Helpful Score: 1
Finally, a book that I can say that I was genuinely intrigued by! I started this book believing it to be about the war between science and faith, but it turns out that it is faith versus faith. Still, the question of whodunit brings Bruno (and the reader) on a thrilling chase to an unexpected conclusion (at least for me). It brings about the question, what is right and wrong? Who can answer that with certainty? Is the truth sometimes better left unsaid?
I entered into this book not knowing much other than it was a mystery set in Elizabethan times I didnt even realize until later on that Giordano Bruno was an actual historical figure! With that new knowledge in mind, I can see that the author did a great job of blending actual historical events with a period in Brunos life that we dont know much about. There is merely speculation that he did work for Walsingham, and I really appreciate the work S.J. Parris put into creating a story that seems very plausible to me!
To read the rest of my review, please visit:
http://www.dorolerium.com/?p=2917
To read the rest of my review, please visit:
http://www.dorolerium.com/?p=2917
A very well written historical mystery. S. J. Parris creates a great story that is tightly wound and suspenseful throughout. My only negative comment would be that Parris seemed to reveal a bias against religion while promoting a humanistic viewpoint. For some, that will not be a negative but for me it was. However, it was subtlety inserted into the story and is not overbearing. Otherwise, a great first novel.
Really excellent mystery and thriller. Reminds me of Umberto Eco's The Name of the Rose. There is much here that preaches of tolerance. The reality and tension of Oxford in 1583 really captured my attention.
Oxford 1583. Protestant Queen Elizabeth I on throne of England for 25 years but subjects long to return to Catholic faith. Italian Monk Giordano Bruno has been charged with heresy for believing in a heliocentric universe. Plot to assassinate Elizabeth sends Bruno to Oxford which is a hotbed of Catholic rebellion. An Oxford fellow is murdered and Bruno is plunged into a game of cat and mouse as someone has a revenge against faith. But which faith?
The plot started off slow but once the murder happened the storyline took off. The book is based on the real life of Giordano Bruno and S.J. Parris has masterfully researched and written an entertaining whodunit that is hard-to-put-down. I look forward to reading book 2 and recommend this series to those who like historical thrillers.
The plot started off slow but once the murder happened the storyline took off. The book is based on the real life of Giordano Bruno and S.J. Parris has masterfully researched and written an entertaining whodunit that is hard-to-put-down. I look forward to reading book 2 and recommend this series to those who like historical thrillers.
