Reviews

Apothecary Melchior and the Ghost of Rataskaevu Street by Indrek Hargla

riikka_s's review against another edition

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dark mysterious fast-paced

3.75

scottyjoe9's review against another edition

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4.0

I enjoyed reading this book, mainly for the historical aspects. There was definitely some clumsy writing (or translating/editing?) But overall I enjoyed the story and I thought it gave a nice glimpse in the life of a person living in Tallinn in the middle ages.

porcelainmouse's review

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dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25


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walkingandpanicking's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious fast-paced

3.5

Ma tean, et Harglale mu seisukoht ei meeldiks, arvestades meie poliitilisi erinevusi, aga need puuviljased vibed siin raamatus olid *chef's kiss*

7anooch's review against another edition

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4.0

Really nice book set in medival Tallinn. Was visiting, so I read this to get in the mood of the time. Worked, and a nice story too.

hannahws's review

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challenging dark informative mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

annjk's review against another edition

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dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

sissiemilia's review against another edition

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Paused reading for too long, I’ll pick it up again sometime this year.

ezanator's review

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mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

sonofthunder's review against another edition

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3.0

This was a delightful little mystery set in Tallinn, Estonia...in early 15th century! I was very grateful and honoured to receive this as a birthday present from my dear Estonian friend Kerly and it was with great anticipation that I plunged in. I'm pretty positive that this is the first book I've ever read that was written originally in Estonian before being translated to English (thankfully - since I most definitely do not speak Estonian. A few words, yes. But enough to read a book? No). Anyways, this was a fascinating book because it was set in Tallinn in 1419...a time and place I know very little (nothing?) about. The plot itself was a little confusing at times - I have discovered I am probably not a big mystery fan in general. Multiple murders? A ghost? A haunted house? Eh who cares. And there were some graphic bits that I definitely could have done without, so this book is not for the faint of heart. Dismemberment, mutilation, torture, oh my! But despite all the previous, I really did enjoy reading this book. I obviously don't know the cultural milieu of Estonia back in the day, but reading this book, I felt as if I was living in that time. The main character - Melchior - is a fascinating character who despite being one of the smartest and most sympathetic characters in the book, still is characterized by the limitations of his time. As in...while he is a very intelligent and industrious apothecary, he still believes in some rather backward medical ideas, such as the humours of the body and how they affect its working. And of course he doesn't know about genetics so he views the idea of a passed down medical condition as a "family curse". And he has absolutely no issue with the 15th-century standard-issue torturing practices. It's just how things are, you know? I appreciated the fact that the author didn't attempt to insert 21st century ideals and morals into this story, but told this as a plausible historical fiction narrative. It was also interesting reading about the Christianity of the day...and how the influence of the Roman Catholic church had indeed spread far and wide, but also - there were heretical practices popping up left and right, such as the practice of flagellation, etc. I don't know the history well enough to comment on the accuracy of the way Christianity was portrayed in this book, but it definitely intrigued me. And then of course reading about the Livonian Order and Tallinn and being bombarded by so many names and places that I know nothing about...well, I was intrigued to say the least. I love history and this book whetted my appetite to know more of Estonia's history. So despite the somewhat convoluted plot and slightly overly graphic descriptions of various things...I did enjoy this book. It expanded my knowledge of an area and time I know very little of...and gave me a craving for more. Very thankful to Kerly for this book.