L'opale perduto

by Lauren Kate

E Violetta si sentì meno sola. Erano due spiriti affini su un tetto. È una cupa notte di dicembre del 1725, Venezia è stretta nella morsa dell'inverno. Violetta, cinque anni, si è rifugiata nella soffitta dell'istituto per trovatelli noto come Ospedale degli Incurabili, dove vive. Oltre il vetro gelido di una finestra, con la sua bambola stretta al petto, sente il canto soave di una donna, giù in strada, e la vede abbandonare un bambino nella ruota. Dieci anni dopo, in quella stessa soffitta piena di vecchi indumenti e violini rotti dove lei continua a sognare una vita libera, Violetta incontra Mino. Violinista dell'ala maschile dell'orfanotrofio e primo essere umano capace di farle intravedere, attraverso il soffio suggestivo della musica, un orizzonte di speranza. Ma questa inaspettata magia ancora non basta: troppo urgente è il desiderio di Violetta di diventare una cantante, e potrebbe essere un desiderio maledetto Dopo il successo mondiale della saga di Fallen, ecco il nuovo romanzo di Lauren Kate: la storia di un amore ostacolato, in una Venezia magnifica e crudele, città delle maschere, luogo perfetto dove nascondere, fin che si può, i trasalimenti del cuore.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Historical, Adult, Audiobook, Italy

346 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 25, 2019

About the author

Lauren Kate is the author of novels 15 novels including the FALLEN series, now a television series on AMC+. Her forthcoming angel-focused romantasy trilogy, WHITE LIGHTS, will publish in June 2026. She lives in Laurel Canyon with her family.

Reviews

[Elizabeth of Silver's Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abandoned by her mother at two days old and seeing another mother abandon her child at the orphanage turned Violetta off from ever wanting to be a wife or a mother.

When Violetta meets Mino from the boys’ side of the orphanage, it is instant attraction, but he wants what she won’t give him - a promise to be his wife and mother of his children which would be a way out of the orphanage, but she can't do it.

The Incurables is an orphanage that stresses music. Violetta works hard at her singing, but it isn’t what she really wants.

What she really wants is to know who her mother is, to find Mino’s mother, to be able to love Mino, and to be part of the coro that sings behind panels at The Incurables.

We follow Mino and Violetta in their separate lives and both wishing they were together. You will feel their pain and sorrow and wonder how it will turn out for them.

Ms. Kate’s writing style is smooth and inviting. I was immediately pulled into the book because of the story line and the characters. You could feel yourself with characters as they went to many a masked party in Venice and then spent their isolated days.

THE ORPHAN'S SONG is a mesmerizing read that takes us onto the streets of Venice and into its churches during the 1700's as we experience the mystery and the beauty of the music and its captivating hold on those who hear the violins playing and the singing of the girls in the coro.

If you enjoy books set in Venice, books set in the 1700's, lovers longing for each other, music, a family saga, secrets, and a beautiful, well-researched story line, you will want to add THE ORPHAN'S SONG to your reading list.

THE ORPHAN'S SONG is a heartfelt read that will leave you longing for more and wanting to visit Venice for its beauty, its history, and its people. 5/5

This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

You will feel as though you are being serenaded while reading this historical adult debut novel .
Orphans will pull at your heart strings as they do in this story. The The Hospital of the Incurables, the revered music school and orphanage houses boys and girls separately.
When a chance meeting on the roof of the home has her meeting a boy from inside the exciting adventure begins. Mesmerizing, I could hardly put this book down as I was transported to Venice among the glamour and exciting vibe of the city. Secrets kept and a heartbreaking journey will lead this couple to a very unexpected revelation. A forbidden love, will love enough be enough to sustain it?
Maturity leads to a somethings that would have been best left alone when a sense of betrayal hits.
This book is a breathtaking journey fans have come to expect from other Lauren Kate books.
Published June 25th 2019 by G.P. Putnam's Sons.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Christie«SHBBblogger» · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: The Orphan's Song
Series: Standalone
Author: Lauren Kate
Release date: June 25, 2019
Cliffhanger: No
Genre: historical fiction

Life was like music; if you changed a single note, you changed the entire song.

