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Loading... The Illuminatorby Brenda Rickman Vantrease
Can't really tell what my problem with this was. But somehow it just didn't click. (  ) Elysianfield | Mar 30, 2013 |  The author says, ”This is a work of fiction, but the characters of Bishop Henry Despenser, John Wycliffe, Julian of Norwich, and John Ball are historical figures whose histories I have braided with the lives of my fictional characters.” This reader says, “Great debut! Please continue braiding!” Ms. Vantrease has created characters so alive in their time and place, and her settings so real, that the reader feels herself there among the people of the manor trying to deal with the political and religious intrigue that threatens to strip them of everything, and among the peasants who work at the manor and with the sheep, trying to keep their families alive. One of my pet peeves is a story that reeks of the author’s scholarship glaring from its crannies. Even though this is her debut book, Ms. Vantrease has not made that mistake. Hers is a seamless story where life of that time comes alive through the art of her pen. It is not a perfect book, but it is quite illuminating to that time in history, and I did enjoy it. (  ) countrylife | May 15, 2012 | While this book had some common themes for historical fiction of this era, it also had enough unique elements to make it more interesting. A widow is asked by the bishop to house an artisan who illuminates manuscripts and his young daughter. This is not a fluffy romance -- political and religious issues, social uprisings, illness and death are all present, but the heroine is strong and independent, leading to a surprising finish. Recommended. (  )1  cattriona | Sep 24, 2010 | This was a pretty 'meh' book. The characters were pretty well flushed out but the plot wasn't really well developed. It seemed she sent characters away so she wouldn't have to deal with them. The ending was a major disappointment. It sort of slammed to a halt rather than easing into it or something more plausable. And while I'm sure this is just a condition of my having read too many fiction books, it was too predictable for me. I knew what was going to happen before the book was half over. And it took almost that long for me to develop any interest in finishing the book. ( )1 TeaCat | Sep 2, 2010 | Overall I enjoyed this novel and it did hold my attention for the most part. I was irritated with the ending, but mostly because I found it unsatisfying. The characters are well developed and I enjoyed both the major characters and those in supporting roles equally. It felt rushed at times and some of the plot points felt forced and superfluous. (  )1 kerinlo | Jun 13, 2010 | no reviews | add a review
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