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The Seamstress of Sardinia

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( 7,318 ratings, 853 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Seamstress of Sardinia, written by Bianca Pitzorno, is a historical fiction novel set in the 19th century on the Italian island of Sardinia. It follows the life of a gifted seamstress whose skills bring her into the homes of the elite, providing her with glimpses into their complicated, opulent worlds. As she navigates societal limitations and personal challenges, she strives for independence and self-discovery amidst a backdrop of cultural and social change.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're captivated by stories set against the rich tapestry of historical settings, especially in Italy. The narrative beautifully weaves themes of resilience, class struggles, and the daily life of an independent woman finding her place. Fans of character-driven tales that offer a window into the past will find it particularly engaging.

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The Seamstress of Sardinia

An immersive and vividly written historical novel for anyone who loved Ferrante's Neapolitan novels or Tracy Chevalier’s Girl with a Pearl Earring.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The irresistible story of a young woman seeking freedom and happiness.

Born into poverty, the seamstress spends her days sewing in the houses of wealthy families. Her work is simple and honest; taught by her nonna, she skilfully prepares nightgowns, undergarments, and children’s clothes, leaving the finer work of dressmaking to the ateliers in Paris.

Her story weaves in and out of the lives of the people she works for, whose secrets and scandals she is privy to. Some are kind and generous, others blinded by their desire to climb the social ladder. She dreams of freeing herself from the hardscrabble life she has inherited but can’t help being pulled back in by the love of the people around her.

Set at the dawn of the twentieth century, The Seamstress of Sardinia follows the girl as she grows into a woman, strives to educate herself, and falls in love—always fighting for her independence in a world dominated by men and old social conventions.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Bianca Pitzorno's novel is highly praised for its exploration of women's formation and emancipation. Critics highlight Pitzorno as one of Italy's greatest writers, with her ability to draw parallels between sewing and writing in her most political work. The storytelling is noted for its clarity, with commentary on class relations and feminism. The novel is recommended for fans of writers like Elena Ferrante and Isabel Allende, and it is celebrated as a sumptuous costume drama with heart in its English-language debut.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781922330536

Publisher: Text Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 03 May 2022

Country: Australia

Imprint: The Text Publishing Company

Contributors:

  • Translated by Brigid Maher

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 153.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 406g

Pages: 289

About the Author

Bianca Pitzorno was born in Sardinia in 1942. Since 1970 she has published seventy works of fiction and non-fiction, for adults and children. Her books have sold more than two million copies in Italy and been translated into many languages. The Seamstress of Sardinia is the first of her adult works to be translated into English. Pitzorno has also translated into Italian books by J. R. R. Tolkien, Sylvia Plath, Tove Jansson and David Grossman.

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