I loved the premise of this story and how it was inspired in real life. The author's note explains how the idea took root, and how she became completely immersed in Mino and Violetta's world in 18th century Venice. While visiting the city, she stumbled upon the real life building that was once an orphanage called the Incurables and her interest was piqued. It was as if fate had delivered a hidden gem into her lap. I give the author a huge amount of respect for the attention to detail that was put into showing us this lush city and its inhabitants. The sights, sounds, and culture were described so vividly that I was transported to glittering Venice in all of its seductive extravagance. That was without a doubt my favorite thing about reading this novel.

The first stage of the story begins in early childhood, taking you through the innocence and hope of first love. This is my favorite part of the book, watching them steal away in secret to meet in the quiet hours of the night. You learn how regimented their life is, how sequestered they are from the world, and how their lives are not their own. All decisions are made for them, and punishment is swift if you don't obey. Violetta is an impulsive and rebellious girl for her time, but her rebellions have always been minor until she met Mino.

From the very first time they encountered each other on the rooftop, they felt a special connection unlike any other in their young lives. It began with a song, and that song would tie them together through friendship, love, heartbreak, and unattainable dreams. They share a love of music in a way that wouldn't be approved of, but they can't help but hold it close while they have the chance. Incurable girls were expected to be chaste and obedient, and Violetta doesn't feel confident that she fits the mold she's required to fit in. When she sings, this causes her to be timid and unsure. But the song she shares with Mino will unlock passion in her voice that could give her a future in the coveted coro. It's something she's always been desperate to achieve, but suddenly she's conflicted.

Mino's affection for her was instant and touching. He was so devoted to his Violetta and desperate to find a way to hold onto the time that was slipping away from them. Unfortunately, life gets in the way of his grand plans for their future. When we move into the next part of the book, bad decisions and betrayals were made that cause an irreparable break. They both despair, and go through a period of that leads them down lonely paths. Perhaps it was just their youth causing these rash choices, but it really illustrates how one action can change the entire course of your life when you're on the edge of adulthood. This portion of the story was a little slow for my liking, and kind of depressing to read, especially on Mino's end. He goes through some desperate times that really hurts your heart.

Mino and Violetta are living in the same city, but so isolated from each other that it seems impossible that they'd ever find a way back to each other. With time they try to move on, but the feelings they shared are pressed into their hearts where time and circumstance can never touch them. As we barreled on in the hope that they would meet again, there are secrets lurking that will change both of their lives forever. I started to get a hint at what was to be revealed somewhat early on, and it turned out just as I'd suspected. It was disturbing and uncomfortable, but surprising, no. Most of the story wasn't really romantic, it was somewhat dark and dismal. However I appreciated the themes of family, love and sacrifice, and how they can change and grow through hardships and challenges in life.

This was a well written historical fiction novel. I absolutely loved the setting and learning so much about the time period. The love story was often bittersweet, making your heart ache for what these two must go through. While I didn't always agree or understand their choices, I enjoyed the final destination and their lessons learned. This is Lauren Kate's first adult fiction, and my first time reading her. It certainly won't be my last. I love her beautiful way with words, and her skill in bringing her characters to life so sharply. If she has any more historical novels planned, you won't have to pull my arm to read it. I'll be lining up to see what she has to offer next.

FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON:

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This author was previously a YA author and it shows. There are pages and pages of Violetta and Mino's one day of freedom and stolen kiss. I think this must be more appealing to a younger audience but bored me to tears. Luckily, there were lots of interesting parts to make up for it. It's set in Venice in the 1700's and the sense of place and time is excellent.

Violetta and Mino were orphans in The Incurables Orphanage. The girls were raised to be musicians, mostly singers, who sang at church services. The boys were just raised and then set up in apprenticeships or just released. The girls led very restrictive lives and rarely let outside. Violetta longs to see the outside world and don a mask that everyone in Venice wears at that time.

