in the back of the book, is a section about the Museo which is The Palazzo Filomela, named after the musician Filamena Ziani who lived there. In the museum, which I would love to see, is a series of fresco's that depict the stories of the seven mystic couples that I mentioned at the beginning of my review.
There is also a map depicting where in the palazzo the frescoes are located, a picture of the journal belonging to Filamena What a pleasure is was to read this book and learn the lover's path. I highly recommend this wonderful little book. I read it on the iPad but would love to see it in print.
Among Kris Waldherr's works is Doomed Queens which is an awesome book also and The Book of Goddesses. She also created the Goddess Tarot. Ms.Waldherr's illustrations have been exhibited in galleries and museums. What an accomplished woman! It was my pleasure to read and review this phenomenal book and I was not monetarily compensated for my review. - See more at: http://www.celticladysreviews.blogspo...
June 17, 2015
"To truly love another, you must follow the lover's path wherever it may take you" The Lover's Path is the journey that a young woman takes in pursuit of love.
The myths of Dante and Beatrice, Isis and Osiris, Tristan and Isolde, Orpheus and Eruydice and finally Eros and Psyche are the inspirations for this story about star crossed lovers. The story tells us about a young woman, Filamena Ziani, who is writing in her journal to her Patroness Felicita Lando.
The tale starts out with Filamena as a 16 year old who lives in Venice with her sister Tullia, a famed courtesan. Even though Tullia entertains numerous men and benefactor's, Filamena is shielded from this carnal love by Tullia. Filamena rarely goes outside of the palazzo and is very lonely. She is well educated, she can read and write in Italian and Latin, she has been tutored in music, which she became well known for later in her life. Because Filamena was so sheltered, she began to yearn for something more, she loved her music and gave many recitals but she started feeling like she was in a prison, which she kind of was.
On one of the evenings, she was to sing for a cardinal, but was hidden in the musician's gallery. She meets a young man who gives her two gifts, one of them is a ripe plum and the other is an invitation to walk the lover's path. She runs and he follows and he tells her the tale of the lover's path. Then he disappears but the next day a small gift arrives for her, it is a small book or journal that belonged to the young mans mother.
In this book are the stories of Dante and Beatrice, along with tales of other couples. The book is supposed to take her on the lover's path. In the note he says that "to truly love another, you must follow the lover's path wherever it may take you." Along with this gift she learns that the young man is Angelo, the cardinal's illegitimate son. There are 7 chapters in the book, Grace, Fortune, Desire, Deception, Awakening, Passion and Love and each chapter is preceded by gorgeous chapter page, and with various other artwork.
Simply beautiful.
The author explains in the back of the book that her artwork in the book was inspired by a visit to Italy. The book is influenced by so many different things, by Tullia d'Aragona, who was also a courtesan, letters from feminist Laura Cereta, art, architecture and books of the fifteenth and sixteenth century.
Does the story have a happy ending? I can't really tell you that but what I can tell you is The Lover's Path is a beautiful novella, filled with gorgeous pictures done by the author and a bit of a history lesson on the 16th century Italian Renaissance. Included in the back of the book, is a section about the Museo which is The Palazzo Filomela, named after the musician Filamena Ziani who lived there.
In the museum, which I would love to see, is a series of fresco's that depict the stories of the seven mystic couples that I mentioned at the beginning of my review. There is also a map depicting where in the palazzo the frescoes are located, a picture of the journal belonging to Filamena What a pleasure is was to read this book and learn the lover's path. I highly recommend this wonderful little book.
I read it on the iPad but would love to see it in print. Among Kris Waldherr's works is Doomed Queens which is an awesome book also and The Book of Goddesses. She also created the Goddess Tarot. Ms.Waldherr's illustrations have been exhibited in galleries and museums. What an accomplished woman! It was my pleasure to read and review this phenomenal book and I was not monetarily compensated for my review. - See more at: http://www.celticladysreviews.blogspo...
The myths of Dante and Beatrice, Isis and Osiris, Tristan and Isolde, Orpheus and Eruydice and finally Eros and Psyche are the inspirations for this story about star crossed lovers. The story tells us about a young woman, Filamena Ziani, who is writing in her journal to her Patroness Felicita Lando.
