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There are currently 22 member reviews
for The Venetian Bargain
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Barbara E. (Rockville, MD)
The Venetian Bargain
I thoroughly enjoyed this work of historical fiction. The characters are well developed and the plot is thrilling. Fiorato deftly weaves historical characters into her fiction and her descriptions of Venice and the Plague were fascinating. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in 16th-century Venice, the BlackPlague, medicine during that age and the Ottoman Empire. It is dramatic, romantic, chilling and thrilling. Well-written and a great deal of fun.
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Debbie-Lyn C. (Kitty Hawk, NC)
The Venetian Bargain
Wonderful, vivid descriptions! At some points I wanted to cringe from the smell and turn my eyes from the horrors portrayed. The reader feels right in the heart of Venice and Constantinople during the mid 1500's. Fascinating events of the plague, bitter feuds, poisoning, even dress and food make for a fast paced enlightening read.
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Daniel H. (Oak Lawn, IL)
Historical Venice
The clash of cultures – East versus West; the clash of religions – Christianity and early Islam; the clash of nascent philosophy of modern scientific rationalist Western medicine and traditional holistic Eastern medicine; all of this wrapped into an agonist-antagonist romance between the lead character, Feyra, and her counterpart, Dr. Annibale Cason, makes this novel a sweeping and interesting entry into Venice of the mid 1400s. I found the deus-ex-machina ending not terribly credible, but, overall, enjoyed the story.
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Mary H. (Phoenix, AZ)
A mask of romance and intrigue.
Let's hear it for a woman as the heroine! This story centered around a very talented, intuitive and young woman named Feyra from Constantinople. Her journey is nothing short of remarkable, at times more fantastic than possible but nevertheless the story keeps you interested in the next challenge.
I especially enjoyed the historical references to the schemes utilized by the Venetian doctors who treated so many in need during the plague. Whether the character wears a mask or a veil, there is something to hide as well as something to reveal. Follow Feyra in her struggle to keep her faith while also trying to stay one step ahead of those who knew the Turks only as evil. She has so much to prove and the outcome may not be what you expect of a historical romance story.
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Liz D. (Northbrook, IL)
The Venetian Bargain
The Venetian Bargain combines well-researched historical facts, descriptions that awake your senses and setting that all transport the reader to 1570's Venice. Fioratto's well-developed characters draw the reader into the plot that begins with a slow pace, accelerating to some high drama and romantic moments. I enjoyed this read.
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Sally H. (Geneva, OH)
The Venetian Bargain
Books like The Venetian Bargain are making historical fiction one of my favorite genres. This was the first book of Marina Fiorato's that I've read, and after finishing it I bought two of her other books and added one to our book club reading list. Her period detail is authentic, and the story itself is compelling if not spellbinding. There were some technical glitches which hopefully will be corrected in the final editing process, but even if not, I didn't find them deal-breakers. Overall, this was a very good read.
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Trezeline B. (Columbia, MD)
The Venetian Bargain
Quite an interesting read. It is well written though it uses language that is different. Twists and turns that are unexpected hold the readers interest. A good read overall.
