THE LOST DRESSES OF ITALY

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 [Published: APRIL 2024]