Vivaldi’s Virgins

In Barbara Quick's vivid novel set in 18th-century Venice, the vibrant world of Carnival unfolds through the eyes of 14-year-old Anna Maria dal Violin, an orphan musician at the Ospedale della Pietà, where the famed Antonio Vivaldi serves as priest and composer. As Anna Maria navigates the city's splendor and shadows, she embarks on a personal and artistic journey filled with extraordinary musical talent, determination, and complex friendships. The narrative intertwines her youthful aspirations with reflective insights from her older self, exploring themes of artistry, longing, and the essence of being a musician amidst the complexities of her environment.