The tale starts out with Filamena as a 16 year old who lives in Venice with her sister Tullia, a famed courtesan. Even though Tullia entertains numerous men and benefactor's, Filamena is shielded from this carnal love by Tullia. Filamena rarely goes outside of the palazzo and is very lonely. She is well educated, she can read and write in Italian and Latin, she has been tutored in music, which she became well known for later in her life. Because Filamena was so sheltered, she began to yearn for something more, she loved her music and gave many recitals but she started feeling like she was in a prison, which she kind of was.
On one of the evenings, she was to sing for a cardinal, but was hidden in the musician's gallery. She meets a young man who gives her two gifts, one of them is a ripe plum and the other is an invitation to walk the lover's path. She runs and he follows and he tells her the tale of the lover's path. Then he disappears but the next day a small gift arrives for her, it is a small book or journal that belonged to the young mans mother.
In this book are the stories of Dante and Beatrice, along with tales of other couples. The book is supposed to take her on the lover's path. In the note he says that "to truly love another, you must follow the lover's path wherever it may take you." Along with this gift she learns that the young man is Angelo, the cardinal's illegitimate son. There are 7 chapters in the book, Grace, Fortune, Desire, Deception, Awakening, Passion and Love and each chapter is preceded by gorgeous chapter page, and with various other artwork.
Simply beautiful.
The author explains in the back of the book that her artwork in the book was inspired by a visit to Italy. The book is influenced by so many different things, by Tullia d'Aragona, who was also a courtesan, letters from feminist Laura Cereta, art, architecture and books of the fifteenth and sixteenth century.
Does the story have a happy ending? I can't really tell you that but what I can tell you is The Lover's Path is a beautiful novella, filled with gorgeous pictures done by the author and a bit of a history lesson on the 16th century Italian Renaissance. Included in the back of the book, is a section about the Museo which is The Palazzo Filomela, named after the musician Filamena Ziani who lived there.
In the museum, which I would love to see, is a series of fresco's that depict the stories of the seven mystic couples that I mentioned at the beginning of my review. There is also a map depicting where in the palazzo the frescoes are located, a picture of the journal belonging to Filamena What a pleasure is was to read this book and learn the lover's path. I highly recommend this wonderful little book.
I read it on the iPad but would love to see it in print. Among Kris Waldherr's works is Doomed Queens which is an awesome book also and The Book of Goddesses. She also created the Goddess Tarot. Ms.Waldherr's illustrations have been exhibited in galleries and museums. What an accomplished woman! It was my pleasure to read and review this phenomenal book and I was not monetarily compensated for my review. - See more at: http://www.celticladysreviews.blogspo...
May 22, 2018
This was a beautiful read, both visually and intellectually. The author has gone to incredible lengths to make the story of Filamena feel like a historical record rather than a contemporary work of historical fiction. If I was not told in the author's notes that Filamena's story was fictional, I may have believed her to have been a real person and her story a true recollection of events that happened in 1500s Venice.
The prose was rich and vibrant, painting as detailed a picture of the story as the illustrations in the book. The small trinkets laced throughout the book in the form of letters and tarot cards tucked into envelopes was a beautiful touch and did that much more to draw the reader into Filamena's world. Being able to touch the letters she exchanged and hold the tarot cards she owned made Filamena and her story feel real.
Romance is not typically my genre of choice, but it was difficult not to feel emotional while reading. Filamena's tale is so rich in feeling that only a heart made of stone would be immune to both the joy and tragedy enclosed within the pages.
All in all, I can't think of a single negative thing to say. It was visually stunning, the writing was as beautiful and heartfelt as the artwork, the letters enclosed to accompany the narrative added a tangibility to the story, and the author's effort to go that extra mile to make Filamena a believable historical figure is to be commended. I don't think I've ever seen such above-and-beyond dedication to any work of fiction I've read before. The Lover's Path is a delightful treat for both the eyes and heart.
