Peter Prange

Peter Prange knows how to wrap up historical events in an exciting novel like no other.
"The Rose of the World" - this is how the University of Paris, founded in 1229, is praised throughout the Occident. It is a time when leading scientific thinkers want to practise their sciences without the church's blessing. This turns out not to be so easy, as the queen mother is very devout and domineering, while her underage son believes in science and would like to study this with renowned show more personalities.
Paul and Robert, two young men who grew up in the same village, want to study in Paris. While Robert takes this very seriously, Paul is a bon vivant and chases every skirt. He also runs a typing pool where copies of lectures and scientific papers are copied. Robert, on the other hand, wants to study theology and knows that he would have to be celibate. Will he succeed?
At carnival, they both get caught up in a "donkey mass", an orgiastic celebration by the students to mock the bishop and the priests. A riot breaks out, soldiers massacre the students. The aftermath shakes Paris and all of France. The Sorbonne goes on strike, a power struggle begins between the magisters and their students on the one hand and the authorities of church and state on the other. In the storm of unleashed powers, Robert must choose between his love of science and his career - and his love for the beautiful Marie, in whom he has found a soul mate. But Marie is the wife of his best friend Paul.
Once again a great novel that I highly recommend. show less

Although this story is a historical fiction, I am very impressed by how Peter Prange has processed the historical facts in this novel. The story begins in the harem of the last sultan. The author shows how the intrusions and power games were going on and how courtiers are beginning to confront the sultan. The focus is on two harem ladies. One is Armenian and the other is Muslim. Both grew up in the same village before being taken to the harem.
After the overthrow of the sultan, the situation show more of the harem changed. While Fatima became the mistress of a brutal general, Elisa had to find her way in her unknown freedom. When the WWI broke out, the general turned into a butcher. Prange describes the genocide of the Armenians, while Elisa had to fight for her survival.
This story got under my skin. I can highly recommend it. show less

A wonderful, delightfully written historical novel that takes place in 18th century Paris. This gives us a first hand look at the making of the infamous Encyclopedia, for which so many were persecuted. And especially gives a look at the man responsible for the undertaking Denis Diderot and his consort Sophie Volland.

I found this novel a treat to read. For one day I was able to immerse myself in a story of love, betrayal, intrigue, political horror, and faith.
I highly recommend The show more Philosopher's Kiss. And I give it Five Stars and a Big Thumbs Up!

****DISCLOSURE: This book was a private purchase and I was under no obligation for review. show less

The story takes place during the Inquisition in the 16th century. It begins in Portugal, where a young Jewish woman Gracia is married to a rich Jewish merchant. He and his brother bring converted Jews out of the country to Antwerp. But even there, the Jews are not sure, because the Dominican Inquisitor is out for revenge. While the husband of Gracia dies and she promises him on the deathbed that she will bring his mortal remains to the Promised Land (Thebes), the whole family is on the run show more again, taking the intermediate stops in Venice and Tuscany until they finally get protection find at the Ottoman sultan. In all these years, hundreds of Jews are being rescued, but many are losing their lives too, but the love happiness of female family members has long been lost on the track.
It's great told and very exciting. The historical accuracy of the facts from that time are stunning. show less