Another new book

[Wordsgood]

The Historian, by Elizabeth Kostova
Published 2005 by Little, Brown and Company
Time Warner Book Group

I came across this book on the bargain table of a local bookstore the other day. Happily, I had time to kill waiting for a prescription to be filled - otherwise I would not normally have stopped to peruse this particular book based on it’s too bland cover and subject matter. I read the synopsis and glanced through it, checking out the quality and style of writing. Still, it did not really grab my attention, but I thought what the heck? It’s on sale for a measly few buck so I haven’t lost much if I don’t like it after closer inspection.

So glad I did! I brought it home and dumped it with a stack of other books and then forgot it. But then this morning I spotted it and felt the need to give it at least a cursory read through. I am only a quarter of the way through and am very pleasantly surprised.

This is a fantasy fiction story and the author’s debut novel. Below are a couple of excerpts from the book:

Late on night, exploring her father’s library, a young woman finds an ancient book and a cache of letters. The letters are all addressed to “My dear and unfortunate successor,” and they plunge her into a world she never dreamed of - a labyrinth where the secrets of her father’s past and her mother’s mysterious fate connect to an inconceivable evil hidden in the depths of history.

The letters provide links to one of the darkest powers that humanity has ever known - and to a centuries long quest to find the source of that darkness and wipe it out. It is a quest for the truth about Vlad the Impaler, the medieval ruler whose barbarous reign formed the basis of the legend of Dracula.

My dear and unfortunate successor:

It is with regret that I imagine you, whoever you are, reading the account I must put down here. The regret is partly for myself - because I will surely be at least in trouble, maybe dead, or perhaps worse, if this is in your hands. But my regret is for you also, my yet-unknown friend, because only by someone who needs such vile information will this letter be read. If you are not my successor in some other sense, you will soon be my heir - and I feel sorrow at bequeathing to another human being my own, perhaps unbelievable, experience of evil. Why I myself inherited it I don’t know, but I hope to discover that fact, eventually - perhaps in the course of writing to you or perhaps in the course of further events…

As I’m not finished reading this yet, I can’t really give you a review. But, thus far I am having trouble putting it down. I know there are a lot of vampire story fans here so perhaps this might appeal to you. Not generally my cup of tea, but it doesn’t read like a typical vampire story. It is told from the perspective of the girl, 36 years later, who is now a historian and is recounting events from memory and the documents she has acquired.

Cheers.

[Stunt Penguin]

Wow, it does sound good. I've never even heard of it before. Will try to lay my hands on it, especially as you say its not a typical vampire story. I've never been particularly fond of those, but this sounds interesting.

[hank freid love]

It is very nice. I am also never yet heard about it. I want to read it. I think it has a good story not a typical story.

[msllstarz]

this book has been on my list, i read reviews about it and I'm glad your enjoying it. Looking forward to reading it myself.

[blue_doona32]

This book is now on my "To Read" List haha It sounds almost like the Third Indiana Jones movie with him continuing his father's work. Will definatly look into

Thanks!

[CassieXO]

A friend recomended this book to me a few months ago, but I have yet to read it. I, like you, wasn't instantly interested it when I went to a book store and looked at it. This makes me want to read it though. Thanks so much!

[Tracey Neal]

Mmmm...I'll have to pick me up a copy..I'm quite intrigued. Thank you for the recommendation!

[Wordsgood]

This book is now on my "To Read" List haha It sounds almost like the Third Indiana Jones movie with him continuing his father's work. Will definatly look into

Thanks!

Finally saw that movie the other day and can tell you it's not at all like that story line. Don't want to spoil it for you though so will say nothing else now. Cheers.

[Biblioklept]

I bought this book at my county library surplus sale and I am so glad to hear it reviewed well.
It's definitely on my list but now it may move up a few places

[blue_doona32]

blue_doona32 wrote:
This book is now on my "To Read" List haha It sounds almost like the Third Indiana Jones movie with him continuing his father's work. Will definatly look into

Thanks!
Finally saw that movie the other day and can tell you it's not at all like that story line. Don't want to spoil it for you though so will say nothing else now. Cheers.

Well it may not be exactly the same thing, but it was the first thing that came to my mind when you said carrying on someone else's work haha anyway, still sounds good lol

[chekhovian]

Read this a couple of years ago. Very good read. I hope she comes out with another one soon.

[Wordsgood]

Read this a couple of years ago. Very good read. I hope she comes out with another one soon.

Hello! You're new here I see and I couldn't find an intro post for you. Why don't you pop into the Introduction sections, say hello and tell us a bit about yourself? I'm sure other members would like to say hello too!

[Sandy_124]

Actually, and this is kinda funny considering what Words wrote, I bought this book because of the cover and the blurb! I thought it sounded really cool and it had a creepy sort of feel.

Sadly I got to page 45 and stopped. (I just got the book and found my book mark.) I just gave up. Unfortunately that was about three years ago and I can't say exactly why now, at least not the specifics, but I remember I did not like it. I seem to remember that it simply did not capture my attention, which is unfortunate because I am always rooting for new writers. (this being the first work of a new writer was also another reason I bought it.) I'm the kind of person who looks for that little rack marked "New Authors"

I remember struggling to read it even after I lost interest hoping it would improve, only it just went on plodding and I gave up to read another first time novelist, Laura Whitcomb who wrote, "A Certain Slant of Light," which I found to be significantly better.

Hummm maybe I should mention that in the recommendations section.

[FavoriteMistake]

I bought this book at my county library surplus sale and I am so glad to hear it reviewed well.
It's definitely on my list but now it may move up a few places

I found it at a thrift store a few months ago. I picked it up and attempted to read it once but I just couldn't get into it. I've heard a lot of good reviews about it so I'm moving it up on my reading list too!

[Walktherain]

I started this book and to be honest have a hard time getting through it. It's so slow and I feel like nothing has happened at all even after 150 pages. Maybe I'll give it another shot, but it seems to slow paced to be a page turner.