The prose was rich and vibrant, painting as detailed a picture of the story as the illustrations in the book. The small trinkets laced throughout the book in the form of letters and tarot cards tucked into envelopes was a beautiful touch and did that much more to draw the reader into Filamena's world. Being able to touch the letters she exchanged and hold the tarot cards she owned made Filamena and her story feel real.
Romance is not typically my genre of choice, but it was difficult not to feel emotional while reading. Filamena's tale is so rich in feeling that only a heart made of stone would be immune to both the joy and tragedy enclosed within the pages.
All in all, I can't think of a single negative thing to say. It was visually stunning, the writing was as beautiful and heartfelt as the artwork, the letters enclosed to accompany the narrative added a tangibility to the story, and the author's effort to go that extra mile to make Filamena a believable historical figure is to be commended. I don't think I've ever seen such above-and-beyond dedication to any work of fiction I've read before. The Lover's Path is a delightful treat for both the eyes and heart.
June 6, 2015
THE LOVER'S PATH is beautiful in every way; not only is the story of the girl's secret and ultimately dangerous love wonderfully told, but the exquisite illustrations and layout make you feel that you have truly fallen into old Venice with its longing and eroticism. You feel you will look up from your screen and find yourself in an antique palazzo smelling of the sea with the soft footsteps of servants on the stair and the sound of a gondola moving through the water outside your window. Prepare to be lifted into another time and place and discover secrets long guarded.
That one extraordinarily talented writer/artist/designer could have created this whole world is almost not to be believed but it is so. You must own this lovely, lovely book!
That one extraordinarily talented writer/artist/designer could have created this whole world is almost not to be believed but it is so. You must own this lovely, lovely book!
June 25, 2015
I missed out 10 years ago when Kris released the gorgeous historical fiction escape of a print book, with a love story full of myth and forbidden romance. From what I hear, it was a complete artistic experience within itself: elegant and mysterious in offering little nuances like small letters tucked inside tiny envelopes, maps and portraits, and was considered eye-candy with its gilded and artistic borders and edges.
It was my hope, after becoming acquainted with Kris some years back, to purchase this book from a seller foremost for the art alone. I absolutely admire and swoon over her artistic talent with its nod back to the medieval times and reminds me of the art drawn in the books I sometimes view at various city art museums that have large European collections. She channels the 16th century through her work and embraces a time of bold colors and golden accents and especially the romanticism of Venice, Italy. I adore her art.
But her creative idea for writing this novella that surrounds the art is also original and unique. Filamena Ziani is the fictional younger sister created by Kris, but the sister of a true historical courtesan, Tullia Ziani. It’s evident that Kris researched meticulously the time and place in order to tell her fairy tale and molded Filamena into an ideal woman of this 16th Century Venetian time period where courtesan and prostitution work, and the subsequent laws, impacted so many women. Being able to obtain status as some form of artist (poet, musician, or creating art) was a way out of a lifetime of being marked. I feel that Kris did a wonderful job of creating Filamena so that she could better highlight the feminism elements of her book. We can feel Filamena’s courage and strength of spirit, as well as her yearning and romantic heart. We can see how Filamena was able to thrive during her life, and yet, as she was forgotten by time, I liked how Kris set up a world for the reader that created her being immortalized with a museum in Italy, with a curator even introducing Filamena to us, and one in which we can peruse without even traveling outside our home. How clever!
Kris has re-published her book into an e-book format for its 10th anniversary! It was my pleasure to be able to review a copy of it for the iPad and it was a magical and magnificent hour or two. Since Kris also develops apps and produces beautiful and workable websites for authors, she has combined this talent with her illustrative skills and has given us an interactive book that still encompasses the wonderful, mythical story as well as her visually appealing art, yet includes sections for tapping to see more information in various places. It’s very cool to be able to have this fully integrated experience so you are still immersed in the fictional world she’s created. You will be sliding your finger and tapping on art and find yourself completely captivated and lost as you travel to Italy. It was stunning to my eye, as the art shined off the page, and everything on my iPad worked perfectly much to my delight!
