“My Thoughts…
The Violinist’s Apprentice is told predominantly from the viewpoint of Clementina. She is sent back in time to retrieve an invaluable artefact from the period – a Stradivari violin. A novice player of the violin herself, she becomes apprenticed to none other than the creator, Antonio Stradivarius himself.
The first thing that that really impressed me with this book is the descriptions! I’m not the sort of person that loves to travel; although Italy is the country I haven’t been to that I would like to visit. If I hadn’t gone into this book that way inclined already then I certainly would be by the time I finished! It’s easy to step into our MC Clemetina’s shoes and share the sights, smells and experiences she lives through.
I like that the gap in science and technology was bridged by a sort of magic, based loosely on the early understandings of science and chemistry. Otherwise, this would have been a very difficult tale to write and get to a conclusion. It incorporates a bit of magical realism into the narrative but I personally really enjoyed this. Something else I enjoyed is the variety of characters and the diversity in the interactions between them. I do feel there is a lot to learn about some of the characters though, which may be addressed if this is a series. There are a number of unexplained events and interactions that I feel could hint at a series being made of this, or otherwise need elaborating on more.
Italy in that period has its beauty and lavishness, but it does have its darker side too. The story touches on the previous devastation caused by civil war, and the consequences of plague and illness in the presence of many orphaned children. The tale isn’t painted through rose-tinted glasses by any means, but rather adds greater depth and background to a realistic portrayal of Italy at that time. Overall the historical element to the novel is pretty authentic.” Reviewsfeed Blog
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“Thoughts
I am always intrigued by timeslip novels and found the parts of the story which were set in 17th Century Rome to be the most enjoyable chapters. There is a lovely link between the present day Colosseum and the past and all the sections which described the teeming city were full of atmosphere and detail.
In addition, there is plenty of scope for several further novels to continue the quests. I found the added theme of the need to save the planet from global warming to be both surprising and thought inducing. If only there could be a dose of magical realism to sort it all out!
In short: Atmosphere and intrigue across the centuries.” Books, Life and Everything Blog
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“Review
I dived into this book at the start of my grey commute, and honestly, almost missed my stop the first day! Part-mystery, part-timeslip, part-magic, and a lot of adventure, we meet Clementina as she prepares for a school-trip to Rome. Although her concern for her brother is at the forefront of her mind, it’s clear that there’s also excitement that her dreamy geography teacher will also be in attendance. But just what is he up to, and what’s the meaning behind the gift he gives her, that she is warned to tell nobody about?
Tina is as much in the dark as we are, as she is whisked back to the 1600s, and a Rome which is dark and dangerous, especially to somebody as different as she is. There is action a-plenty as she tries to solve the riddle she’s been set, as well as find her way safely home.
I found this a real page-turner, as the pace builds, and loved the account of a period in Rome’s history that I’ve not read much fiction about. We get the detail of a city very much torn between the haves and have-nots. Meeting young Antonio Stradivari was fascinating too!” Historical Fiction and Spirit
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