What readers think of The Historian, plus links to write your own review.

Perhaps I tried to read this book too quickly while on semester break, but I definitely went back and forth on whether or not I liked it. I must say in all sincerity that I believe Ms. Kostova is a blossoming author with a genuine talent in both description and research. I could tell that her characters had great depth, however, I do not believe she delivered them well. I felt every character shared the same dialogue patterns and the descriptions in diary entries and letters were obscenely lengthy and detailed. Were I writing a letter to my daughter warning her against the dangers of Vlad Tepes as well as informing her of her mother and our research, I do not think I would include a sumptuous description of my meal on a patio of an "exquisite" restaurant.

What saved this story for me was its originality and (probably) my infatuation with the vampire legacy. She had an excellent story to tell. I just wish that she had spent more time in the present and less in the very verbose past.

Well written and intense, this book is one of the best that i have ever read. Kostova shows all sides of human nature; evil, good, nice, sexy, mean, etc. although dark at times, this read is a MUST!!

The book may SEEM like a good story, but that's only until you read it. I am a book lover, especially of historical fiction. I was very excited to the read this book, until I actually did. Overall the book is interesting, but I suffered through actually reading it. Although there are good parts, you need to search hard to find them. The author has so much to say, and jams it all in. Big words are used when they are not needed.. It was a disappointment. If you have nothing else to read, go for it! It's not a bad book, just not presented well.

As a Romanian and Transylvanian native I did not like this book at all....it is too long...it jumps from one character to another, same name, how confusing..I want to make one thing clear..Vlad Tepes (DRACULA )was one of the best rulers of my country, during his time all the thieves, cheats, people that wanted my country to be put under the ruling of the Ottomans were the one that were impaled , not innocent honest peasants! I regret I paid $35 for this book!

The Historian has a mysterious flavor from the first page. It is indeed a very long book but I could not keep myself from finishing it. I read several other books as I read The Historian--always coming back to find out what next?

I read half quickly and then obained a book on tape (CD) from my library and finished it while traveling to and from work.

There was quite a bit of description of exotic locales and a sense of one of those experiences that happens even when you yourself are disbelieving. It leaves you feeling that vampires might well have? or? exist.

Being thrown into a difficult period of my life; this book was just what the doctor ordered. I was able to lose myself in the story line; enjoyed the history and could envision clearly the scenery and characters. Kudos to the writer...look forward to reading more from her.

This was an excellent read. You would have thought a 'revamp' on the Dracula theme would have been boring and I must admit I picked up this book half-heartedly but am I glad I did - the best written, the best story - inspiring and gripping come to mind. Gripping, the way it draws the reader in with a vivid style and a structure is fast paced and exciting. Inspiring - I intend to visit Romania and Istanbul - better than the Da Vinci Code - wonderful seductive descriptions. Please write more Elizabeth Kosova.

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..