her home in present-day London to start a new life in Venice. Beautifully
written and filled with evocative descriptions of Venice past and present,
The Glassblower of Murano takes us on an unforgettable trip of intrigue,
love and betrayal, set against the glorious background of the most
seductive city on earth.
One unique and beautiful work of glass provides the linking theme of the novel: the perfect glass heart crafted by Corradino for his daughter, which centuries later is inherited by Leonora and provides a clue for her to trace her past. No artist other than a Manin could fully understand the perfection of such a heart - and Leonora's future is inextricably bound up in it.
To celebrate the launch of Marina's novel, Beautiful Books are collaborating with luxury crystal brand Lalique on a Beauty of Glass campaign, focussing on the gorgeous crystal hearts produced by the firm. And in a special one-off opportunity, one fortunate couple will have the chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to visit the Lalique factory in Wingen, near Strasbourg, France, to see how the world's finest glassware is produced.
This historic and highly secretive factory is never made open to the general public, and the lucky winners will have a guided tour of what is probably the most famous glassblowing factory in the world. Staying in a lovely and traditional Strasbourg hotel for two nights, with traditional Alsace hospitality, and all transport costs from and back to the UK included.
How to enter
To enter the competition, just answer the three questions below and complete the statement, email your answers to glass@beautiful-books.co.uk and you will be entered into the prize draw which will take place after the closing date on 30 June 2008. All terms and conditions of the competition are shown below.
1. What is the surname of the great glassblower of Marina's novel?
2. Which city is the island of Murano a part of?
3. In which country is the world-famous Lalique glassware factory located?
Now complete the following sentence in no more than 15 words:
"I would like to visit the world-famous Lalique factory because.......... ..............................................................................................."
Send your answers by email to glass@beautiful-books.co.uk, or by post to Glassblower Competition, Beautiful Books Limited, 36-38 Glasshouse Street, London W1B 5DL. Please include a contact name, address and telephone number. The author Marina Fiorato will pick the lucky winner after the close of the competition on 30 June 2008, and the winner will be contacted soon after with details of the trip to Strasbourg for two people.
And if you would like a chance to hear Marina speak, she will be giving talks about the novel, and about the story of glass, at ticketed Beauty of Glass evenings around the country between 20 and 29 May: Beverley in Yorkshire, Chester, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Ilkley in Yorkshire, Jersey and London. Call into your local Waterstone’s or visit the website www.glassblowernovel.com nearer the time for more information and ticket details.
Part of The Beautiful Group
