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Gail
(10/15/08)
Book of Unholy Mischief
Would appeal to students of the survival of knowledge through early Renaissance Inquisition. I preferred Susan Vreeland's period piece, Passion of Artemisia but enjoyed Newmark's familiarity with the architecture and byways of Venice and her interest in cooking. This would be good fodder for my book club. We'd like discussing the growth of Luciano's character and why the chef chose to mentor him.
Stephanie - Hudson, OH
(10/15/08)
Food and Heresy make for a Good Discussion
If you liked "Like Water for Chocolate" and "The DaVinci Code," you'll like this book. The descriptions of food are sumptuous and the characters are, for the most part, likable and interesting. I enjoyed the story and thought that a book club would find much to discuss. The anti-Christian parts might turn some people off, but it doesn't claim to be non-fiction, so you can just use the "heretical" ideas as something to talk about. And for the non-Christian, some of the explanations are pretty intriguing.
Jean
(10/14/08)
The Book of Unholy Mischief
I enjoyed this book very much. It was a little slow starting, but became an "I don't want to put it down" book. The history in the story was very interesting. The 1500's was a time of intrigue and danger. Things that we take for granted (reading, buying books, etc) were rare in the time frame of the story. It made me more appreciative of being able to read and having books to read.
What could be better that a book about a book?
Jean
(10/11/08)
Venice is one of my favorite European cities!
Luciano, the main character, is appealing and sympathetic because of his loyalty and goodness towards both his human and feline companions. The author captures the special feeling of Venice through its food and by its architecture.
On the downside, there are a few parts where careful editing and cutting of wordiness would have benefited the flow of the story. As far as the central concern of the book, which is the secrets contained in the Book of Mischief, it promises more than it delivers. But overall it’s an engaging read.
Susan
(10/09/08)
The Book of Unholy Mischief
I enjoyed this book. It reminded me, in some ways, of another mystery set in modern times in the Middle East searching for a similar book.
One chapter (The Book of Amato) seemed out of place. Most of the story flowed forward and this one was the narrator suddenly as an adult talking to another about his maestro. While it helped to have more information about the maestro, it led me to expect more flashbacks.
A good book for Ms. Newmark's first novel.
Kathy
(10/09/08)
The Book of Unholy Mischief
I especially enjoyed the book because I just returned from a wonderful week in Italy, four days of which were in Venice. I love to cook and I love history and I LOVE when good over evil prevails such as in Luciano's character. Doing the right thing is something that is rare today.
The story has lingered in my mind long after completion. A lovely story and very well written. It had every thing included .... excellent character development, humor, romance intrigue, morality. A thank you to the author for creating such
an interesting story!
Christine
(10/08/08)
The Book of Unholy Mischief
I absolutely loved this book. I savored and and read it as slowly as possible so as not to miss a thing. The plot is original, the main character is endearing, the descriptions of renaissance Venice transported me seamlessly back to that time. The contemporary themes of church and politics, power and corruption, rationalism and superstition are the background for the human foibles of love, greed, temptation and betrayal. I would recommend this book to anyone and I think it would make a great choice for book club discussion as well.
Theresa
(10/06/08)
The Book Of Unholy Mischief
Author Elle Newmark brings to life 1498 Venice by stimulating the readers senses through poetic descriptions of the aromas, tastes and sounds of this ancient city. It is a story of a young, orphan beggar and his struggle to survive a world of mystery, murder and intrigue. The poverty of the street is balanced by glimpses into the world of the elite rich and reveal how they both need each other to survive. Luciano's journey out of poverty aided by a secret society is a story well told and an enjoyable read.
