Apr 02 2009
The Historian
The Historian, by Elizabeth Kastova
Caveat, not to be read in the dark, if you don’t like horror fiction. If you do, remember the garlic necklace.
Historical fiction mixed with historical folklore and traditions make for a dark read, this story unfolds before your very eyes through Kastova’s in depth knowledge of eastern countries, her characters personal tales, together with tinges of fantasy.
Kastova writes with clarity and care, as she tells you her tale, one of mystery, murder, ‘the undead,’ love and sadness. “To you, perceptive reader, I bequeath my history….”
The story unfolds from three characters in our current day each will piece the puzzle together and reveal it to you, from different time frames, libraries, monasteries, postcards and books, although there is one book with a difference. The words Vlad the Impaler will be read many times with different experiences. This is likely to be a book that can be picked up time and time again as there is so much information contained within these pages, definitely not a quick read.
This book caught my attention on the shelf, I did not know if I would enjoy such a novel, vampires, Dracula! It was the mystery and intrigue that made me read on, it is an excellent read; nothing could have prepared me for an ending like that!!
Have you read this novel, what did you think perceptive reader?
