The Orphan's Song

By: Lauren Kate

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

The historical adult debut novel by number one New York Times best-selling author Lauren Kate, The Orphan's Song is a sweeping love story about family and music - and the secrets each hold - that follows the intertwined fates of two Venetian orphans.

"A tangled knot of betrayal and love, lies and redemption. Marvelous." (Fiona Davis, author of The Address)

A song brought them together.
A secret will tear them apart.

Venice, 1736. When fate brings Violetta and Mino together on the roof of the Hospital of the Incurables, they form a connection that will change their lives forever. Both are orphans at the Incurables, dreaming of escape. But when the resident Maestro notices Violetta's voice, she is selected for the Incurables' world famous coro, and must sign an oath never to sing beyond its church doors.

After a declaration of love ends in heartbreak, Mino flees the Incurables in search of his family. Known as the "city of masks," Venice is full of secrets, and Mino is certain one will lead to his long-lost mother. Without him, the walls close in on Violetta and she begins a dangerous and forbidden nightlife, hoping her voice can secure her freedom. But neither finds what they are looking for, until a haunting memory Violetta has suppressed since childhood leads them to a shocking confrontation.

Vibrant with the glamour and beauty of Venice at its zenith, The Orphan's Song takes us on a breathtaking journey of passion, heartbreak, and betrayal before it crescendos to an unforgettable ending, a celebration of the enduring nature and transformative power of love.

©2019 Lauren Kate (P)2019 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"The Orphan's Song plunges the reader into the streets and canals of eighteenth-century Venice, where the world of Carnivale roils with music, love, and intrigue. Lauren Kate is a masterful storyteller, with a stunning command of her rich historical material and the ability to draw forth the beautiful and intimate songs of the human heart." (Allison Pataki, author of Sisi)

"Lauren Kate mesmerizes in a tale that brilliantly recreates 1700s Venice - a city of high-stakes intrigue and earthly delights - where a pair of abandoned children find solace in music and each other. I was swept along as their lives formed a tangled knot of betrayal and love, lies and redemption. Marvelous." (Fiona Davis, best-selling author of The Masterpiece)

“An operatic and opulently detailed tale of longing, secrets, and high-stakes quests for freedom, love, art, and home…Kate vividly conjures a city of beauty and pain, piety and criminality, helplessness and ruthlessness, while choreographing a suspenseful, soaring love story of anguish, ecstasy, risk, and stunning reversals.” (Booklist)

Discovering Venetian Life

Loved the detailed description and history of 18th century Venice. From life as an orphan at the “Incurables”, to the music, to the love story and many tragedies, I was captivated from the beginning to the end. Lots of twists and surprises. I recommend Orphan’s Song.

Beautiful ups and down of a forever love

There is something profoundly beautiful about witnessing two souls navigate the highs and lows of life, enduring challenges that pulled them apart, yet still holding onto the deep admiration they have for one another. Their bond, untouched by judgment, is built on a foundation of shared memories—both joyful and wistful—woven together. Through every storm and every moment of bliss, their love remains steadfast, a testament to a connection that transcends fleeting emotions. It is a breathtaking sight, the kind of love that is not just felt but lived—a true, lifelong devotion that stands unshaken.

another amazing read

Lauren Kate is an amazing author. I have enjoyed many books she has written. Ophan's Song did not disappoint.

Loved

A book I listened to whenever I could, the story never lulled and I always wanted to hear what was next. One of those books I was upset to finish. I wish I could read it for the first time again!

Fantastic!

I cant say enough good things about this book!!! I absolutely adore Lauren Kate. I read everything she's written. she is truly talented in writing a romance. And though this one is filled with tragedy it is constantly tying pieces together and leaves you impressed with how a single detail doesn't go to waste. The person reading the novel was amazing!! really brought this story to life.

Awesome

Loved it! The story was read very well and I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen next.

A remarkable storyline. Unique to time and place.

Beautiful story of love lost, found, lost. No spoiler, but the ending does not disappoint. Takes place in Vienna, I think mid-century. I learned a lot about the setting. The plot is intrguing and unpredictable. Highly recommend as audiobook--well performed, even with authenticmusic at the end.

Absolutely captivating and beautifully brilliant!

This entire story is original and takes you through a rollercoaster of far off adventures and passionate love and despair.
Beautifully performed.

Historical Fiction in Venice

The Orphan’s Song is a lush tale about two orphans who meet at an orphanage in Venice. They have an immediate connection that will ebb and flow over the next few years. Violetta grows to be a gifted singer with a future that is set by the people who’ve cared for her and nurtured her talent since her arrival at the orphanage. Mino, also an orphan, hopes to gain an apprenticeship to ensure a good future. Being orphans has left them with strong feelings about marriage, family, etc. As they grow into young adults their priorities change in ways they never anticipated.

This is a novel for fans of historical fiction. I enjoyed the theme of music and its importance to all people of this time. The Hospital of the Incurables trained young girls to sing in church. They were famous and revered throughout the city. I loved reading about carnevale and how it figured in Venetian society and culture. Lauren Kate’s descriptions put me into each scene. With all the drama of Mina and Violetta’s story the novel seemed like an opera – which, in my estimation, is perfect. I enjoyed The Orphan’s Song very much and hope Lauren Kate will continue to write historical fiction.

Cassandra Campbell's narration was great and I loved that a few musical pieces were included at the end.

Fate really has a sense of humor!

5 stars
The amount of times Letta and Mino just missed each other or just passed each other by chance is just CRAZY! Despite that, this story really pulled me in. So much that I avoided sleep to finish the last 3hrs and 40min . . . I couldn't stop listening and I was cringing the entire last hour. Really enjoyed this book!