Roberto Tiraboschi

In a medieval Venice undone by devastating famine and excessive, orgiastic Carnival festivities of all kinds, the protagonists of The Apothecary's Shop chase a dream of rebirth, the eternal fantasy of defeating death. The young Costanza, of the noble Grimani family, has disappeared. The family scribe, Edgardo, promises to return the girl to her family, who themselves may not be above suspicion. Doctors, apothecaries, undertakers, Eastern merchants, farmers: everyone seems to be involved in the girl's disappearance, even African slave traders. Abella, Edgardo's ambiguous ally and the only female doctor in Venice, introduces him to secrets and occult practices of medicine.

I found this a very frustrating read. It was a well-constructed mystery, with occasional flashes of brilliance. The prose had moments of luminous description, and the characters were frequently intriguing. But the translation sometimes felt clunky. (I assume this is an issue with the translation based on the lavish prose for the source text.)

Edgardo and Abella were interesting but felt rather two-dimensional. The mystery itself had a surprising ending that I only guessed a page or two before the grand reveal, but there were other, minor surprises that felt less surprising and that I had guessed well beforehand.

The greatest frustration was the lack of explanation of many events that were key to the plot - despite their repeated mention. Just what happened with Kallis twelve years ago? What exactly went on in Edgardo's past? Why did he leave the monastery, and how did he end up in the glass-blower's employ? Was Tommaso really making a run for the Doge's role? What is Abella really up to?

A passable read, but it could have been so much more.… (más)

The Eye Stone: A Novel of Venice
Roberto Tiraboschi
Europa Editions/2015

In the 13th century, monks and clerics were busy copying ancient documents for preservation and study. Edgardo was one such cleric, however, Edgardo is desperately seeking a miracle. And his friend, Ademaro, thinks he just might be able to help. Edgardo is gradually growing blind and frantic for a way to change his fate.
In his travels to discover and buy old manuscripts and scrolls, Ademaro had heard of a miraculous stone - which could return one's lessening vision. Together, Edgardo and Ademaro journey to Venice in search of the stone, or evidence that it even exists. Only when Venetians begin to die brutal deaths, do Ademaro and Edgardo quickly realize just how dangerous their search has become,
"Venetia" by Roberto Tiraboschi is a great tale of life in 13th century Venice. Well written, easy to read and ultimately enthralling, "Venetia" will quickly become a favourite of anyone who picks it up!
I received this book for free to review. I am a member of GoodReads, LibraryThing, NetGalley and maintain a book blog at dbettenson.wordpress.com.… (más)