I was mesmerized by each section of the book that Kris set-up for the reader, swept away by the tale that wound around comparison myths of Tristan and Isolde, Dante and Beatrice, Osiris and Isis, and more. I was so moved by Filamena’s tale throughout, lost in her time and place and her overall story, and frozen by the end. This is the kind of book that transcends romance and makes you feel heartache. You know, the type of heartache that comes from true love that almost knows no boundaries. This is a story that will make you FEEL and you won’t forget. You’ll revisit it again. I know I will. I treasure her work, both the delicate story telling, the original way in which she framed Filamena’s story within a story, and her gorgeous art.
Whether you already have the book The Lover’s Path, or are just being introduced to her work, this iPad version (there are also other formats available) is a must for a light enjoyable escape that will end up making your heart feel enchanted. Visually, your eyes will light up in joy as you appreciate the art peppered throughout. Your spirit may even be moved. I wouldn’t miss out on having this digital version. I’m not a huge fan of digital, but this is a unique and entertaining experience. I still want to order any copy I can find of the hardcover version too.
I was given a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
It was my hope, after becoming acquainted with Kris some years back, to purchase this book from a seller foremost for the art alone. I absolutely admire and swoon over her artistic talent with its nod back to the medieval times and reminds me of the art drawn in the books I sometimes view at various city art museums that have large European collections. She channels the 16th century through her work and embraces a time of bold colors and golden accents and especially the romanticism of Venice, Italy. I adore her art.
But her creative idea for writing this novella that surrounds the art is also original and unique. Filamena Ziani is the fictional younger sister created by Kris, but the sister of a true historical courtesan, Tullia Ziani. It’s evident that Kris researched meticulously the time and place in order to tell her fairy tale and molded Filamena into an ideal woman of this 16th Century Venetian time period where courtesan and prostitution work, and the subsequent laws, impacted so many women. Being able to obtain status as some form of artist (poet, musician, or creating art) was a way out of a lifetime of being marked. I feel that Kris did a wonderful job of creating Filamena so that she could better highlight the feminism elements of her book. We can feel Filamena’s courage and strength of spirit, as well as her yearning and romantic heart. We can see how Filamena was able to thrive during her life, and yet, as she was forgotten by time, I liked how Kris set up a world for the reader that created her being immortalized with a museum in Italy, with a curator even introducing Filamena to us, and one in which we can peruse without even traveling outside our home. How clever!
Kris has re-published her book into an e-book format for its 10th anniversary! It was my pleasure to be able to review a copy of it for the iPad and it was a magical and magnificent hour or two. Since Kris also develops apps and produces beautiful and workable websites for authors, she has combined this talent with her illustrative skills and has given us an interactive book that still encompasses the wonderful, mythical story as well as her visually appealing art, yet includes sections for tapping to see more information in various places. It’s very cool to be able to have this fully integrated experience so you are still immersed in the fictional world she’s created. You will be sliding your finger and tapping on art and find yourself completely captivated and lost as you travel to Italy. It was stunning to my eye, as the art shined off the page, and everything on my iPad worked perfectly much to my delight!
I was mesmerized by each section of the book that Kris set-up for the reader, swept away by the tale that wound around comparison myths of Tristan and Isolde, Dante and Beatrice, Osiris and Isis, and more. I was so moved by Filamena’s tale throughout, lost in her time and place and her overall story, and frozen by the end. This is the kind of book that transcends romance and makes you feel heartache. You know, the type of heartache that comes from true love that almost knows no boundaries. This is a story that will make you FEEL and you won’t forget. You’ll revisit it again. I know I will. I treasure her work, both the delicate story telling, the original way in which she framed Filamena’s story within a story, and her gorgeous art.
Whether you already have the book The Lover’s Path, or are just being introduced to her work, this iPad version (there are also other formats available) is a must for a light enjoyable escape that will end up making your heart feel enchanted. Visually, your eyes will light up in joy as you appreciate the art peppered throughout. Your spirit may even be moved. I wouldn’t miss out on having this digital version. I’m not a huge fan of digital, but this is a unique and entertaining experience. I still want to order any copy I can find of the hardcover version too.
