Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.67 AVERAGE
3.67 AVERAGE
When Alexandra accidentally keeps a bag that doesn't belong to her, she embarks on a cross country trek through Bulgaria to return the valuable contents. The story alternates from Alexandra's story in present day and Stoyan Lazarov's story in the 1950's, I was fully invested in both and how they were woven together. I truly enjoyed this novel and the characters that Elizabeth Kostova created. It opened up history that I had no idea about.
This book has been on my to-read shelf for so long that I can't actually remember why I put it there in the first place, but I'm so glad I finally got around to it. It was not super fast-paced, but every minute still felt exciting and suspenseful. The characters felt real and well-rounded, the setting was beautifully described, and it contained some beautiful moments and reflections while maintaining a pace that felt fast--which is pretty impressive for 500ish page book that tells a story that takes place over less than a week.
I have enjoyed Kostova's other books and while this one was interesting (and made me want to travel to Bulgaria for the first time ever) it started slowly.
The back and forth between two time periods was harder to follow at times.
The mystical aspects of the ending (the wolf) was also hard to swallow and the uncertainty of the brother's fate.
However it was still very compelling at times, and interesting.
The back and forth between two time periods was harder to follow at times.
The mystical aspects of the ending (the wolf) was also hard to swallow and the uncertainty of the brother's fate.
However it was still very compelling at times, and interesting.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Infidelity, Self harm, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Kidnapping, Stalking, Murder, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I'll start by saying I was a huge fan of the Historian. Kostova's writing has so much depth, full of so much description and substance. I'll admit the synopsis drew me in even though it didn't give me many details. I truly feel I went into this not knowing at all what this novel was going to be about however I feel it reads well that way.
Be prepared to learn lots about Bulgaria's dark history as Alexandra's journeys to makes amends with her beloved brother's death and to hopefully heal her emotional scars.
This is a lengthy novel but definitely worth it.
Thank you to Text Publishing and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Be prepared to learn lots about Bulgaria's dark history as Alexandra's journeys to makes amends with her beloved brother's death and to hopefully heal her emotional scars.
This is a lengthy novel but definitely worth it.
Thank you to Text Publishing and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I think I appreciated this book the most for the risks Kostova took in telling this story. I love how The Shadow Land was polyphonic, moving across time, space, and voices to solve a core mystery. While some of the descriptions felt overwrought at times, on the whole, Kostova's writing is beautiful and compelling. My favorite character in the story was definitely Bobby, largely because I was confused by Alexandra's blend of timidness and naivety; but all the characters did feel distinct and believable, which I appreciated immensely. No spoilers, but I do feel like the ending sort of collapsed in on itself. All of my questions were answered, but it felt like a music piece that ended on an unresolved chord, which leaves a strange tension in me. Maybe that was the point, but I don't know if I'm a fan of that.
Also, of Elizabeth Kostova's books, I can now say that The Historian is my favorite, but I think all three that I've read have their charms to be sure.
Also, of Elizabeth Kostova's books, I can now say that The Historian is my favorite, but I think all three that I've read have their charms to be sure.
Mostly engaging but suffers from lazy, heavy-handed storytelling tactics. Tortured girl with a secret from her past goes to a new country to rid herself of her sadness; goes on adventure and comes out on the other side a renewed person. I would have preferred if more of the novel had focused on Stoyan and less on Alexandra.
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No