Book Reviews of The Historian

Absolutely wonderful book! I honestly could not put it down and missed sleep reading this book. Yes, the writing style is a little different than what you're used to but I think that may help with the overall mood of the book. If you like history, following clues and a touch of horrific tension you'll adore this book.

I really wanted to like this book. I got about halfway through it and could not finish. I loved the scenery descriptions and the writing, but the middle bogged down for me, and I could not finish it - as much as I wanted to. I have so many other books I could not wait to start, and once I did, I could not pick it back up.

Interesting take on the Dracula history. A little long though - I didn't finish it. Writer needed to get to the point quicker than she did.

I really enjoyed this book about one family's search through libraries, medieval documents, and beautiful historic cities for the tomb of a monster... Vlad the Impaler, the real man whose crimes and blood-thirsty life inspired the folk legends and Hollywood version of Dracula. The story is told through a woman's flashbacks to her teenager years as she listened to the stories her father told her and had her own experiences in the search. I think this book is very well written with many lively descriptions of people, places, and events. And there are several twist and turns in the story to keep you turning the pages until the very last. Will they be able to find Vlad's tomb? Will Vlad's body be in his tomb or will an empty sarcophagus reveal that the legends are true and he is undead?

To me, the whole book was ludicrous. There were absolutely no likeable characters, the writing bored me to tears, and the plot was so silly as to be laughable. It takes some serious flaws for me to write a review like this.

At times while reading the first half of this book, I felt impatient for "the story" to begin. It felt like too much detail, too much background. Looking back, I can see that each twig of detail was important, and was carefully placed to build a roaring bonfire by the story's end. This was a remarkable book, in the development of the story from the point of view of several characters, the view of the past through many layers of stories and sources, and the gradual accumulation of a subtle awareness in the reader's imagination of what might be happening that wasn't quite mentioned, wasn't exactly described, but was only hinted at. This is a book I look forward to reading again in a year or two.

I really enjoyed the book. Sure it's long, but it's rich in details and atmosphere, very in-depth about the history of Dracula, adding up to a mysterious read. If an editor could have omitted parts, I believe it could read like "The DaVinci Code" for Dracula.

An interesting book in terms of premise and the characters are well drawn. But, for me, the flaw is that she is overly descriptive and the book drags because of it. As I reached toward the end I swore it was getting longer somehow.

A history, within a history, within a history. And Dracula.

I can't say enough good things about this book. It's enormous...always a plus. Research and libraries are main themes...awesome. I just couldn't put this down until I was finished.

Was too slow and tedious. Couldn't get past all the sweeping descriptions about the scenery. A darn shame too because the summary sounded so promising. Maybe someday I'll give it another try but I'm sure if I do there will be some monumental passage skipping going on.

I liked this book. At first, when I began reading, I thought, " I don't know about this one", but it turns out, the book was most enjoyable. Some surprises in the story. I recommend this book to historical fiction lovers, especially if you've read Bram Stoker's Dracula, and enjoyed it.

This book is not an easy book to get into....but if you stick with it long enough to really fet into it you will not be disappointed. This is a great history of Dracula and has a ton of scenery and graphic description of history and different countries. This is not one of those books that you will breeze through, but its very thought provoking and interesting.

Give it time to grow on you and enjoy it!

I'm not a dracula kind of person so it was a bit surprising to me that I absolutely loved this book. Rich in description and detail, this is a book to be savored slowly..........and thoroughly enjoyed.

Good - an interesting, very absorbing read - but could have benefited greatly from a bit more editing; it was just too long. There's a lot of story there, and I could see the benefit of so much detail, but it got a little tedious at times. I noticed several little inconsistencies in the storyline, and thought there was a lot of dramatic build-up to a somewhat anti-climactic ending as well. I gave it 4 stars.

This book really surprised me. I was expecting the usual Hollywood schlock of vampire stories and found a well written novel, complex subplots, engaging characters and a sense of pervading evil that was terrifying. My only regret is that Kostova has apparently only written the one book.