I was given a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 9, 2009
There’s nothing I enjoy more than reading about 16th c Venice. But Imagine reading a book written by a person who actually lived in those days! Filamena Ziani (or Filamela: nightingale) was a female artist of 16th c Venice. This is the first actual English publication of her work , which was at the time, dedicated to her patroness, Felicita Lando. As a female musician-singer-writer, Filamena’s work never received the recognition due. Kris Waldherr, through her enchanting illustrations has magically recreated this written work of art, by the nightingale and ‘Virtuosa’ of the times- someone who actually existed back then and even has a palazzo named after her!
This story or ‘fiabla’ of forbidden love, is about a young Filamena who is raised by her older sister Tullia, a notable Courtesan. Tullia wants to shield Filamena from the world’s cruelties and the pain and torments that love can bring. One evening while her sister is entertaining noble society gentlemen, Filamena is invited to sing in the background. There she spots the man who was to become the love of her life...her forbidden love.
This novel is so beautifully created that you can just get lost in the splendor of the artwork. Every single page is designed to enchant. There are letters carefully tucked in envelopes and beautiful historical maps, card-size illustrations (the basis for the Love Tarot series) that can all be found within this splendid book. But not only is this book breathtaking and fulfilling to the senses as is, the story itself is incredibly captivating.
At the beginning, I read along for the sake of romance and getting lost in a world of a different era…but as I kept reading, I discovered that this was not an ordinary love story. I was surprised to find mystery, intrigue, and a twist of fate that I really did not expect. I enjoyed this book through and through and the fact that the story was written by someone who actually lived in a place and time that fascinates me makes me feel like I found a treasure.
In addition, the prelude to the Lover's Path is writen by Marina Rossetti, the curator of 'Museo di Palazzo Filomela (curator of the Museum of Filomela's Palace). Here, she briefly describes the life, work, art, and documentation supporting this historical figure, time and place.
Breathtaking, brilliant, interesting, interactive, historical - A splendidly precious creation.
Whether you immerse yourself into the reading, the history, the artwork, or just for the browsing- The Lover's Path is a definite conversation piece. This book is a real gem.
This story or ‘fiabla’ of forbidden love, is about a young Filamena who is raised by her older sister Tullia, a notable Courtesan. Tullia wants to shield Filamena from the world’s cruelties and the pain and torments that love can bring. One evening while her sister is entertaining noble society gentlemen, Filamena is invited to sing in the background. There she spots the man who was to become the love of her life...her forbidden love.
This novel is so beautifully created that you can just get lost in the splendor of the artwork. Every single page is designed to enchant. There are letters carefully tucked in envelopes and beautiful historical maps, card-size illustrations (the basis for the Love Tarot series) that can all be found within this splendid book. But not only is this book breathtaking and fulfilling to the senses as is, the story itself is incredibly captivating.
At the beginning, I read along for the sake of romance and getting lost in a world of a different era…but as I kept reading, I discovered that this was not an ordinary love story. I was surprised to find mystery, intrigue, and a twist of fate that I really did not expect. I enjoyed this book through and through and the fact that the story was written by someone who actually lived in a place and time that fascinates me makes me feel like I found a treasure.
In addition, the prelude to the Lover's Path is writen by Marina Rossetti, the curator of 'Museo di Palazzo Filomela (curator of the Museum of Filomela's Palace). Here, she briefly describes the life, work, art, and documentation supporting this historical figure, time and place.
Breathtaking, brilliant, interesting, interactive, historical - A splendidly precious creation.
Whether you immerse yourself into the reading, the history, the artwork, or just for the browsing- The Lover's Path is a definite conversation piece. This book is a real gem.
June 17, 2015
Originally posed on Peeking Between the Pages: http://www.peekingbetweenthepages.com...
