Read the Reader's Advance copy of this last week. This one has a lot of buzz going for it. Fortunately, the buzz doesn't entirely rely on the Da Vinci-Codeness of the book. While it has the same art-as-clue premise, the action takes place in 1600s Holland, Nazi Germany, and the present day. The search for the provenance of The Chrysalis, a painting, has fun twists and turns. The historical viewpoint of 1600s Holland and the difficulties of being a Catholic at that time is nicely presented as is the Nazi lust for artwork and its consequences.
A tidy little piece and pretty darn good for a first-time author. Worthy of all the buzz and advertising? meh...it'll do.
It's a great read for young adults and for those adults who want a beach read or something beyond Da Vinci. And that isn't a bad thing at all. It is accessible to the average Joe or Jill and that can only be a good thing if you're encouraging reading. It is also a nice little romp for those more accustomed to heavier fare.
Publisher's Weekly, Library Journal, and Booklist find it to be perfectly suited to public library collections and I agree. The June 2007 Romantic Times gave it 4.5 stars - their highest rating. If you're looking for a bit of fun, I say read it.
What I'm listening to this week: Prior Bad Acts by Tami Hoag
What I'm reading this week: Reader's Advance Copy of Pesthouse by Jim Crace. I'm about half way through it and let me just say it is magnificent. No wonder Mr. Crace keeps getting those awards.
2 comments:
Ooh, I'm so glad you're liking the new Jim Crace. I've heard good things about it from other people as well and am getting very excited to read it!
It has been a long, long time since a book has reached out and grabbed me like this one did. I'll be interested to see what other popular readers say.
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