- Hardcover: 352 pages
- Publisher: Candlewick (May 12 2009)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0763639176
- ISBN-13: 978-0763639174
- Product Dimensions: 14.7 x 2.9 x 22.3 cm
- Shipping Weight: 363 g
- Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #1,630,603 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Details |
Product Description
Product Description
While studying under Vivaldi, three girls in a Venice orphanage forge their own notions of love in a sensuous, engrossing novel told in three narrative voices.
It is a longing and search for love that motivates three girls living in the Ospedale della Pietà, an orphanage renowned for its extraordinary musical program. But for Rosalba, Anetta, and Luisa, the love they seek is not where they expect to find it. Set in the early 1700s in the heart of Venice, this remarkable novel deftly weaves the history of Antonio Vivaldi’s early musical career into the lives of three young women who excel in voice and instrument. Under the composer’s tutelage and care, the orphans find expression, sustenance, and passion. But can the sheltered life of the orphanage prepare them for the unthinkable dangers outside its walls?
It is a longing and search for love that motivates three girls living in the Ospedale della Pietà, an orphanage renowned for its extraordinary musical program. But for Rosalba, Anetta, and Luisa, the love they seek is not where they expect to find it. Set in the early 1700s in the heart of Venice, this remarkable novel deftly weaves the history of Antonio Vivaldi’s early musical career into the lives of three young women who excel in voice and instrument. Under the composer’s tutelage and care, the orphans find expression, sustenance, and passion. But can the sheltered life of the orphanage prepare them for the unthinkable dangers outside its walls?
About the Author
Pat Lowery Collins is the author of many acclaimed novels and picture books. She was inspired to write HIDDEN VOICES when she learned that Antonio Vivaldi wrote countless concertos to showcase the talents of orphan girls — and snare husbands for a lucky few. She lives in Gloucester, Massachusetts.
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Customer Reviews
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Most helpful customer reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Courtesy of Teens Read Too,
By TeensReadToo "Eat. Drink. Read. Be Merrier." (All Over the US & Canada) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Hidden Voices: The Orphan Musicians of Venice (Hardcover)
Eighteenth century composer Vivaldi not only composed beautiful music, but he also worked in an orphanage giving young girls a music education. HIDDEN VOICES is a fictional story based on true events about three girls living in the Ospedale dell Pieta.
Luisa is known for her voice, but she's always looking for the mother who abandoned her. Rosalba is the adventurous one who wants a life outside of the Ospedale walls and dreams of romance. Anetta is the one who takes care of everyone and feels especially protective of Luisa. Together, these girls grow up and help each other through the various obstacles life presents them. HIDDEN VOICES is a richly detailed historical novel. Each chapter is told from a different point of view and Ms. Collins excels at giving each girl a unique voice. Rosalba was my favorite character in the beginning, but Luisa and Anetta grew on me too throughout the novel. All three grow throughout the story and it's interesting to see how the girls help and rely on each other throughout the way. A great novel of friendship, HIDDEN VOICES is an engaging historical read, especially for readers with an interest in classical music. Reviewed by: Sarah Bean the Green Bean Teen Queen
Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta) Amazon.com:
4.1 out of 5 stars (7 customer reviews) 1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great historical fiction,
By Kim Ablon Whitney - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Hidden Voices: The Orphan Musicians of Venice (Hardcover)
All through reading this absorbing historical novel I couldn't help but feel a life-line being thrown out from today back through time. I like to read both historical and contemporary fiction and I particularly enjoy a good novel told from multiple voices where you get to know each character--their differences and similarities as they navigate through the world. While this story was set in the early 1700s I had the wonderful feeling that somehow these could be girls in today's day and age. Why? Because although Luisa, Anetta and Rosalba lived in another time they struggled with the same timeless issues of friendship, identity, and sexuality. I also enjoyed learning about the fascinating world of "orphan musicians"--it felt like a secret mystery I was able to discover.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good Read, somewhat sad ending.,
By CelticWomanFanPiano - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Hidden Voices: The Orphan Musicians of Venice (Hardcover)
Who knew that Antonio Vivaldi, the great composer, once dedicated himself to writing and teaching music for an orphanage for girls in Venice? This is perhaps the single biggest draw of the entire book. It opens a venue for one to gain insight to life inside a very musical orphanage. The portrayals of Vivaldi are both endearing and eccentric. The plight of the three girls who are the focus of the story is somewhat depressing towards the end. Neither one of the three seems to end up with the fate she would have chosen. One is cruelly raped, the other is a lesbian with unrequited love, and the third is always separated from the people she loves, including her mother and her lover. The author was clever in making the lesbian character at the same time very maternal, she has a great love for children. Not the usual traits associated with what is often considered a more manly trait. The one probably anybody anybody reading the book most sympathizes with is the poor girl who gets raped. Embued with childish fancies of what love and courtship are like she receives a cruel awakening. Thankfully Vivaldi returns her instrument to her and she is able to eventually make a decent living. To me probably the most poignant part of the story is when her daughter gets placed in the orphan wheel of the orphanage. It is after all, a place where opportunity can be attained for the girls. I thought it too advanced in subject matter for young adults. But for adults, it makes for a quick read. Although, it isn't a fairy tale and the ending is bittersweet.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Courtesy of Teens Read Too,
By TeensReadToo "Eat. Drink. Read. Be Merrier." - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Hidden Voices: The Orphan Musicians of Venice (Hardcover)
Eighteenth century composer Vivaldi not only composed beautiful music, but he also worked in an orphanage giving young girls a music education. HIDDEN VOICES is a fictional story based on true events about three girls living in the Ospedale dell Pieta.
Luisa is known for her voice, but she's always looking for the mother who abandoned her. Rosalba is the adventurous one who wants a life outside of the Ospedale walls and dreams of romance. Anetta is the one who takes care of everyone and feels especially protective of Luisa. Together, these girls grow up and help each other through the various obstacles life presents them. HIDDEN VOICES is a richly detailed historical novel. Each chapter is told from a different point of view and Ms. Collins excels at giving each girl a unique voice. Rosalba was my favorite character in the beginning, but Luisa and Anetta grew on me too throughout the novel. All three grow throughout the story and it's interesting to see how the girls help and rely on each other throughout the way. A great novel of friendship, HIDDEN VOICES is an engaging historical read, especially for readers with an interest in classical music. Reviewed by: Sarah Bean the Green Bean Teen Queen |
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