It’s always exciting being in at the start of a writer’s journey, especially when I can review their book online for My Weekly. Today it’s my pleasure to share details of my latest My Weekly review of City of Silk by Glennis Virgo. My enormous thanks to Josie Rushin at Allison and Busby for sending me a copy of the book.

Published by Allison and Busby on 21st November 2024, City of Silk is available for purchase in all the usual places including directly from the publisher here.

City of Silk

Bologna, 1575.

A talented seamstress

A powerful merchant

A fierce battle of wills

Elena Morandi has gained a fragile foothold in the workshop of a master tailor, despite the profession being officially barred to her as a woman. But then a powerful man from her past crosses her path and threatens everything she has worked for. Antonio della Fontana has every corner of the city in his pocket and, as Elena knows all too well, he abused his position of power at the Baraccano orphanage. Driven to fight for justice against a man seemingly above the law, Elena hatches a plan to get retribution for herself, a lost friend and those still prey to Fontana’s abuses.

With sumptuous detail that brings the sights, sounds and textures of Renaissance Italy to vivid life, City of Silk is a breathtaking historical fiction debut.

Winner of the inaugural Debut Writers Over 50 Award.

My Review of City of Silk

My full review of City of Silk can be found on the My Weekly website here.

However, here I can say that City of Silk is a brilliant story, packed with authentic detail, fantastic characters and a wonderful plot. It’s hard to believe this is a debut novel and I have a feeling Glennis Virgo is going to be a future force to be reckoned with. This immersive and gripping story is just fabulous.

Do visit My Weekly to read my full review here.

About Glennis Virgo

Glennis Virgo started her career in education teaching classics before she became a primary school headteacher. Since her retirement, Glennis has spent her time improving her Italian, visiting Italy (especially Bologna) and writing. City of Silk is her first novel and it won the inaugural Debut Writers Over 50 Award. She lives in Essex.

For further information about Glennis, find her on Instagram.