She and Milo make a dash for freedom that leads to a horrible break-up. They look at their relationship quite differently. Violetta is caught and punished quite severely. Milo loses his apprenticeship and begins living on the street. They rebuild their lives and this is quite interesting.
I really like the tales of Venice and life at that time. A little less talk about the kiss would have helped this book tremendously.

Thanks to Net Galley for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.

[Christina (Confessions of a Book Addict) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Violetta's childhood has been anything but easy at Venice's Hospital of the Incurables, which is a strange place that is not only an orphanage, but is also a music school. The Incurables have an incredible and exclusive chorus and Violetta not only dreams of singing in it, but also of leaving behind this life. Sixteen year old Violetta escapes to the rooftop one night and she meets Mino, who is also an orphan and a talented violinist. Mino has big dreams too; he hopes to one day find his mother who left him here at the orphanage when he was just a toddler. All he remembers is the song she sang to him. Violetta has some secrets surrounding this that come to the surface as their relationship plays out. Violetta and Mino have an undeniable connection, but with all the curve balls life throws them, readers will question not only if their love with survive, but will they make it through all the heartbreak that life at the Incurables inevitably provides. Lauren Kate's adult debut, The Orphan Song, is steeped in historical details that fans of Venice, as well as music, will especially appreciate.
Read the rest of my review here:
http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c...

[Karen Macedo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads giveaway. Thank you to G.P. Putnam's Sons. I really liked this book . The story is about two orphans who find solace in each other. The descriptions of Venice in the 1700's are captivating. A good historical fiction..

[Carina Carvalho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Que livro maravilhoso 🥰. Uma história de amor a fazer lembrar os filmes antigos de época. Adorei viajar novamente por Veneza, os seus canais, gôndolas e máscaras 🎭. Simplesmente fabuloso. Uma épica história de amor 💚

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Venice, 1725: At the southern edge of the city, there is a nursery for foundling children, the Incurables, renowned for training its foundling girls into a conservatory of musicians. “Foundling boys grew up and moved on to apprenticeships; they needed no musical training. But to keep the girls off the streets, they were taught to sing and play for the church (…) The Incurables was made of music – the finest in the city and therefore in the world.”

Violetta, one of the foundling girls, now at the age of 16, is hoping to make the ‘coro’ as soprano. One day, on a rooftop she meets a boy Mino, who is her age. Like her, he’s been sneaking out to have a secret time for his soul – playing violin. As a foundling boy music has been forbidden for him. They become a duet, him playing violin and her singing freely what is forbidden at the Incurables.

Once Mino leaves the Incurables and is out of touch with Violetta, there are a lot of his thoughts, dreams, and assumptions evolving around Violetta. As a result the story becomes stagnant, there is not much progression.

Meanwhile, Violetta is promoted to the coro and finds her purpose. But at the same time, she keeps thinking about Mino. And it’s the same result, slowing the progression of the story.

What attracted me to this story was the famous orphanage of Venice. The first 20% of the story is very solid, interesting with richly presented time period, for example, introducing “cicisbei, a strange breed of cavalier servants particular to Venice’s patrician class.” But after that, this becomes a love story of two young broken hearts with slow progression of the plot, making this story more appropriate for those who like to read romance story, rather than historical fiction.

@FB/BestHistoricalFiction

[The Reading's Love Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

RECENSIONE QUI: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/...

