This historical novel's setting is 18th century Venice. Two sisters are abandoned and then taken in by a foundling hospital/musical academy. Chiaretta is a bit rebellious, but beautiful and grows to become a much sought-after singer. She marries into a very wealthy family. Her sister, Maddalena, becomes a magnificent violin player, taught on occasion by Antonio Vivaldi. She does not leave the academy. There is a mutual attraction between she and Vivaldi, but they do not act upon it. I see the "four seasons" as a metaphor for the character's lives.The author has taken great care to research the times and Vivaldi, and thus I learned more about this particular place and time, which was very interesting. Venetian society at that time seemed to be a little different in numerous ways. Reading was a bit slow-going at first, but I eventually gave up trying to remember all the Italian/Latin words (there is a Glossary and Pronunciation Guide in the back)and then I was able to get into the story. There was a detail regarding an ivory comb, broken into three pieces by the girl's mother, which I thought would have played an interesting part later in the story, but it really did not. By the end, I realized I had been expecting some sort of dramatic climax, but there wasn't one; just the stories of the lives of the characters. I read this novel as a book club selection, and I likely would not have chosen it on my own. I do recommend it to others however, especially those who might enjoy the setting. I really enjoyed this book! I'm not one to completely review but I loved all the musical mentions and descriptions of the music. I do admit that I was annoyed at how easily one of the characters flew into her musical gift and had zero issues developing her talent. Everyone struggles and I suppose that it must have happened off the page. Her perfection irritated me a little but, despite that, I did like the characters very much as well as their story.
What do You think about De Vier Jaargetijden (2000)?
This book makes me want to play the violin!
—Brokenparacosms
