The Historian

Gusington · July 25, 2013, 11:57:22 AM

...by Elizabeth Kostova. Anyone here read it and/or enjoy it? I've been wanting to read it since it was released but it's length has always scared me away.

And yes that's what she said.

Anyone have an opinion on this one?

bob48 · July 25, 2013, 04:51:28 PM

Yep Gus, I've read it. Not a bad read and quite spine-chilling in places.

Steelgrave · July 25, 2013, 04:59:53 PM

^What he said.

A good read that moves steadily forward and keeps your interest. Now that you have me thinking about it, I may have to pull it off my bookshelf and read it again.

Gusington · July 25, 2013, 06:12:39 PM

Thanks guys. For a penny how can I go wrong really...besides the fact that my stack of books to be read is about 50 high. The thing with this one is that a lot of people really love it...and a lot of people despise it. For the time investment it would take me to read 600+ pages (hardcover) I just want to know I won't be wasting my time. I tend to like similar things to both you so for a penny...I think I'll go for it.

Steelgrave · July 25, 2013, 06:17:37 PM

Uncle Steelie and Uncle Bawb wouldn't lead you astray, Gus :)

Gusington · July 25, 2013, 08:47:42 PM

Bought The Historian, The Demonologist and Byzantium today. Not sure where they will fall on my giant reading list (even longer than my gaming list) but what they hey, you know?

Staggerwing · July 25, 2013, 08:56:16 PM

Tell me more about the Demonologist...

Toonces · July 25, 2013, 09:11:03 PM

I only got about 50 pages into the Historian before I gave up. I think I gave it away actually. Now I kind of wish I still had it.

bob48 · July 26, 2013, 07:15:42 AM

I admit it takes a little getting into, but once you do, it kinda grabs ya and won't let go.

Gusington · July 26, 2013, 07:48:26 AM

Like me.

The Demonologist is much shorter than The Historian but is similar in a supernatural theme...a cynical academic is called to Venice to become immersed in some very bad demony goings on. Again, like The Historian, The Demonologist has some really divided reviews. I bought it anyway and will decide on my own.

Steelgrave · July 26, 2013, 12:07:16 PM

Quote from: Gusington on July 26, 2013, 07:48:26 AM
I bought it anyway and will decide on my own.

You radical you!

Gusington · July 26, 2013, 01:30:44 PM

I am getting more ornery in my old age. I have concluded that most reviewers on Amazon and such are just blowing smoke.

Steelgrave · July 26, 2013, 01:40:02 PM

Well, now you've returned the favor and I'm going to grab The Demonologist.

bob48 · July 26, 2013, 01:41:16 PM

I agree with you there Gus. In general, books (like games) are subjective, so I rarely take much notice of reviews there. On several occasions, I have brought books that a couple of reviewers have slagged-off only to find that they were good reads.

In some cases, especially with military books, it seemed that the reviewers just seemed to like getting their views in print, and were actually talking out of the little hole in their bottoms.

I take far more notice of reviews here, since in general, most of you lot appear to know what you're talking about.

Steelgrave · July 26, 2013, 01:56:41 PM

I'm the same way, Bob. Our friends here helped me to discover Honor Harrington, for one, and a number of other really good books as well as movies. They may be bad dressers with worse haircuts, but their literary taste makes up for that.

Mostly.