Recently I have begun to delve back into those wonderful historical novels that paint the story around famous artistic masterpieces. Several weeks ago I read a wonderful book entitled "Vivaldi's Virgins" by Barbara Quick. The author creates vivid characters that readers will love to both hate and adore - each advancing step is countered by drastic, devastating leaps backward, until the end, when the tunnel of darkness is lit by a single flickering idea of happiness. Quick brings Vivaldi's Italy to life, highlighting not only the decadence of some, but also the depravity caused by rigid social structures, religious rifts, and strict regulations on personal behavior. The book centers on a young girl's quest to discover her identity, a story line that has readers emotionally involved with the book within the first pages. "Vivaldi's Virgins" was an accidental find, which has inspired me to return to old favorites like Susan Vreeland and Tracy Chevalier.
