This guy happily lumps himself with Homer and Ovid like no business. I always end up smiling a bit at this, because time kinda justified it, but the ego!
I've gotten this far and a bit more some years back. Now to go the distance (since I'm skipping on The Name of the Rose again)
I really wanted to like this book. I really did. If I hadn't committed myself to reading this book for Historical Mystery Monopoly, I would have given up about half way in. I had promised myself this was going to be the year I worked on my inability to put aside books that don't hold my interest. In my defense, this is really the first book I've read all year that I finished while wondering why I continued to torture myself.
I've seen so many other reviews that paint the protagonist, Luciana, as some sort of wondrous heroine and a breath of fresh air. I even read reviews that applauded her constant desire for sex as honest and welcoming. Maybe I read a different book. The Luciana I saw was a brainless, silly girl. She had to be completely brainless to allow for Brother Guido to step in and throw countless, drawn out information drops and conspiracy theories at the reader.
I will give the author credit for her research and creativity. The plot is creative. The theory surrounding Botticelli's secret message within the painting is nothing short of brilliant. However, the reader never really gets a chance to feel like they are knee deep in some sort of Renaissance Dan Brown concoction. Before you have a chance to work things out on your own, Brother Guido is off on yet another boring monologue, spoon-feeding the reader everything.
This review may come off to some as a little harsh and it probably is. I feel my disappointment with the novel matches the tone of my review. The Medici family by itself is fascinating enough on its own. Throw in the constant plotting by the church and various other Italian families against the Medici and you have enough intrigue to fill a library. (Side note: This is exactly what makes me such a huge fan of Ezio Auditore and the Assassin's Creed games) This book offered me none of the atmosphere of intrigue and scandal I am accustomed to when it comes to Renaissance Italy.
I love that the sole reason for Luciana's lack of brains is to provide Guido with the opportunity to supply the reader with unnecessary information dumps.
If nothing else after reading, I will know how to count to three in Italian.
| Raven is disabled and fat. She does not expect to find love as she works as an art restorer in Florence. William is a vampire who saves her from rapists. Botticelli prints from Gabriel Emerson's private collection that are on display at the museum are stolen and Raven is a prime suspect. William always comes to Raven's rescue but she fights him every step of the way. Without an explanation, which William refuses to give, she will not follow his instructions. I enjoyed The Raven. I loved Raven and could identify with her. I loved William--not his non-explanations--but his chivalry and how he sees Raven. He protects her even when angry with her. He is hesitant to share his secrets as that secrecy has kept him safe for centuries. I liked how Raven got under his skin and he finally realizes he does not want to be lonely any more. I appreciated that I did not have to leave Gabriel and Julia in the last trilogy. The characters from the Gabriel series are good to see. They are minor characters but move the story of the theft along as well as William's revenge. Raven has the same affect on William as Julia has on Gabriel but it takes William longer to capitulate. I look forward to the rest of the series. There are questions that need to be answered about William's past and the future of Florence. |
I know. I know. Everyone gives this 5 stars. It's one of the great books of all time. Etc, etc. Sorry, I did not like it. The problem is definitely with me instead of the book. I've just been preached at so much in my life by people who were religious fakes that when I start seeing or hearing a lot of theology my brain interprets it as blah, blah, blah-blah, blah. I admit I had to skim some. I know this is full of great writing which I can appreciate even though I don't like the subject. That's why I'm giving 3 stars.
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