It is here that Hannah lived, working as a midwife whilst her husband, Isaac, set sail for Constantinople, hoping to make a fortune, only to be captured as a slave in Malta.
When Hannah is implored by a Christian count to deliver his wife's baby, she agrees and gets enough money to buy Isaac's freedom, but things turn out to be not that simple.
The story is set in Venice and Valetta, as the couple struggle to get back together. The characters and setting are well drawn, and I was gripped by the story, hoping to find out if they would be reunited.
The word ghetto, comes from the Italian geto, meaning foundry, which used to occupy the site.
The fabulous thing about Venice is that you will not be disappointed, because it looks exactly as it does in the guide books and on films and TV.
However, it was difficult to find a novel about Venice - there are plenty about Tuscany!
Can you recommend a good one?