The Venetian Mask

Since I have a little bit of free time this month (and maybe for a bit longer...but not too much longer) I'm trying to get back into reading. I have about 8 books on my bookshelf, either mine that I've bought over the last year or borrowed from friends, that I have yet to read. So I started again. And I'm so happy I have time to read again. After years of textbook reading and not having time to "pleasure read," I almost forgot how much I enjoyed diving into the world of a book. That's what it feels like to me; taking a peek into a world, fictional or not. My most favorite books are historical fiction, mostly about Italy. And of course, I can never get enough of the Harry Potter saga. Those books will forever remain be in a special place in my heart. Anyways, still onto the book. 

The Venetian Mask by Rosalind Laker is a story about two friends who grew up as orphans in the Ospedale della Pieta, the famous orphanage in Venice. It follows them from the age of 12 and onwards 30 years, through growing up and maestra success (they were both accomplished singers in the Pieta's choir, one of the best ever [from what I've heard]), to their new families feud that had lasted hundreds of years. It takes you to a world where deception and personal vendetta's were the complete norm and money and familial power were more powerful in some ways than the government. 

I love old Italy. I really do. Of course old Italy isn't really Italy because the country wasn't unified until in this last century. Venice was especially mysterious. The name of the book says it all. The Venetian masks are world famous and although most people associate them with Carnevale, the celebration of the time period before Lent begins in the early spring, the masks were used in everyday life in Venice. Either going about town with simple bauta masks (plain white masks normally, some with some embellishments) or going to parties and the opera in fancy, hand crafted and very expensive masks, Venetians were able to hide behind their masks. 

A traditional women's Venetian mask with veil to conceal the rest of her face. 

A simple bauta mask, without specific facial features, with black tie strings.

Traditional men's Venetian mask with specific facial features and hold handle. 

I wonder what it would have been like to really live in those times. Books tell us specific stories about fictional or true characters. Most of the books I read combine real events with fictional embellishments. Those are the ones I love the most. 

So here's to another book that I will read over and over.