This book took me by surprise. I really enjoyed the Eastern European and Ottoman historical fictional elements. The plot moves forward via series of letters retelling the past from several characters' perspectives, then in current tense from one characters' point of view, and it works really well in this case to keep the story moving along, always giving you enough information to slowly unfold the story and keep you interested. There was one point about 3/4 into the book where I felt like it was treading water a tiny bit, but overall it was a really enjoyable read.

My favorite book of 2006. Wonderfully detailed tale of the legend of Dracula. Haunting, and even a little scary.

Interesting story about the history of Dracula and Eastern Europe. This is not a bloody, scary story; instead, it details the lives of a few historians, who got caught up in the Dracula tale.

The first 150 pages are quite slow, and I found Kostova's style of putting the entire story in quotation marks very confusing and unnecessary. There were points in the book when the story was in quotes within quotes within quotes. Otherwise, she is a very good writer, providing plenty of detail and character development.

I listened to this book on cd during a long drive across the country, and it turned out to be a great pass-time for the trip. It's long, it's bizarre, and it made the drive memorable. I'm no vampire buff, but found this take on the classic tale entertaining enough to put my biases aside.

Don't be deceived by the vampire theme to this book. This is a wonderful look into the medieval history of Eastern Europe. For all you history buffs, you will find this well-researched and easily able to transport you to another place.

I liked this book - the story line was great - it "flipped" back and forth, but not so much that you became lost with the characters or story line. The author did a great job with imagery. It got a little long at a few points, but definately worth the read.

I loved this book. It's spooky, and not something to read at night (for this scaredy-cat). But I couldn't put it down! It's so enthralling. And the way it's written...Makes you forget it's not a true story.

I have read this book twice and absolutely loved it both times. Students of vampire lore will find the story original and engaging. Some pretty interesting twists on the legend of Vlad the Impaler. This book encompasses such a wealth of history and geography that it is a learning experience as well as a really good story. Even though the book is fairly lengthy, over 600 pages, the action and pace of the story make it a fairly quick read. Both times that I read this book, I could hardly put it down.

This might be the longest most drawn out book I have ever read. I wanted to like it but I just couldnt. It was interesting enough but after awhile it was like come on already, get to the point. Then when the end finally came I was so disappointed. Hundreds and hundreds of pages for THAT. It was the worst ending ever.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Albeit long, I could not put this down. Lot's of history entwined with suspense. I highly recommend it, if you like historical fiction.

This book is by far one of my favorites of all time. Elizabeth Kostova has an unique talent for switching "voices" seamlessly through the book, which serves to keep the story fresh and interesting. In addition, I also enjoyed the way she intertwines true elements of history with her fictional characters. Kostova's descriptions of the buildings and cities in Eastern Europe are also amazing. As the leading characters moved through different countries, the description provided by Kostova really allows the reader to feel as though he or she is journeying through these countries along with the characters. The storyline regarding Dracula's immortality is also intriguing.

This book got incredible press when it was released. The author was interviewed on NPR and any number of other media outlets. It sounded like a classic in the making. What it is, however, is a snoozer. As I was reading it I couldn't help but think that the author was trying really, really hard to let the reader know just how much Eastern European history she had stuffed in her head. Unfortunately, that does not translate to a fun or even interesting read. I found the book to be dull and ponderous. The writing is good, if dull, but the story just goes nowhere. Pick this one up when you need some sleep. It will lull you to dreamland in a matter of two to three pages.

It takes a true creative spirit who does their research to write one like this. The characters were easy to envision and become familiar with. The places they visited came to life in a way many books miss. I learned so much about the true Vlad Dracula of history, his life, his rule, his cruelty and of the many Eastern European superstitions and beliefs that arose from this period not to mention the clear descriptions of the Ottoman and Christian/European struggles, battles and dealings with each other. Don't mistake, this as a heavy book and you must get used to quick changes in narrator but Kostova somehow makes the learning inadvertent, enjoyable and sincerely pertinent to the plot.

loved this book.... it was a little slow to start, but i've read it more than a few times since! :)

A gothic mystery involving Dracula of all people. I found some of the characters interesting but felt that the book dragged on beyond what was necessary; some additional editing may have made it more enjoyable for me. The ending left me feeling let down. I devoted that many hours of reading for this anticlimatic ending? Bah!