L’opale perduto è una lettura ipnotizzante che ci riporta nel Settecento, nelle strade di Venezia e all’interno delle sue chiese sperimentando il mistero e la bellezza della musica, rapiti dal suono del violino e dal canto delle ragazze del coro. È formidabile la cura che l’autrice riserva ai dettagli quando ci mostra questa città lussureggiante e i suoi abitanti, i luoghi, i costumi e la cultura di quel tempo vengono descritti in modo così vivido tanto da sentirci trasportati all’interno della storia, nella scintillante Venezia ottocentesca in tutta la sua seducente stravaganza. Nell'Ospedale degli Incurabili della città che ospita un orfanotrofio vivono separati bambini maschi e femmine. Mentre le bambine devono dedicarsi al canto e alla musica, i bambini maschi si dedicano ai lavori manuali. La prima metà della storia ci porta nell’infanzia di Violetta e Mino, nella loro innocenza e nella loro speranza di poter realizzare in futuro il loro amore. Questa per me è la parte più bella del libro perché ci regala momenti di dolcezza e di purezza di quell’età, mentre li osserviamo incontrarsi in segreto nelle ore notturne. In queste pagine il lettore apprende quanto è irreggimentata la loro vita, quanto è difficile vivere in un orfanotrofio, un luogo che tarpa le ali dei bambini che vivono al suo interno, all’assenza della facoltà decisionale e alle punizioni elargite se non si obbediva alle regole. Violetta ci viene descritta come una ragazzina ribelle e impulsiva, dalle ragazze e bambine dell’epoca ci si aspettava castità e obbedienza e Violetta non sente di potersi adattare a quel sistema troppo rigido perché la sua indole la spinge a voler guardare il mondo con i suoi occhi e non attraverso una finestra, avventurarsi tra le vie della città e vivere totalmente la sua vita. Quando canta diventa timida e incerta, e solo con Mino farà uscire la bellissima voce che possiede, solo con lui riesce a sentirsi libera di cantare perché anche lui condivide la sua stessa passione proibita per la musica. Mino è un ragazzo più pratico, consapevole delle sue scelte, dei suoi sogni e di voler andare alla ricerca delle sue origini, ma anche di innamorarsi e di affrontare prove difficili che metteranno a dura prova il suo cuore. Vediamo come fin dalla prima volta che si incontrano sul letto, avvertono una connessione speciale tra loro che inizia con una canzone che li lega tramite l’amicizia, l’amore, i cuori spezzati e i sogni irraggiungibili. La vita però ostacola i loro sogni e i loro piani per il futuro, entrambi compiono decisioni sbagliate, dolorose e avventate che causano una rottura irreparabile. Sono queste scelte a mostrarci come una singola azione possa cambiare l’intero corso della nostra vita. Le loro strade si separano, permettendo loro di fronteggiare scelte difficili, segreti in agguato e situazioni imprevedibili, e, di conseguenza, maturare, ma i loro cuori si cercano sempre, il loro amore è rimasto intatto in un angolo del loro cuore. L’opale perduto è una storia avvincente, intrigante e appassionante che ci immergere nelle atmosfere misteriose, lugubri e oscure della Venezia settecentesca. Lo stile dell’autrice è scorrevole ed emozionante e il lettore viene investito dalla potenza evocativa della musica che sembra quasi di sentire nelle orecchie anche dopo aver terminato il libro.

CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/

[Daniela Peixoto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gostei imenso desta leitura. Mino e Violetta são dois órfãos que sonham mais alto, mas os seus planos nem sempre correm como esperavam. Nesta história feita de encontros e desencontros, vimos várias faces do comportamento humano. Viajamos até uma Veneza do século 18 através das ricas descricoes feitas pela autora, que nos dão vontade de passear pelos seus canais, de visitar os seus prédios e entrar no mundo do La Sirena. Apesar das varias voltas e reviravoltas ao longo da história, nada me preparou para a derradeira reviravolta no final do livro que me deixou com as lágrimas nos olhos.

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Silver - per RFS
.
Salve, Fenici!



Venezia 1725. Violetta, orfana dalla nascita, è cresciuta nell’Ospedale degli Incurabili. Una notte all’età di circa cinque anni, vide una madre che piangeva mentre abbandonava il suo bambino, più o meno della sua età, nella ruota dell’Ospedale. Quell’attimo la segnò profondamente.

