The Venetian Mask

Rosalind Laker is like the battery bunny, she keeps on giving! I have now read 17 of her books including this last one The Venetian Mask. I have not found one to dislike in any way. Even though this book was published in 1993, it is a dynamic book for today's read! All of her characters come to life in all of her books. The scenery, the politics of the era, & the reasons for masks all come through loud & clear in this novel. I prefer historical novels & Ms. Laker grants me those eras in her writings. Plus 5 stars for Rosalind Laker!!!

Rosalind weaves a wonderful tale of romance, mystery, and suspence taking you back to the fading splendor of Venice. Honestly before reading this book, I never really had an interest in visiting Venice. This sparked an interest and last year I was fortunate to have an opportunity to briefly visit Venice. The reading of this book greatly enhanced my enjoyment of and appreciation for Venice. Rosalind did her homework extremely well. The historical events she refers to are very accurate as well as the history of the places mentioned. The story take place during a significant time of change in the history in Venice. I strongly recommend this book to anyone planning to visit Venice, and to anyone who enjoys a good book that immerses you in a bygone era.

I can't say enough about this author, she is witty and can write the glory and despair of amore. In this book she does that, but she lets up no slack on writing vivid details of the life in Venice that brings two friends together, and sometimes apart. The unique setting of the Pieta, where the girls are raised by nuns and taught the arts of music and song, was brought to life by her descriptions. The characters are wonderful and shown with true light revealing greatness in them and flaws as well. I enjoyed the theme of the "mask", the detail that she illuminates into its creation and purpose for this society. I enjoyed this book and the author's writing style as I always have, and she brings the tale to a glorious ending.

This is a book full of vivid imagery in typical Rosalind Laker fashion. Following the historical setting of Venice during it's Serenissima granduer, Laker weaves in characters and intrigue to draw the reader into the story. Her skillful writing makes you love and hate the characters, feeling wrapped up into the story and lives. The detail evokes the grand picture of Venice. The life and death mystery portions made me not want to put the book down. If you enjoy historical novels, or sweeping epic type of stories, this is a book for you

While not a deep and thought-provoking story, nevertheless an intriguing read. The friendship on which the story is based is at best two-dimensional, but since Ms. Laker is such a good storyteller the lack of depth is not terribly crippling. She has a gift for description. Do not read this book if you like to see beyond a plot line and find thought-provoking themes and introspection. Do read it if you want to thoroughly enjoy yourself and forget that there could be such a thing as these literary devices once in a while.