I’d read some fairly bad reviews of this bestselling vampire novel, but I found it to be fairly entertaining. The premise is that Dracula has survived until the present day… not only sucking the blood of innocent academics, but possibly posing a threat to gradually set himself up as some kind of evil dictator…
This slow-moving plot may potentially be foiled by certain individuals who have received mysterious antique books – blank except for a sinister centerfold depicting a dragon… But who is behind the books, and what is their true purpose?
Kostova tells the story through a device where a young woman investigates her father’s disappearance, in the process learning the story of how her father had followed a similar quest, investigating the disappearance of his academic advisor, and how the advisor had also investigated the myth of Dracula…
Unfortunately the middle story is the only one that fully comes to life; the others are fairly rudimentary. I also found it unbelievable that everyone in the novel seemed to think that ‘Dracula’ was a very obscure story, that only a few knew about.
But, those complaints aside, while not a great work of literature, this was an enjoyable novel. And it has librarians – always a plus in my books!

Yes book was a little long but for someone who loves to read it was just right. I find some books too short and not enough depth in them. This has everything History, Suspense and the writing was brilliant. I wish more authors put this much time and research that Kostova did. My husband and I throughly enjoyed this book. We travel all over the world with business and was able to appreciate the european feel of her book. Both of us could not put down this book.

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.

This book is very heavy on detail - and at 650 pages, that's not necessarily a great thing. The premise is interesting, but the execution is lacking. Unless you're really into Dracula and eastern European history - save your time.

Slow with not a very interesting vampire--the history is done well but the plot drags at times.

First 100 pages are difficult. Once you get to 101, the story takes off and is intriguing. I loved it and found I couldn't put it down. Dark and intelligent.

I liked this book but found many parts that I had to skip pages to not fall asleep. It could be cut down 100 pages.

Great book!! Very interesting take on an old classic you thought you knew.

huge book of over 650 pages, very intense

What an excellent book! I was a bit scared at the size of it, but it kept my attention. I learned so much about history too. It's about a daughter who is trying to find her father. It is about family relationships. It is about Drakula!

Great book! Very different type of vampire story - not scary but very interesting. I've recommended it to many people and all have loved it.

Loved this book from cover to cover.

A wonderful insight into the lore of Dracula. Definitely a page turner. Despite its length, it kept me captivated throughout. This book is very creative and inspiring in that it makes you want to go out and do your own research on Dracula. Just call me Nancy Drew!

I loved, loved, loved this book! It almost gives you the sense the Dracula is "alive" and active still today. The cross between telling practically the same story in both the past and present settings is amazing. A brilliant Dracula story where barely a cup of blood is spilled.

Very good. Lots of history.

Decent but overrated.

Interesting take on the infamous Dracula.

Gripping, but in the end not very satisfying.

Think "The Da Vinchi Code" but about vampires!
I enjoyed this book greatly even though it isnt my usual thing.

A little boring at first, but overall pretty good. No real exciting scenes though.

Good story, a lot of history

I loved this book. It touched upon so many interesting topics and relationships: family bonds and histories; suspense and horror; the process of historical investigation on Dracula; a sweet romance, meeting new people from distant lands. I met a lady on the street who saw me reading this and said she loved it so much she went to Istanbul on vacation! I also felt the ending did not dissapoint by leaving you hanging.

good read lots of history.

I didn't think I would like this book but it ended up getting me from the first page!!! This isn't a horror book in the typical sense, so don't shy away from it for that reason!

Fascinating book. Could not put it down.

Like a big unwieldy onion (or garlic if you like). I finished, but was unsatisfied. Many stories, lots of build-up, not much pay-off.

What a great book! Very interesting but yet historical about many areas of the world. A good group of characters and a unique way to weave the story between different generations of historians.

Very good - engrossing. While it is about Dracula it's also about historical research and passion for such

Entertaining, but a little too long.

I LOVED this book! It was quite long (700 pages) and some reviews were somewhat mixed. But this was one I could not put down and read til 3 in the AM. Of course I do like books about vampires/Dracula. But I also enjoyed her descriptions of historical events/European cities (Istanbul/Bulgaria/Romania, etc.) that some folks found tedious. If you liked Shadow of the Wind (which i also loved) I think you would like it.