Violetta desidera la libertà più di ogni altra cosa, per lei la musica è vita e vorrebbe far parte del coro dell’Ospedale. Passata circa una decina di anni, incontra Mino (ormai cresciuto) sul tetto dell’Ospedale; da quel giorno, piano piano, oltre ad un sodalizio musicale tra i due nascerà anche un sentimento che l’uno terrà all’oscuro dell’altro.

Tutto è collegato nell’intreccio della vita e del destino, una storia tormentata e difficile… e come sempre non vi svelo altro.



Questo libro è stato molto faticoso per me, non mi ha coinvolta emotivamente e tra le altre cose negative direi che la scrittura e lo stile mi hanno letteralmente soffocata. L’autrice non è riuscita a rendere la lettura scorrevole, in quanto talmente pregna di descrizioni da risultare noiosa all’inverosimile. La nota positiva è stata comunque che, nonostante tutto, è riuscita a tenermi sulle spine fino all’ultimo alimentando la mia curiosità fino alla parola fine. Sembra un controsenso ma volevo terminarlo per due motivi: noia e interesse di scoprire cosa sarebbe successo.

Un viaggio a Venezia è stato motivo di ispirazione per l’autrice, che ai fini della storia ha svolto un accurato lavoro di ricerca su questa città e sulle usanze del periodo. Tutto questo, unito all’utilizzo di alcune parole in dialetto veneto messe qua e là, l’ho davvero apprezzato tantissimo… probabilmente perché è uno dei dialetti italiani che amo maggiormente.

I personaggi sono ben descritti, al punto da sviscerare fino in fondo le ragioni dei loro comportamenti, anche troppo a dire il vero, personalmente a volte l’ho trovato davvero eccessivo.

In conclusione è un romanzo che consiglio solo agli amanti del genere e soprattutto agli appassionati delle descrizioni fitte e senza fine.

Buona lettura!

[Michelle Stockard Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review coming soon...

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Love, as Mino felt it, meant taking your beloved in your arms, tipping her lips, and saying I love you with all of yourself.”

I’m not gonna lie. I am a huge fan of Lauren Kate’s young adult books and totally loved her Fallen Series. So, when I heard that Lauren Kate was not only dipping her toes in Adult Fiction, but Historical Romance, I just knew I had to get my hands on this book.

The Orphan’s Song is set in 1736 Venice. On the rooftop of the Hospital for Incurables, fate has brought together Violetta & Mino. Both being orphans with big dreams and holes in their hearts. They form an unbreakable bond. Milo & Violetta want nothing more than a bright future that they have been denied. Mino longs to escape and build the life he’s always dreamed of, but Violetta wants nothing more than to sing. Despite the love that they built and the bond that they share, life has taken them on two different paths. Both are desperate to make their dreams come true, but their dreams couldn’t be more different than their reality….

The Orphan’s Song was a truly enchanting story. It’s filled with rich history, romance, and intrigue. Milo & Violetta’s story pulls you in instantly and consumes you. Milo & Violetta’s journey is complicated and filled with lots of ups and downs. A song might have brought them together, but life tore them apart. They were set on two different paths, forever changing their lives. That is until fate decides once again to reunite these two young lovers.

As someone who struggles with historical romance/fiction, I really loved being able to lose myself in this story and these characters. Lauren Kate has created a truly unique and intriguing story that will keep you glued to the pages. You will get swept up in the music, and the scenery. I enjoyed everything about this story, from beginning to end and am so glad I decided to take a chance on this book.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, via the publisher: G. P. Putnam’s Sons & Penguin Random House, in exchange for an honest review*

[Carla Marques · Rating 4 out of 5]

Opinião:
Por qualquer motivo(não me lembro qual), achei que este livro era sobre guerra, mas quando comecei a ler percebi que não.
Por este motivo fiquei supreendida com uma história que não esperava e que amei ler.
A vida de Violetta e Mino estão tão unidas e ao mesmo tempo tão separadas que não há como não devorar esta história para saber como vai acabar, foi o que me aconteceu.
Opinião completa em: https://aviciadadoslivros.blogspot.co...