The Lover’s Path: An Illustrated Novella of Venice by Kris Waldherr is an absolutely gorgeous book both in story and in the stunning art work depicted throughout its pages. It is a beautifully written tale of forbidden love that is accompanied by amazing illustrations that are a treat for a reader’s eyse. When I opened this book I fell into it and couldn’t put it down until I turned the last page and quite often found myself going back to look at the illustrations again or to read a particular passage that really struck a chord with me.
lovers 1
The Lover’s Path takes us to 16th century Venice where we meet Filamena Ziani. She lives with her older sister Tullia Ziani who is a very well known courtesan in Venice. Filamena longs for a life where she has the freedom to do what she wants but after the death of their mother her sister has virtually kept her a prisoner in their palazzo. Tullia believes that she is saving her sister from all the dangers of the real world. Instead she has taught her to read, to compose music, and to sing exquisitely. Yet Filamena longs for all of the things her sister wishes to shelter her from.
Then Filamena and Angelo happen to see each other and a love is born. A forbidden love because not only does Filamena’s sister oppose this love, so does Angelo’s father. Angelo offers Filamena all she desires especially the chance to live her own life. Will she take the risk? Will she walk the lover’s path with this man she so loves?
I loved this book and can see myself delving into it again in the future. The illustrations are beautiful and the author perfectly weaves fact with fiction in a story sure to capture your heart as it did mine. Highly recommended!
The Lover’s Path: An Illustrated Novella of Venice by Kris Waldherr is an absolutely gorgeous book both in story and in the stunning art work depicted throughout its pages. It is a beautifully written tale of forbidden love that is accompanied by amazing illustrations that are a treat for a reader’s eyse. When I opened this book I fell into it and couldn’t put it down until I turned the last page and quite often found myself going back to look at the illustrations again or to read a particular passage that really struck a chord with me.
lovers 1
The Lover’s Path takes us to 16th century Venice where we meet Filamena Ziani. She lives with her older sister Tullia Ziani who is a very well known courtesan in Venice. Filamena longs for a life where she has the freedom to do what she wants but after the death of their mother her sister has virtually kept her a prisoner in their palazzo. Tullia believes that she is saving her sister from all the dangers of the real world. Instead she has taught her to read, to compose music, and to sing exquisitely. Yet Filamena longs for all of the things her sister wishes to shelter her from.
Then Filamena and Angelo happen to see each other and a love is born. A forbidden love because not only does Filamena’s sister oppose this love, so does Angelo’s father. Angelo offers Filamena all she desires especially the chance to live her own life. Will she take the risk? Will she walk the lover’s path with this man she so loves?
I loved this book and can see myself delving into it again in the future. The illustrations are beautiful and the author perfectly weaves fact with fiction in a story sure to capture your heart as it did mine. Highly recommended!
June 24, 2015
Full review originally posted on The Emerald City Book Review
Hard on the heels of the Dante-inspired In a Dark Wood, I had the opportunity to join in the blog tour for The Lover's Path, which is spreading the word about new electronic editions of a beautiful "illustrated novella of Venice" by author-artist Kris Waldherr. This atmospheric story of forbidden romance is complemented by brief vignettes about lovers throughout history and legend, sensitively portrayed in rich, glowing images. Presented as if it were an artifact from the "Museo di Palazzo Filomela," with attendant notes, maps, and museum information, it melds history and imagination in a way that will intrigue and delight lovers of Renaissance art and classical mythology.
The original print edition was a deluxe production with removable letters and other tactile features that greatly enhanced the reading experience; the e-book is available in several forms, including from PDF to Kindle to full-color interactive editions. I was curious about how the author found the process of transferring this unique content into a digital form, and pleased that she agreed to share her thoughts. (See The Emerald City Book Review for guest post.)
Hard on the heels of the Dante-inspired In a Dark Wood, I had the opportunity to join in the blog tour for The Lover's Path, which is spreading the word about new electronic editions of a beautiful "illustrated novella of Venice" by author-artist Kris Waldherr. This atmospheric story of forbidden romance is complemented by brief vignettes about lovers throughout history and legend, sensitively portrayed in rich, glowing images. Presented as if it were an artifact from the "Museo di Palazzo Filomela," with attendant notes, maps, and museum information, it melds history and imagination in a way that will intrigue and delight lovers of Renaissance art and classical mythology.
The original print edition was a deluxe production with removable letters and other tactile features that greatly enhanced the reading experience; the e-book is available in several forms, including from PDF to Kindle to full-color interactive editions. I was curious about how the author found the process of transferring this unique content into a digital form, and pleased that she agreed to share her thoughts. (See The Emerald City Book Review for guest post.)
