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4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
3.5ish. This felt a bit uneven - some narrative threads (namely the academic ones) were engaging, but the historical fiction plot didn’t grab me.
slow-paced
If you like literature, this book is a gift. If you like history (albeit a bit obscure - 1660) this is a story that can make it come alive. A sheaf of papers is found hidden behind stairs in an old estate outside of London that is being renovated. Aging, icy Helen, who walks with a cane, is close to retirement and can stop a person in their tracks with her icy stare alone secures Aaron as her research assistant for three days before a decision will be made by the university about how best to proceed with them. The stories are woven to create a wonderful fabric: Aaron and Helen now as they work to determine the writings in a variety of languages, the history of both Aaron and Helen and how they came to this juncture, and the story of the person who did the actual writing. From Spain and the Spanish Inquisition to Portugal to Amsterdam to London this is the story of Jews and Christians, Cromwell and the crown, the wealthy, the poor and the plague, religion and philosophy all written is elegant prose. A compelling story with many well fleshed out and complicated characters. A joy for me to read.
I thought this book was very well written and researched.
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This, to me, is ideal historical fiction. Impeccably researched but so engaging, I found myself sitting in the car, still listening to the audio book long after pulling into the garage.
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
DNF - such a great idea but wow is it long and boring. I got about 250 pages in and realized I was avoiding reading because I was so disinterested. I don’t understand the hype and figured it was time to move on to a better book
slow-paced