[M João (Livros?gosto) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Opinião em:



https://youtu.be/Ly_JxYQy648

[Alyssa Palombo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vividly brings to life 18th-century Venice; this novel makes you feel like you're there!

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fan of Lauren Kate's YA novels, I was not disappointed by this book. Written with the same ease as her previous works, Kate works in more adult topics perfect for its mysterious and magical setting of Venice.
The story follow two orphans who grew up in The Hospital of the Incurables known as a orphanage and a revered music school. The two characters, Violetta and Mino, meet under unexpected circumstances and find a kindred soul in the other. However, their goals in life are very different and their paths separate as Violetta chases after her dreams. Venice won't let these two separate for long as the city of masks and anonymity is also a small one.
Filled with interesting characters, beautiful settings, and a thrilling twist, this will be perfect for anyone who is a Lauren Kate fan as well as those who enjoy historical fiction novels with a happy ending.

**Read Thanks to an ARC from Putnam**

[Madeline · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok, the writing is fine. But I just can’t believe that as I’m 14% into this book, they are both head over heels in love with each other.. like they have met a couple times. Which weren’t even shown to us in the book, making it even more unbelievable that they’d form such a bond. I was curious to read Kate’s adult debut but it’s leaning a bit too cheesy/YA for me.

[Kathy · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a newly released book I snapped up from the library, but I found it not to my taste. It sounded like something I would like with Venice setting, but the author did not successfully transition from her YA writing experience to Adult level.

[The Lit Bitch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lauren Kate is probably best known for her young adult series, Fallen. I haven’t read the series but I do know her books and had them on my TBR. This book, The Orphan’s Song, is her first attempt at adult historical fiction.

When it came across my desk for review a couple of months ago, I met it with mixed emotions. On one hand I was excited for the book because it sounded fun and clearly she’s an experienced author. Not to mention this cover is to DIE for! But I also had reservations because sometimes the transition from YA to adult fiction isn’t always a smooth one.

But in the end curiosity won out and I went into this one as a blank slate. As I mentioned I haven’t read her Fallen series so I have no idea how they compare but I was eager to see how this book was!

This was a difficult one for me to review. On one hand, I love historical romances and this should have been one that swept me off my feet, but it ended up being a little too cliche for me. On the other hand I thought the characters had a lot of chemistry, I think what troubled me most was the speed at which the characters were completely in love with each other. I felt like the book had barely begun and they had only met a couple of times and then—boom—they were completely smitten with each other. For some reason that just came across as a little cliche with the ending being rushed and a little too neat. I personally love the chase element of historical romances and I was hoping for a little more when it came to their courtship. They had great chemistry to be sure, but I would have liked to have seen her capitalize on that a little more by building up their romance.

The other thing I really enjoyed about this book was the setting and I thought the writing was pretty good. I couldn’t tell if at times the writing showed that she had a background in YA novels or if I noticed it because I knew she wrote YA novels first. Either way at times the writing was a little juvenile but overall I felt that she did a nice job with this adult debut. This is a coming of age story so maybe parts were meant to be more youthful than others. It was hard for me to decide which.

Overall the setting and historical period won me over. I adored the historical period and thought Kate did a great job at creating a realistic feel for Venice at that time and I enjoyed ‘exploring’ the period and city. While this book was a little on the predictable side, I still thought it was a worthwhile read and I enjoyed my time spent with the characters and am excited to see what the future holds for Kate’s adult historical romances!

See my full review here

[clara_herondale · Rating 5 out of 5]

È un libro intenso, coinvolgente, quasi catartico e sicuramente impegnativo a livello emotivo. La forza di questo romanzo per me sta molto nelle emozioni, prima fra tutte l'amore.

La storia tutto sommato è anche semplice: le vite di due orfani che non fanno altro che sfiorarsi, intrecciarsi, correre parallele, rincorrersi e ci si chiede se e come sarà possibile che finalmente formino un nodo e si fermino insieme. Ma le emozioni che ho provato leggendo erano vivide e il batticuore, come le lacrime, reale.

