Review of The Saint of the Rose
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Saima Rahman
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Review of The Saint of the Rose
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Saint of the Rose" by Lehi Wayman.]
The Saint of the Rose by Lehi Wayman is the story of a life well lived amidst the challenges of adversity.
The novel traces the journey of Micheletto D’Angelo, who was not just a banker and an artist but above all a man committed to settling his debts and rectifying his wrongdoings. The tale commences with Micheletto, confined in a prison cell, contemplating whether to confess or remain silent. Despite his youthful inclination towards art, circumstances strip him of both his artistic pursuits and his mother's presence. Subsequently, he prospers as a banker in Venice. Following a series of challenging experiences there, he embarks on a journey of redemption and debt repayment, guided by “The Life of the Rose.” This endeavour leads him to a renewed existence in Spain, where the poem's impact will continue, touching the life of another individual amid a backdrop of tragic events.
The writing possesses a straightforward yet potent quality, enhanced by descriptive storytelling. The author skillfully unveils the essence of the central character, Micheletto. The supporting characters play a vital role in the narrative, mirroring the significance of people in one's own life. Set against the backdrop of a rich and tragic historical period, the narrative gains a distinct depth that intertwines seamlessly with the characters' struggles and triumphs. The historical context serves not merely as a backdrop but as a living, breathing entity that infuses the story with a sense of time and place.
The narrative veers slightly off course in a few places, diminishing its sense of purpose and causing a sense of disconnection. Despite the abundant descriptive narration, the imagery fails to make a distinct impression. Several errors are present, underscoring the need for further editing. Additionally, the abrupt shift in font design midway through the book further detracts from the reading experience.
While the book unfolds gradually, its gradual pace is a rewarding investment of time. Micheletto emerges as a formidable protagonist, skillfully propelling the narrative forward. The supporting characters also contribute significantly, imbuing the story with added depth. Father Faustino and Dayanara exert a great influence on the narrative, much akin to their significant impact on Micheletto, radiating their brilliance throughout the storyline. The novel adeptly weaves history and plot, merging the characters' lives into a seamless contemporary tale. However, as the story progresses, the writing seems to lose its focus, with less engaging filler content. The presence of errors further detracts from the overall experience. Despite these challenges, the narrative eventually finds its footing, culminating in a satisfying and enjoyable reading experience.
For all these reasons, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy character-driven narratives set against a historical backdrop. Also, readers who appreciate novels that encourage reflection on one's own experiences and emotions would find this book thought-provoking and worthwhile.
******
The Saint of the Rose
View: on Bookshelves
The Saint of the Rose by Lehi Wayman is the story of a life well lived amidst the challenges of adversity.
The novel traces the journey of Micheletto D’Angelo, who was not just a banker and an artist but above all a man committed to settling his debts and rectifying his wrongdoings. The tale commences with Micheletto, confined in a prison cell, contemplating whether to confess or remain silent. Despite his youthful inclination towards art, circumstances strip him of both his artistic pursuits and his mother's presence. Subsequently, he prospers as a banker in Venice. Following a series of challenging experiences there, he embarks on a journey of redemption and debt repayment, guided by “The Life of the Rose.” This endeavour leads him to a renewed existence in Spain, where the poem's impact will continue, touching the life of another individual amid a backdrop of tragic events.
The writing possesses a straightforward yet potent quality, enhanced by descriptive storytelling. The author skillfully unveils the essence of the central character, Micheletto. The supporting characters play a vital role in the narrative, mirroring the significance of people in one's own life. Set against the backdrop of a rich and tragic historical period, the narrative gains a distinct depth that intertwines seamlessly with the characters' struggles and triumphs. The historical context serves not merely as a backdrop but as a living, breathing entity that infuses the story with a sense of time and place.
The narrative veers slightly off course in a few places, diminishing its sense of purpose and causing a sense of disconnection. Despite the abundant descriptive narration, the imagery fails to make a distinct impression. Several errors are present, underscoring the need for further editing. Additionally, the abrupt shift in font design midway through the book further detracts from the reading experience.
While the book unfolds gradually, its gradual pace is a rewarding investment of time. Micheletto emerges as a formidable protagonist, skillfully propelling the narrative forward. The supporting characters also contribute significantly, imbuing the story with added depth. Father Faustino and Dayanara exert a great influence on the narrative, much akin to their significant impact on Micheletto, radiating their brilliance throughout the storyline. The novel adeptly weaves history and plot, merging the characters' lives into a seamless contemporary tale. However, as the story progresses, the writing seems to lose its focus, with less engaging filler content. The presence of errors further detracts from the overall experience. Despite these challenges, the narrative eventually finds its footing, culminating in a satisfying and enjoyable reading experience.
For all these reasons, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy character-driven narratives set against a historical backdrop. Also, readers who appreciate novels that encourage reflection on one's own experiences and emotions would find this book thought-provoking and worthwhile.
******
The Saint of the Rose
View: on Bookshelves
Latest Review: Haunted Ladies Literary Club by Teri-Lynn Hope