Fascinating story, although a bit long-winded.

Fantastic tale of a tracking down dracula. The timeline and adventures in this book are outstanding!

Exciting, intriguing read

Now this is a well written book, with lots of mystery, thrill, and historical background. Kostova really excels at giving descriptions, making each place seem very real. The pace was a little slow to start, but I felt like I was in the shoes of the narrator who is fed a little bit of the story by her father over a series of months (so the pace works well with what was going on in the story). Now THIS is what a thriller should be like, in my opinion. I don't know what's going to happen next. I care about the characters. The clues are tantalizing but don't give too much away.

The history detailed within this book is fascinating. The author does a great job of creating an atmosphere of actually being with the characters in the libraries and the monsteries of Eastern Europe.

I loved the personal touch of divoulging crtitical information through handwritten letters.

Bram Stroker only glimpses into the history of Dracula where this book brings a whole new perspective.

A long read but worth it.

I am not big into vampire lore, but this book deals more with the history and the search for the man Vlad Dracula than the window dressing of vampire novels. Fantastic historical details. I often felt like I should be taking notes while reading it. The writing style flows very well. 650+ pages and I read it in one day. I couldn't put it down. Strongly recommended for people who love history and the historical research process. To compare it to 'The Da Vinci Code' does it a disservice. This book is full of rare and specific details that you can't find on The History Channel.

I loved this book, I just would have liked to know more about the daughter. It was interesting, complicated and exciting. Normally I do not like books like this but it was fabulous.

While I enjoyed the story and the writing, I sometimes felt as if I was reading a history book instead. There were times that I was extremely bored while other times I was completely mesmerized.

LIked the literary detective aspect, and history of Eastern Europe. It was hard to follow though and I lost the characters for awhile in romania, but was glad I made it to the end.

Well, I just finished reading this unbelievably long novel and I am proud that I stuck to it til the end. Don't get me wrong, this book is clever and well written but in my opinion 200 pages too long. The ending was worth the wait and if you are a lover of all things connected with Dracula then hang in there til the end.

I tried reading this book and got lost in the first couple chapters. Then I checked the audio book out from the library for a long, long car trip. I ended up loving this story. It was suspenseful and extremely interesting. Would highly recommend to those liking books that keep you wondering what's going to happen next.

This is a incredibly well written tale of history and suspense. Yes it's kind of about Vampires which are the "In" thing right now. However the approach is unique and imminently readable. I rarely have a hard time putting a book down. This one was very hard to put down and I have read it twice.

It is similar to some of the popular books out today examining DiVinci the Templars etc in the way it is approached from a historical perspective. I am not a fan of anything by Dan Brown so saying it is better than his books is not a compliment from me but I think readers of his books will enjoy this one as well. The similarity is only in the style of narrative.

I would reccomend this to anyone that likes a good mystery or historical fiction. 5 Stars.

I absolutely loved this book. I can read it many times over. Mostly because I loved the descriptive scenery, and I LOVE Anything having to do with Dracula or Vlad Tepes A.K.A. Vlad the Impaler. I wish there were more books like this one.

The best book i have ever read. the journey and excitement kept me on the edge of my set and i would recommend this book to anyone i know. It does drag on in a lot of parts but just when you think you can't read anymore it gets very exciting. from 1-10 i would give this book a 100.

I was really disappointed in this book actually. Found it incredibly ponderous and lost interest in it about two-thirds of the way through it. :-(

Just couldn't get into it.

for Dracula lovers....

good book! A little hard to read at times as it is very wordy but still very thought provoking and gave my bookclub a lot to discuss!!

What if you were asked to keep the history of Dracula?!...

Great read.

I tried 3-4 times to read this book. Long and boring. Whoever wants it can have it!

No dust jacket for this book.

An epic trip through Europe from medieval times through the Cold War, searching for vampires. Great for history buffs.

A new and original reworking of the Dracula legend through 3 points of view in different ages. Fun and intriguing if a bit lengthy.

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