A fare da sfondo a tutto ciò ci sono la Venezia del Settecento, attentamente ricostruita perché ci troviamo di fronte a un romanzo storico, con il suo Carnevale, le sue maschere, le calli e i canali; e la musica, leitmotiv delle vite dei due protagonisti (motivo per cui preferisco anche il titolo originale: The Orphan's Song).

È un libro perfetto? Probabilmente no, ci sarà sicuramente qualche ingenuità nella costruzione del romanzo, ma le emozioni intense che mi ha fatto provare sopperiscono e cancellano dei difetti che, per l'appunto, non ho quasi notato.

Soprattutto, per me è un libro la cui lettura al "momento giusto" è importante, non lo consiglierei come per "tirarsi su il morale" o come lettura rilassante. Tra i tanti sentimenti dipinti, l'angoscia, la tristezza, il rimpianto sono i più ricorrenti e vividi; ma non lasciatevi scoraggiare perché è un romanzo davvero bello, penso il migliore che Lauren Kate abbia scritto, semplicemente ha davvero bisogno del "momento giusto".

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fate really has a sense of humor!

5 stars
The amount of times Letta and Mino just missed each other or just passed each other by chance is just CRAZY! Despite that, this story really pulled me in. So much that I avoided sleep to finish the last 3hrs and 40min . . . I couldn't stop listening and I was cringing the entire last hour. Really enjoyed this book!

[Susan Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepare to be swept away by this compelling and heartfelt tale of Violetta and Mino, two orphans left behind at the Hospital of the Incurables in Venice in the early 18th century. Their stories are filled with dreams of escape and love, but they are tormented by heartbreak and betrayal. The star of this book is Venice, its music, its secrets, its mystery. I felt as if I were there, wearing my own mask, walking the cobbled streets, winding through the ribbons of canals on a gondola, in its finest churches, reveling in the music.

[Sara Zaninelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Ma gli sciocchi come noi? Se noi amiamo, allora è per sempre.”
•
•
4.5 ⭐️. Ringrazio moltissimo Rizzoli per la review copy in omaggio.

Piccolo avviso: questo libro non è per i deboli di cuore, il mio è stato spezzato ripetutamente durante la lettura!

Violetta e Mino sono due orfani nella Venezia del 1700, entrambi abbandonati nello stesso ospedale trovano nella musica e nell’altro l’unico modo per dare un senso alla loro vita. Il destino però ha in serbo per loro tanti scherzi e dopo essersi feriti a vicenda, i due ragazzi iniziano a condurre esistenze separate. Mino lotta per sopravvivere tra i calli di Venezia, mentre Letta rimane nell’ospedale dove grazie alla sua voce diventa molto famosa ma dove è comunque sempre tenuta prigioniera.

In tutto cioè Venezia è descritta in maniera stupenda. Si percepisce lo sfarzo, il divertimento con il Carnevale, il bisogno di mascherarsi per non mostrare mai davvero chi si è nel profondo!

I due protagonisti sono anime estremamente fragili ed entrambi sono stati segnati dall’abbandono. Eppure reagiscono in maniera opposta. Letta ha paura a fidarsi e a lasciarsi andare, mentre Mino si concede completamente e non ha paura di correre rischi per amore. La loro storia mi ha ricordato molto “La solitudine dei numeri primi”. Due ragazzi che continuano ad amarsi nonostante abbiano preso due strade diverse, sempre in attesa (seppur inconsciamente) che il destino li faccia rincontrare. Questo libro ci mostra come due anime destinate a stare insieme trovino sempre la strada di casa!

[Sharlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, I can't say enough about how much I loved this book. Very informative about the time period in Venice and such great characters. Could not put it down and stayed up late reading.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is Historical Fiction. I haven't read anything by her prior to reading this book. I liked a few things in this one. First, the time period was enchanting. I liked the history, the people and the early charm of Venice. I also liked Violetta, MC. She was well drawn and I liked her journey and how it came full circle.

