Search - The Historian

Kostova has taken Stoker's mythical story of Dracula and refashioned it into a compelling mystery molded with a different cast of characters while weaving into the plot true historical facts relating to the 15th century. The Turkish invasion of Europe and the Christian vs. Muslim fight for dominance along with the cruelties from both sides (Vlad the impaler, Turkish Ottoman) paint a totally different complextion on Dracula. Hands down, one of the best variations of the story of Dracula I have every read!

To my dear and unfortunate successor...
I found this book endlessly fascinating. My husband gave up on it.

I don't mind books that get a little long winded when it comes to detail, and this book reads like a good Dracula mystery just as much as it does a European travelogue. The action and suspense is spaced between pages of seemingly mundane detail of buildings, landscapes, and other observations. I was not distracted by it in the least. Others, however (husband included) simply could not get past it.

I found this book to be imaginative, creepy, and suspenseful. It was a creative new look at a very common subject and I thought Kostova did a very good job of bringing a sense of legitimate mystery and fear back into a character that is so easily made into a cliche.

Once I started this book, I was unable to put it down and was sad to see it end, yet this book won't be for everyone. I think its writing style will appeal to just as many people as it will turn away. For me, there was something about the story itself, the plight of the characters, the endless researching of ancient bone-colored books, the ever present threat of Dracula himself, that had me hooked from the very beginning.

From my perspective, this is an absolute must-read. But it's impossible to say what types of readers will agree with me.

As a history major and lover of anything the slightest bit odd, I LOVED this book! I own two copies. One hardback that my daughter stole and a paperback that I carry in my purse. It is amazing to see the history come alive and the social, political and historical context come shining through.

Not just a great book, but a great lesson in history, as well.

I thought this was a fantastic book in its genera, wonderfully researched and vivid in description. A must-read for anyone who enjoys eastern European history or the Vampire genera.

This is an amazing book. Its huge, 900-something pages I believe, but it is well worth it. Its a great recreation of the 'Dracula' tale, and the descriptions of the Old World make it seem like you're actually there.

Vampires, mystery, smart librarian archealogists women..oh my! If you like vampires, mystery, and wonderful settings you have to read this book.