Review of The Golden Manuscripts: A Novel

[Jesse uche Ogbonna]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Golden Manuscripts: A Novel" by Evy Journey.]

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3 out of 5 stars

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Picture this story as a mosaic of lives intricately woven together. At its core are stolen medieval manuscripts, their absence casting shadows over the lives of our characters. Clarissa leads the charge, fueled by a relentless quest for truth. But her journey intersects with that of Joe Junior, an old soldier caught in the web of suspicion. Their paths are fraught with personal struggles. Clarissa, a woman of mixed heritage, grapples with her sense of self, finding solace and symbolism in art and picture books. Meanwhile, her relationships add depth and complexity - from her loving bond with Nathan to the strained ties with her traditionalist father. Yet, beyond personal battles, the narrative dives deep into ethical quandaries of the art world. It’s a poignant reminder of the importance of reclaiming stolen heritage. This isn’t just a tale of mystery; it’s a human saga of identity, relationships, and the enduring quest for justice and belonging.

I really enjoyed diving into this book, especially because of its fascinating characters and gripping plot lines. Clarissa quickly became my favorite with her unwavering determination to uncover the truth about the stolen manuscripts. Her passion for her research is truly inspiring, and her journey through obstacles resonated deeply with me. The storyline centered on the stolen manuscripts was not only captivating but also taught me a lot. I was drawn into the world of art looting during wartime and the importance of returning stolen cultural treasures. It made me reflect on the value we place on art and the moral complexities surrounding it. Overall, this book was a real page-turner, filled with characters I won't forget and themes that made me think. It's the kind of story that stays with you, leaving you pondering long after you've finished reading.

I felt a bit let down by the character of Arthur, Clarissa's brother. He seemed to float through the story without much depth or purpose. Even though he popped up in various scenes, his presence didn't add much to the overall plot. It felt like he was just there to connect Clarissa to her family, rather than being a fully developed character with his own story to tell. I wished we got to see more of what made him tick and how he grew throughout the book. The subplot about the stolen manuscripts also left me scratching my head. While the theme of art's value was woven throughout, this storyline felt like a detour that didn't quite fit in with the main plot. It pulled me away from the heart of the story and left me feeling a bit disconnected. And don't get me started on the author's writing style. Sometimes it felt like they were trying too hard to paint a picture with words, which ended up bogging down the story. I found myself wishing for a simpler, more straightforward approach that would have kept me more engaged. Overall, while there were aspects of the book I enjoyed, these shortcomings held it back from being a truly satisfying read for me.

I'll give "The Golden Manuscripts" a solid 3-star rating out of 5.

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The Golden Manuscripts: A Novel
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[Violet Devreaux]

I am glad to see someone else felt the same about the writing style! It came off very juvenile to me. Like a student plugging in words that they found in a thesaurus.