Scan barcode
mllejoyeuxnoel's review
5.0
AN ABSOLUTE GEM. I adored this book - couldn't put it down. Rich language and art history. A work of art.
mrsdryoder's review
5.0
Loved it! Another book about psychiatrists (there may be a theme to what I read...), but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Now, that being said, I think the psychiatrist in the story may need some help with working on boundaries.
abaugher's review against another edition
4.0
this book is not The Historian. It does, however, go into what I would consider a lot of detail about art and painting. It also throws in an historical hidden romance, and why someone would attack a painting.
so, i have come away from the reading (listening) with a somewhat greater appreciation for paintings and brushstrokes, although i am far frmo undersatnding them.
so, i have come away from the reading (listening) with a somewhat greater appreciation for paintings and brushstrokes, although i am far frmo undersatnding them.
timna_wyckoff's review
5.0
New book from the author of "The Historian" which I really liked.
This was a great story, and I found the fact that it went on FOREVER to be a plus. The characters were compelling and the "unknown" part of the story was unveiled skillfully over hundreds of pages, not all in a rush at the end as sometimes happens.
This was a great story, and I found the fact that it went on FOREVER to be a plus. The characters were compelling and the "unknown" part of the story was unveiled skillfully over hundreds of pages, not all in a rush at the end as sometimes happens.
mbfeeney's review
4.0
I am so pleased that I have finally finished this book. Not because it was a chore, but because I NEEDED the answers to so many questions I gathered during reading it.
When I first started reading, I though Robert was an utter arse, but having finished it, I realise this assessment of him is completely wrong. His not speaking says so much as the story unfolds.
The letters were my biggest mystery, and these also were answered at the end of the book, and I admit, some revelations were unexpected. Although, I do have a question that I don't think was answered directly. I won't spoil it for you if you haven't read it yet.
Kostova has a way with words that draws you in, even though both novels I have read are very long, they are rarely boring and over wordy. She clearly does a lot of research into what she is writing about and has a vested interest in them also which borders on a love for art (and history in The Historian).
I loved the way she melded modern day and the 1800s in this book. To me, it never felt confusing andy I never lost track of who was "talking". I just felt as if I were getting the whole story.
I highly recommend reading this, just prepare to lose anything from a couple of days to up to a fortnight waiting for the answers.
When I first started reading, I though Robert was an utter arse, but having finished it, I realise this assessment of him is completely wrong. His not speaking says so much as the story unfolds.
The letters were my biggest mystery, and these also were answered at the end of the book, and I admit, some revelations were unexpected. Although, I do have a question that I don't think was answered directly. I won't spoil it for you if you haven't read it yet.
Kostova has a way with words that draws you in, even though both novels I have read are very long, they are rarely boring and over wordy. She clearly does a lot of research into what she is writing about and has a vested interest in them also which borders on a love for art (and history in The Historian).
I loved the way she melded modern day and the 1800s in this book. To me, it never felt confusing andy I never lost track of who was "talking". I just felt as if I were getting the whole story.
I highly recommend reading this, just prepare to lose anything from a couple of days to up to a fortnight waiting for the answers.
candacesiegle_greedyreader's review
4.0
Very enjoyable, and I never got through The Historian. It could have been trimmed by a good fifty pages, but I was with it start to finish.
egleason's review
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
icarussfalls's review
3.0
Very good. Took a bit to get into though. I enjoyed the talk of painting and art. The end did seem slightly predictable though but it was good.