Justice in sixteenth-century Bologna is like the fine silk which the city produces: something only the rich and powerful can afford. Elena Morandi is a supremely talented seamstress, at home among the bolts of fabric and cutting shears of her trade. However, she is determined that her ambition to be a tailor, a profession barred to her as a woman, will not slip through from her fingers like thread from the eye of a needle. With luck and perseverance, Elena gains a fragile foothold in the workshop of a master tailor, but then a man from her past crosses her path. Antonio della Fontana has every corner of the city in his pocket and, as Elena knows all too well, 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.

About the Author
Glennis Virgo was a teacher of classics before she became a primary school teacher and later headteacher. Since her retirement, she 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. @glennisvirgo


Book Information
ISBN 9780749031848
Author Glennis Virgo
Format Hardback
Page Count 320
Imprint Allison & Busby
Publisher Allison & Busby