MADDALENA AND THE DARK

Sophie Roberts is outstanding as she performs this richly detailed novel of two girls in decadent eighteenth-century Venice. Luisa, a resident at a girls' conservatory, hopes to become a concert violinist under the tutelage of Antonio Vivaldi. When Maddalena, a beautiful young noblewoman is sent to the conservatory, Luisa's life takes a devastating turn. Maddalena has discovered that the sea grants wishes in exchange for an offering. She urges Luisa to wish for her heart's desire. In alternating chapters, Roberts sounds slightly breathless as the girls discover their mutual attraction and convincingly vindictive when things go wrong. Julia Fine's lyrical prose borders on the poetic, while Roberts invests each girl with complicated emotions, allowing their confused feelings to permeate this sinister tale of love and magic. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2023]