Thirst Paperback – March 1, 2012

Almost every character in Thirst has a secret (or more than one). Secrets from the past threaten the present, which is not without its own fresher mysteries. Sharnick's characters are genuinely interesting people, with believable lives and personalities. As the author deftly weaves the separate threads of those lives into a single tapestry that pulsates with danger and violence, nothing is obvious, and many things remain hidden until the end.In some ways the strongest character in Thirst is Venice herself, beautiful and decadent, magical and cruel. It's obvious that the author knows Venice and her history, and she brings it alive in an intensely sensual way. As other reviewers have said, Thirst would make quite a film.Since the setting is Venice, everything is surrounded by water. It's ironic, then, that all the characters thirst - for something out of reach, something that has been lost, something unattainable. The interactions among characters are never superficial. Two conversations between two pairs of sisters, toward the end of the book, are cases in point: layers upon layers of complexity emerge.There is a lot of richness in this book. It's by no means a light read, and some of the characters' experiences are quite disturbing (though completely justifiable historically), but it is rewarding.

This novel pulled me in from the very first page. Thirst was written in such a way that one felt as if they were living the parts. Each character had something inside of them, something for which they longed. I couldn't help but become attached to the deep desires and secrets that wove this story together into a tapestry of love and loss, of pain and healing, of life and death. The descriptions of Venice made one feel as if they were truly part of this time and space.I will admit that, toward the end, I could not put this book down. When I finished reading I still felt the long lasting effects of life in 1613 Venice. This author truly knows the history of this beautiful place and complex time in human history.

I made Thirst, by Mary Sharnick, the first purchase on my new Kindle Fire. What a great choice! Since downloading the book, it has consumed my free time (and even some time that should not have been free). Admittedly not a historic fiction enthusiast, Thirst has captivated me, because while the background will capture history fans, the plights, struggles and revelations of each character will keep any reader on the edge of his or her seat. This book has me walking and reading - always an indication of a terrific book. By all means, get yourself a copy of Thirst, and be prepared to get nothing else done until you've gotten through the last page. A must-read!

Thirst starts off strong and sure. It pulled me directly into a sweeping story, and from that moment I was completely engaged in the lives of these realistic, complex and fascinating characters. With no shortage of action or romance, the author manages to develop each character as a real person with depth and a perspective that's compelling. Sometimes the characters connect in lovely ways, sometimes they clash violently, and as a reader I was enthralled with their lives and their choices. I'd never been particularly interested in the time period and didn't think there was anything so special about Venice, but after Thirst I look forward to another journey in the author's next novel.

"As he made his way into the lagoon from the Torcello canal, he heard moans and lamentations from a boat passing not too far from his. Perhaps, he thought, he was but one of a number for whom Friar Giorgio's island offered escape, if not solace!"Quench your suspense thirst!

Thirst has me thirsting for more books from this author. I couldn't put the book down. I recommend this book highly and can't wait until another one is written. It will certainly be on my list to read.

Thirst magically transports you to 17th century Venice, complete with all of the splendor you would envision as well as much that was unexpected and eye-opening. It was a great read and ended way too soon.

Better than advertized!