Authors: Laura Morelli
The Gondola Maker (28 page)
Acknowledgements
I have dreamt of writing a novel since I was a little girl, but it took me forty-six years and a giant leap of faith to actually write one. My parents and their previous generation taught me the value of stories, and for that I am ever grateful. I thank my husband, my children, and my extended family for tolerating my flights of fancy with patience and support.
Special thanks go to those who commented on early drafts: Lisa Andoni, Don Bell, Wendy Beasley, Karla Bole, Matteo Casini, Dan Cicora, Elisabeth de’Ath, Ann Fisher, Jessica Hatch, Therese Keelaghan, Sophia Khan, Faith Lusted, Frances Mayes, Danielle and Holly Pisano, Pamela Sheldon Johns, Mark Spencer, Ellen Tener, and Bridget Weber. With their eager and surprising questions, my art history students pressed me to see my work in a new light.
Most of all, I owe my deepest respect and thanks to the Italian artisans who have endured my questions and disruptions over the years with patience and generosity, especially Daniele Bonaldo, Franco Furlanetto, Gilberto Penzo, and Saverio Pastor. In particular, I am grateful to Roberto Tramontin and his colleagues. My hat is off to these last
squerarioli
in Venice—just a handful of men who hold the grand tradition of Venetian gondola-making in their hands.
I HOPE YOU ENJOYED READING THIS BOOK.
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Thank you and happy reading!
—Laura Morelli
About the Author
Laura Morelli earned a Ph.D. in art history from Yale University, where she was a Bass Writing Fellow and an Andrew W. Mellon Doctoral Fellow. She has taught college art history in the U.S. and at Trinity College in Rome. She is the creator of the authentic guidebook series that includes
Made in Italy
,
Made in France
, and
Made in the Southwest
, published by Rizzoli. Laura is a frequent contributor to
National Geographic Traveler
and other national magazines and newspapers. A native of coastal Georgia, she is married and is busy raising four children.
The Gondola Maker
is her first work of fiction.