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dizzy_reception's review against another edition
1.0
I didn't finish this book. Sometimes there were little events that kept me reading, but for the most part it is about chasing Dracula through historical documents. At times it can be educational, but most of the time it takes away what makes vampire novels compelling.
I quit after reading almost 200 pages of them talking about documents, and the breaking point was when two of the characters were fighting over one copy of Bram Stoker's Dracula. Maybe I missed something, but why couldn't the father just go out and buy a copy of Dracula? Also, the library was that of a very large library. With the historical and literary significance of Dracula, why would they only have one copy?
If you can look past those things and want to give it a shot, I can't blame you. I really like history and the idea of chasing Dracula through understanding the history of Vlad the Impaler was extremely appealing to me. However, I feel they could have done this in a more interesting way. Life's too short for me to spend another 400 pages on a book that has flat characters and a dull plot that has holes.
I quit after reading almost 200 pages of them talking about documents, and the breaking point was when two of the characters were fighting over one copy of Bram Stoker's Dracula. Maybe I missed something, but why couldn't the father just go out and buy a copy of Dracula? Also, the library was that of a very large library. With the historical and literary significance of Dracula, why would they only have one copy?
If you can look past those things and want to give it a shot, I can't blame you. I really like history and the idea of chasing Dracula through understanding the history of Vlad the Impaler was extremely appealing to me. However, I feel they could have done this in a more interesting way. Life's too short for me to spend another 400 pages on a book that has flat characters and a dull plot that has holes.
brookewallace16's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
cerisecarrot's review against another edition
2.0
Too many coincidences and could have been a good 250 pages shorter without affecting the plot.
eiridium's review against another edition
5.0
An enthralling read.
One of the most skillfully written intertwined narratives I have ever written. Initial reaction is to the far-fetched subject of the book, but the author is able to quickly grab your attention and hold it for the the balance of this great read. While it takes a few seconds sometimes to realize which voice is speaking, the collective voice is very important to the deeper story.
Highly recommended.
One of the most skillfully written intertwined narratives I have ever written. Initial reaction is to the far-fetched subject of the book, but the author is able to quickly grab your attention and hold it for the the balance of this great read. While it takes a few seconds sometimes to realize which voice is speaking, the collective voice is very important to the deeper story.
Highly recommended.
osean93's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
devlavaca's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
informative
mysterious
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
lmorgen's review against another edition
3.0
Intricate, fascinating, and suspenseful--The Historian was a long, but worthwhile read. I haven't read a lot of suspense/horror novels--they're not really my genre--but The Historian certainly caught my fancy. Narrated mostly by the daughter and letters from her father, The Historian is richly complex, vividly imagined, and, at times, horrifying and disturbing. However, it's length can be a bit of a put-off, as it takes a while for the plot to really kick off. Although the plot is interesting and thought-provoking, it lacks the magic that keeps the reader riveted from page to page.
All the travels and vacations through Europe are beautifully described, which gives The Historian richness and culture, while also helping the plot seem more credible. These descriptions were the most enjoyable part of The Historian for me. Overall, The Historian was a fun, interesting read, but the length of the book and its slow plot were irritating.
All the travels and vacations through Europe are beautifully described, which gives The Historian richness and culture, while also helping the plot seem more credible. These descriptions were the most enjoyable part of The Historian for me. Overall, The Historian was a fun, interesting read, but the length of the book and its slow plot were irritating.
lauraborkpower's review against another edition
4.0
The Historian is a quiet, literary take on Dracula, and it's really enjoyable.
Kostova gives us a story within a story within a story, done with books, letters, and in libraries across the world. She takes our characters to Amsterdam, the U.S., Romania, Wallachia, France, and Budapest. The story spans decades, and while our heroes--the historians, all--work in books, the Librarian himself is a villain. Dracula is real, charming, and deadly. The story is romantic. The ending is perfect.
The audiobook is narrated by Justine Eyre (who I'd loved reading Lauren Beukes's Zoo City but who is just okay here [her English accent doing Barley is mediocre--odd because her South African accent in ZC was great]) and Paul Michael; and overall, it was great to listen to. Unabridged, it's over twenty-six hours, so it's an investment; but it's definitely worth your time.
Kostova gives us a story within a story within a story, done with books, letters, and in libraries across the world. She takes our characters to Amsterdam, the U.S., Romania, Wallachia, France, and Budapest. The story spans decades, and while our heroes--the historians, all--work in books, the Librarian himself is a villain. Dracula is real, charming, and deadly. The story is romantic. The ending is perfect.
The audiobook is narrated by Justine Eyre (who I'd loved reading Lauren Beukes's Zoo City but who is just okay here [her English accent doing Barley is mediocre--odd because her South African accent in ZC was great]) and Paul Michael; and overall, it was great to listen to. Unabridged, it's over twenty-six hours, so it's an investment; but it's definitely worth your time.
chelery's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5