Stone virgin

Barry Unsworth is notable for his knowledge-ability when it comes to historical fiction. There are three passionate stories here from the fifteenth, late eighteenth centuries and circa 1972; the location is Venice. The narrative is centred on the restoration of a Madonna carved in the fifteenth century and the fate of its sculptor. The restorer himself becomes enmeshed in a criminal enterprise as his work progresses on the statue. Again, one has to admire another Unsworth novel where historical material is used with confidence and a skill that informs a curious reader.

The plot could have been good, but I didn't think it was carried out well. It seemed to have pieces that didn't fit together, and characters who were hollow. For a story set in Venice of long ago, I prefer In the Company of the Courtesan.

I am constantly amazed how few people seem to know Unsworth's work. He is an amazing writer. He absolutely createsthe world he writes about and you are sunk entirely in the world of the characters. It's like melting into the book - pure magic. This book is about a young man who is restoring a sculpture, the original sculptor was killed doing the work. The sculpture has a strange effect on those working with it and the story ends up crossing several generations and their stories from the commissioning of the sculpture through to its restoration and the role of various mistreated or scheming or powerful women intermingling in the stories. If you think this sounds like the Vickers Miss garnet's Angel book - there are similarities but show more remember Unsworth was first and far superior. show less

Name of the Rose knockoff; good stuff on art conservation; improbable reconciliation at end; mostly good on comtemporary era (1973) and 1400s

A stupid plot.

$2. at vinnies.
Different cover. will scan it later when reading.