The Lost Dresses of Italy

by M. A. McLaughlin Narrated by Hope Newhouse, Melanie Crawley, Edoardo Camponeschi

Overview

Verona, 1947. Textile historian Marianne Baxter comes to post-war Italy with one thing on her mind: three pristine Victorian dresses once owned by the famous poet Christina Rossetti. Hidden away in a trunk for nearly a century, they were recently discovered at the Fondazione Museo Menigatti and Marianne's expertise is needed before they go on exhibit. Still grieving the loss of her husband, the trip is also a reason for Marianne to start over. But when she arrives, she discovers an unsupportive but handsome museum owner, a superstitious local community, and a mysterious letter with a scribbled warning hidden among the dresses. Verona, 1864. Christina Rossetti returns to her family's homeland in hopes of leaving her unfulfilled personal life and poetry career in England and beginning a new chapter. After a chance encounter with an old family friend, she finds a gift her father once gave her: a small ornate box with the three Muses carved into the lid. When she stumbles across a secret compartment, Christina finds a letter from her father with an urgent and personal request. The letter, speaking of a pendant and stolen book that must be returned, connects Marianne and Christina-and leaves them both with more questions than answers. Inspired by the real-life mysteries surrounding poet Christina Rossetti, The Lost Dresses transports readers to Verona with the enchantment and intrigue of Italian art and fashion.

Editorial Reviews

APRIL 2024 - AudioFile

This complex audiobook revolves around Marianne, a textile historian, who is called to the Fondazione Museo Menegatti in post-WWII Verona, Italy, to certify the age of three perfectly preserved Victorian dresses that once belonged to poet Christina Rosetti. In alternating chapters, Marianne's attempts to discover more about the dresses are met with threats and violence, while Christina's life in 1864 unfolds a dangerous tapestry of lies, secrets, and deceit. Edoardo Camponeschi delivers the prologue and supplies newspaper and magazine excerpts throughout. His rich, appealing baritone is ear-catching. Hope Newhouse, as Marianne, provides a little too much breathless anticipation, while Melanie Crawley's performance as poet Christina Rosetti maintains a royal elegance. Though Newhouse keeps Marianne's story interesting, it's Crawley's portrayal of Christina's life that thrills the imagination. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940160281841
Publisher:	Dreamscape Media
Publication date:	02/06/2024
Edition description:	Unabridged
Sales rank:	1,067,978

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