Julia Fine Knihy

A gothic, Venetian fairytale about the fierce bond between two teenage girls at an 18th century music school, and the fateful bargains they make with a dark magic in the waters of Venice.[Bokinfo].

"Ravaged and sore from giving birth to her first child, Megan is raising her newborn largely alone while her husband travels for work. Physically exhausted and mentally drained, she's also racked with guilt over her unfinished dissertation-a thesis on mid-century children's literature. Enter a new upstairs neighbor: long-dead quixotic children' book writer Margaret Wise Brown-author of the beloved classic Goodnight Moon-whose existence no one else will acknowledge. Margaret has unfinished business with her former lover, the once-famous socialite and actress Michael Strange, and is determined to draw Megan into the fray. As Michael joins the haunting, Megan finds herself caught in the wake of their power struggle-and until she can find a way to quiet these spirits, she and her newborn daughter are in terrible danger."--book jacket

A darkness takes shape beneath the waters of Venice, where two girls breathe beside each other, legs entwined. This opulent Venetian fairytale is rich with music, magic, passion, and betrayal, appealing to fans of enchanting gothic tales. Set in 1717, fifteen-year-old orphan Luisa has always aspired to be the best violinist at the Ospedale della Pieta, but she finds herself overshadowed by her peers and lacking true friends—until Maddalena arrives. Sent to the Pieta until her noble family can arrange a marriage, Maddalena is cunning and passionate, promising Luisa a world of possibilities. Their fates intertwine, but Maddalena's dangerous wager comes with an unimaginable price. The narrative unfolds as a dark fairy tale about the violent hearts of teenage girls, exploring themes of desire, envy, and the costs of ambition. The lush Venetian backdrop captivates and frightens, creating an immersive experience that evokes the complexities of girlhood and the longing for womanhood. Readers are drawn into a world that feels both secretive and indulgent, making it a compelling read for anyone who has ever yearned for more. This novel is a sumptuous feast of desire, art, and the intricate dynamics of friendship, leaving a lasting impression.