June 25, 2015
This is a richly illustrated novella (I will note that I did have a hardback that I won several years ago) about Filomena, a young woman growing up in 16th century Venice. She is living with her sister, one of the cities most famous courtesans. Her sister Tullia keeps her very isolated – she doesn’t want her to suffer as she has. But Filomena is growing up, she is getting curious. She wants to get out of the gilded cage she feels confined in. Of course every 16 year old girl knows everything and so Filomena seeks to find a way out.
She thinks that perhaps her voice is her saviour but then she meets a handsome young man and he makes her a different kind of offer but his family has other ideas for his future that don’t include the sister of a courtesan. But he is not deterred he asks Filomena to follow him down The Lover’s Path.
This was a sweet story full of love and loss and the passion of youth. Tullia is not at first a very sympathetic character but as her story comes to light. The novella is written in Filomena’s voice as as a memoir of sorts. It is part of a museum dedicated to her – all part of a delightful fiction created by the author to place the book in its time. It is a wonderful escape from heavier reads and the illustrations are just gorgeous.
She thinks that perhaps her voice is her saviour but then she meets a handsome young man and he makes her a different kind of offer but his family has other ideas for his future that don’t include the sister of a courtesan. But he is not deterred he asks Filomena to follow him down The Lover’s Path.
This was a sweet story full of love and loss and the passion of youth. Tullia is not at first a very sympathetic character but as her story comes to light. The novella is written in Filomena’s voice as as a memoir of sorts. It is part of a museum dedicated to her – all part of a delightful fiction created by the author to place the book in its time. It is a wonderful escape from heavier reads and the illustrations are just gorgeous.
September 29, 2011
First of all without knowing the contents of this book_the book is just to damn pretty to NOT pick up and ponder!THEN,you open it,finding the story regards another 16th Century Courtesan in Venice_Filamena Ziani.This moving tale of forbidden love is a feminist epic told on multiple layers.Through a novel combination of Filamena's narrative,famous allegorical love stories from history and mythology,and letters to & from Filamena _THAT MUST BE OPEND TO BE READ_her path is beautifully described and stunningly revealed.
The LETTERS throughout the book_ which have to be opened_are like a pop-up book for lack of trying to describe how they are presented.This book is beautiful! And is the second book (read The Honest Coutesan)that sheds light on the oldest profession with a look inside the mindset of the Courtesan's of that time.Women who are inclined to that profession could learn a great deal about being in control of their lives.
To visit the Museum dedicated to her work visit this link: http://museumoflove.org
Ilove the Art work so much I also purchased the stationary..simply beautimous!!!!
The LETTERS throughout the book_ which have to be opened_are like a pop-up book for lack of trying to describe how they are presented.This book is beautiful! And is the second book (read The Honest Coutesan)that sheds light on the oldest profession with a look inside the mindset of the Courtesan's of that time.Women who are inclined to that profession could learn a great deal about being in control of their lives.
To visit the Museum dedicated to her work visit this link: http://museumoflove.org
Ilove the Art work so much I also purchased the stationary..simply beautimous!!!!
March 27, 2010
THE LOVER'S PATH is a visual and literary feast. It's a beautiful object, a full-colour illustrated picture book for adults, enclosing a very moving and bittersweet love story set in Renaissance Venice. The star-crossed lovers are a celebrated courtesan's virginal and over-protected young sister and a cardinal's illegitimate son. Scattered throughout the book are envelopes that open to reveal love letters and Tarot cards, maps and alchemical symbols. The pages are edged in gilt. The lovers in the book are linked mythically and thematically to the archetypal lovers on the Lover's Path: Dante and Beatrice, Isis and Osiris, Tristan and Isolde, Orpheus and Eurydice, and ultimately Eros and Psyche. It's a timeless love story presented in a beautiful package that can live on your coffee table forever. It reminded me a lot of Erica Jong's Serenissima except without the explicit sex--and the eros is more haunting in that it remains in reader's imagination. If you're love Venice and women's history, you're in for a treat.