The insta-love with Mino seemed ripped right out of a Young Adult book. It was sweet, but it's like it happened behind closed curtains. I had a hard time believing it was the kind of love that changes your direction in life, but it turns out that it did change things....some for the better, some not.

So overall, 3 stars because I did like the sweetness of this.

[Jillian Doherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored Lauren Kait‘s previous series, and was elated to discover her new book.

A charming love story set in Venice, quickly becomes heartbreaking when too young lives are separated by the people they think they should be.

Their lives are forever changed; one on believable moment set in motion new stories full of music, searing back drops, and colorful characters.
I enjoyed the end of the story as much as the beginning!

Galli borrowed from the publisher.

[Jenna L. · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were parts of the book that I thought were written very well. Others were way too long and stalled the story. What caused me to abandon the book was the extremely unnecessary curse words...and these were F bombs. Just because the author moved from young adult fiction to adult fiction doesn't mean its necessary to pepper the book with expletives. It turned from what could have been a pleasant read into something smutty.

[Myndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lauren Kate wrote one of my favorite YA fantasy series, Fallen. When I was offered the chance to read her first adult novel, I was 100% on board and SUPER excited. And I was NOT disappointed!

It was no surprise that she nailed the relationship building and chemistry between the characters. Kate is a master at writing love stories, the kind that you feel not just in your heart, but in the very marrow of your bones. It is impossible to not want the main characters together, until Kate reminds us that love comes in many forms, and that some love, though fleeting, is powerful enough to not only heal us, but shape us.

If you love a good love story (and I do believe there is a distinction between love stories and the romance genre), this story is for you.

What did surprise me is how much I enjoyed the historical setting of the story. Set in Venice, Italy, starting at an orphanage called the Incurables, a great deal of history about such orphanages is gleaned, and it’s fascinating stuff. I myself have taken a bit of a break from historical fiction as it all seems to revolve around the World Wars and at some point, they all start to read the same. But Italian orphanages in the 1700’s is new territory and my hunger for historical fiction is renewed.

My one complaint is the cover. The covers for her YA series Fallen are gorgeous and wholly representative of the story, so I was surprised to see such an unappealing cover on The Orphan’s Song. It actually made me second guess reading the book because it’s so schmaltzy and just…not a cover that says “Myndi, this book is for you!” And that’s too bad because the book is really good and definitely worth reading. So, from one cover snob to another, in this case, don’t judge a book by its cover (unless, of course, you love the cover and then…judge away!).

Ultimately, I would categorize this book as a love story first, and then historical fiction, but if you like either, I believe you’ll enjoy The Orphan’s Song. I certainly did.

Note: I received this book from the publisher. I pride myself on writing fair and honest reviews.

[Joan Happel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in 18th century Venice, the story follows two orphans, Violetta and Mino. Both are residents of the Incurables, a hospital and orphanage where girls are trained in music with the hopes of joining the Coro, while the boys are sent out for apprenticeships. Violetta and Mino meet one day in the attic of the orphanage where each has gone to dream of a different future. Violetta wants to escape into the Venice she sees below her and be able to sing freely, while Mino just wants to be able to play his violin and look for the mother that haunts his memories. After Mino is sent out to fulfill his apprenticeship, Violetta is promoted as the starring soprano in the famous Coro. Still longing for the world outside her walls, Violetta finds a way to escape for a few precious hours in the evenings and soon finds herself singing at the el Sireno, a club owned by the mysterious Fredrico. As Violetta and Mino’s lives seem to be running on different paths, their stories are fated to converge.

Written with lyrical prose, this well-researched historical fiction novel places the reader in a Venice of masqueraders, free to pursue their deepest desires with anonymity. The sights, sounds and aromas of 18th century Venice come alive within the pages. A mesmerizing, often bittersweet tale, The Orphan’s song is more romance than historical fiction, but fans of both genres will find much to enjoy and keep them turning the pages until the dramatic conclusion.

Thank you to Penguin Group/Putman and NetGalley for the e-ARC.