The Glassmaker Exploring Venice, Murano, and the Art of Glass Beads through Tracy Chevalier's Vision

Venice, with its dreamy canals and labyrinthine streets, is a city steeped in timeless beauty. But nestled just a stone's throw away is the island of Murano, a place with an equally rich legacy—one forged in fire, colored in precious minerals, and shaped by centuries of craftsmanship. It is here that Tracy Chevalier sets her luminous new historical novel, The Glassmaker. As the host of the Flavor of Italy podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Tracy Chevalier about her latest novel, The Glassmaker, which has captured the imagination of readers worldwide. From the shimmer of molten glass to the intricate art of bead-making, Chevalier's novel is both a sweeping saga and an ode to a vanishing world of artistry. If you're fascinated by Italy, women's history, or the centuries-old tradition of Venetian glass, this story—and the story behind the story—is for you.