January 5, 2016
I am so glad that I choose to read The Lover's Path on my iPad, taking full advantage of the color illustrations throughout this little gem of a story. It isn't a long book, more like a novella but that doesn't take away from the story at all.
You can read the synopsis above to get an idea of what takes place here. Each new chapter begins with snippets from the tales of Tristan and Isolde, Osiris and Isis and other famous couples (both real and mythological), this set the tone for The Lover's Path, made it magical and gave it that mystical feel. This is a story of forbidden love, an emotional story that had me totally immersed in 16th century Venice. I am not familiar with the famous courtesan Tullia Ziani's story, nor her younger sister Filamena which made reading this all the more intriguing.
I can definitely see myself rereading this one, studying the art work and purchasing a print copy. Thanks so much to HFVBT for asking me to be part of this tour, I might have missed this little gem otherwise.
You can read the synopsis above to get an idea of what takes place here. Each new chapter begins with snippets from the tales of Tristan and Isolde, Osiris and Isis and other famous couples (both real and mythological), this set the tone for The Lover's Path, made it magical and gave it that mystical feel. This is a story of forbidden love, an emotional story that had me totally immersed in 16th century Venice. I am not familiar with the famous courtesan Tullia Ziani's story, nor her younger sister Filamena which made reading this all the more intriguing.
I can definitely see myself rereading this one, studying the art work and purchasing a print copy. Thanks so much to HFVBT for asking me to be part of this tour, I might have missed this little gem otherwise.
August 24, 2016
Follow these lovers as they walk their path and discover along with each of them how they find the love they didn't know they were seeking. Venice, Italy, comes to life with each tale of lovers whether it is Tristan and Isolde or Dante and Beatrice. Her research is spot on, her history and passion for Venice, opera, and love shines through.
If you want an enchanting read full of ancient tales, beautiful imagery, or just want to fall in love, I hope you will read The Lover's Path when it becomes available.
Kris Waldherr is a very talented writer, illustrator and can evoke the lore and passion of any era she chooses.
This one is a DO NOT MISS!!
If you want an enchanting read full of ancient tales, beautiful imagery, or just want to fall in love, I hope you will read The Lover's Path when it becomes available.
Kris Waldherr is a very talented writer, illustrator and can evoke the lore and passion of any era she chooses.
This one is a DO NOT MISS!!
February 25, 2017
4.5/5.0
This book is a wonderful journey that lets the reader see the part of Filamena’s past that shaped her life, seen through her eyes as she writes about it two decades later.
Read full review in the 2015 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
This book is a wonderful journey that lets the reader see the part of Filamena’s past that shaped her life, seen through her eyes as she writes about it two decades later.
Read full review in the 2015 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
November 6, 2019
This book was simply a joy to read. I went in knowing absolutely nothing about it and that served me well, having no expectations, I just experienced it for what it was. Narrative-wise it’s nothing groundbreaking, but it unfolds like a fable and all good fables are effective and memorable in their simplicity. Conceptually, on the other hand, it’s far more unique. The way Kris Waldherr conceptualised both the story and the history was extremely clever. The way she then executed it with gorgeous illustrations, letters and cards, it made me feel like I was holding something truly special in my hands. The whole design of this book allowed me to not just read the book but experience it, and also allowed for the beautiful setting of 16th century Venice to be brought into even sharper focus.
Read
August 27, 2023Was this a well-done story? Not at all. Did I enjoy it and relish in the illustrations and allow my inner child to feel like I was reading a fairytale book again? Yep.
Sometimes it’s the books of the worst objective quality that you pick up at random market stalls that end up being the most fun.
Sometimes it’s the books of the worst objective quality that you pick up at random market stalls that end up being the most fun.
May 16, 2008
An absolutely beautiful story...and beautifully illustrated.
July 10, 2008
Beautifully illustrated with a touching and interesting story.
Read
August 3, 2011very poetic story line
October 29, 2011
It was a classic.
August 15, 2013
This is a beautiful book, the illistrations are stunning and a beautilful story of love...
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews