Orphaned from birth, Anna Maria grows up in the Ospedale della Pieta.  At an early age, her aptitude for music is discovered and so begins her love affair with the violin.  Composer and Maestro Antonio Vivaldi, also known as the Red Priest, encourages both her musical artistry as well as her wayward spirit.  Anna Maria hopes to find her biological mother and in her journey, finds herself in this stirring historical tale.

You don’t have to be a fan of this period of history to appreciate VIVALDI’S VIRGINS.  Barbara Quick’s breathtaking prose immediately captivates as the voice of Anna Maria shines through.  Seen through her eyes, Venetian society takes on a whole new outlook.  From the various prejudices against the Jews to the restrictions against women to the sheer politics of the time, VIVALDI’S VIRGINS is an intimate portrait of a society in which music flourished.  Barbara Quick’s lilting prose paints a picture so exquisite that the ending comes far too quickly. 

In Anna Maria, Barbara Quick captures the spirit of every young woman longing to find her place in life.  Her letters written to a mother she has never met are heart breaking in their intensity.  At one point, I broke down in tears as Anna Maria’s pain was almost unbearable; I feared her wild spirit would be broken, along with her search for her heritage.  Thankfully, Barbara Quick ties this story together nicely, making it all the more enjoyable as the twists in the ending add a whole new perspective to an already wonderful story.   

VIVALDI’S VIRGINS is a fascinating tale, both for the beautiful prose as well as the glimpse at an often overlooked piece of history.  The historical insights at the end are particularly helpful at showing where the author used a bit of judicious poetic license.  Barbara Quick sets a high standard with VIVALDI’S VIRGINS, as her ability to evoke strong emotions makes this tale unforgettable.  

Reviewed by Debbie

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Posted October 2007