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The Historian

The Historian
by Elizabeth Kostova
Hardcover: Jun 2005,
656 pages.
Paperback: Oct 2006,
688 pages.

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First book/First Novel


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Rated 4 of 5 of 5 by Marcel Catellier
The Historian
I liked the book, "but" was bored at certain points. I like the story line, and the travel log through the former Eastern Europe. But the Story gets blurred because of the bouncing back and forth into time and bounching from one person's story to the next...But am still recomending it as a good read.
Looking forword to her next book..

Rated 4 of 5 of 5 by mahima kaul
Interesting in many ways
While I have to admit that she could have cut a few pages the book is really good. Not only does it have a great story about the Dracula myth but it also delves into historical research. At times it feels that a part of the book is this research- and for me it was great (student of history) because what might seem tedious all adds up in the long run-- more so if you're chasing something exciting like Dracula. Its also a historical travel guide, and so much more.

I'd recommend this to people. Of course I read it in one sitting because I have a lot to do this week and couldn't take too much time off- but it still remained quite solid.

Rated 4 of 5 of 5 by Elizabeth
"The Historian" contains elements from many of my favorite genres - thriller, suspense, mystery, and historical fiction. I thought this book was entertaining to read and liked the story concept and character development. The one flaw of the book was the boring page after page eye sleepy write up that seemed like academic research. This happened around pages 300-450. But after you got past that, I thought it was an interesting read with a solid ending. The ending may have been a bit Hollywood, but good nonetheless.

Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Alyvia
Brilliant book
This book is one of the most entertaining I have read in quite a long time. Kostova's descriptions are fantastic, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Very well researched, entertaining, and, hey, who doesn't love a good Dracula book?

Rated 3 of 5 of 5 by lala
The Historian
It was a good book, not a great book. The descriptions of the scenery and the "people, places and things" were beautifully done, I almost could feel the air and smell the aromas, but the actual story seemed....I don't know...boring. I expected so much more, I guess, and I felt it the writer went on and on and didn't really come up with anything new or interesting about Dracula.
I enjoyed the premise of the story but I felt it just plodded on and on.

Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Fred
A Book That's Meant To Be Read
Brilliant work! This is as good a modern work of fiction as I have read in the last 50 years. If you prefer books tuned to the 21st century's attention span of 10 minutes that you can read while watching TV, commuting or while sunning on the beach - stay away from this book. If, on the other hand, you read to become engrossed in a well told story and matvel at the craftsmanship of a fine writer, buy it now!! This book is a joy to be savored.
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