Sign in with Facebook
Michelle's Reviews > The Historian
The Historian
by
by
This is actually the second time I've read this book. For a first novel, it is outstanding. I was completely engrossed in the story. I really love history and the whole Dracula lore. I thought it was a great mix of both. It added a lot of suspense that made me read it with the lights on. I think I read it in about four days, I just couldn't put it down. I will say this though, if you are not really into history or researching, I would skip it. If you are wanting to read it just because it has to do with Dracula, I would pick a much smaller book. However, I just love history and research (duh, I work in a library) so it was right up my alley. Actually, I'm doing a little research on it myself. I did read some of the comments on Amazon.com and wasn't exactly surprised by the comments. It was either a "love it" or "hate it" book. That is why I throw my caution out there. Basically, people who didn't enjoy it were out for a Dracula story and thought the history was "a drag". I'm really into history so I thought it was pretty damn good. I will say I did discover a few historical inaccuracies, but I think I'll let them fly for now. ;) All in all, a good read, especially for a rainy day.
Sign into ŷ to see if any of your friends have read
The Historian.
Sign In »
Reading Progress
Started Reading
October 1, 2005
–
Finished Reading
June 22, 2007
– Shelved
June 23, 2007
– Shelved as:
bookclub
Comments Showing 1-12 of 12 (12 new)
date
newest »
newest »
message 1:
by
Michael (Mai)
(new)
-
rated it 4 stars
Feb 22, 2010 09:48PM
I agree with your opinion of the book. I'm not finished yet (soon maybe today) but I really like it too. But I think that people who don't find academia interesting will like this book. I love Anthropology and History so it's working for me.
reply
|
flag
I was so happy to read your review. I've been going through the other reviews and they were all negative, until I reached yours. I just finished reading it, and I loved it. And some parts were definitely spooky!
I've seen so many negative reviews about it, but I think that this book is truely amazing. It's a page turner and I obsess over finishing the next chapter. Total page turner, and with the historical facts here and there, it's perfect for my taste. I'm glad to see a 5 star review! I can't wait to finish it. I might even buy it after I return it to the library.
You are right. The title says it all, this book is about history.
Please share with me the historical inaccuracies.
Very much like your review. And I feel the same about "especially for a rainy day" when I read the part where two young people fall in love even though they don't understand each other's language.
Very much like your review. And I feel the same about "especially for a rainy day" when I read the part where two young people fall in love even though they don't understand each other's language.
I agree; this is the best book I've ever read! I couldn't put it down either. It's eerie, and historical at the same time. I also love the maps and traveling to different countries. I've always been intrigued with Dracula, and enjoyed this different approach. In some ways, it reminds me of the first Indiana Jones movie, which I dearly loved, full of adventure and intrigue, I think I will read it again in preparation for the eagerly anticipated movie. I've always pictured Angelina Jolie as Helen, and Ben Kingsley as Paul, and maybe Ann Hathaway as the daughter. I highly recommend this book!
I loved it too Michelle, but i do love a good historical fiction. I found her descriptions of place, customs and architecture wonderfully engrossing
I'd love to hear about the historical inaccuracies you've found. Please do share :)
Yes! I was astounded to read two very negative reviews of this book because I loved it. There are not many books that are both slow reads and also unputdownable. This was Kostova's first novel. It took her ten years to write and when she found a publisher they gave her a staggering advance, one of the biggest in publishing history. They don't do that unless they expect to book to sell. This is such a good book.
Just started it yesterday and it gave me the same vibe when I read Dracula by Stoker in the 9th grade. I cant put it down. Which is hard cause I do have to work!
