Study Buddies discussion

January 2010

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The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

Discuss here!

Please warn at the beginning of your post if it contains spoilers so that people can scroll past it.

I enjoyed this book. A slower read for me than normal, but worth it.

I like the sexy vampire theme as much the next woman, but I also like the vampires of old based on Vlad the Impaler. It was clear Elizabeth Kostova put a lot of research into the book. I liked her writing style, as well.

I haven't read this book in a few years. I wish I had time to re-read it... but Kostova's new book just came out today, and I'll have to start that one. (The Swan Thieves)

When I read The Historian, it was my favorite book of the year. Kostova's amazing research and real love for Eastern European culture was evident. I wanted to travel to all the places mentioned in the book. Even though I've always loved Eastern European folklore, Kostova really opened up the idea of learning Cyrillic. After reading this book, I became obsessed with learning it so that I, like her character, could read in this beautiful looking language.

Any book that can cause me to go and learn a new language (well kind of, I'm no where near fluent) must be quite an amazing book indeed.

On second thought... maybe I will pick this one up again. I've kind of be come an audio book junkie of late, so maybe I'll use my January Audible credit for it. Regardless, I think the Study Buddy group will find this to be an excellent read.

Mindy: good luck with learning Cyrillic!

I hope other people in this group are giving this book a try. I would love to have a few people to discuss it with.

Mawgojzeta wrote: "Mindy: good luck with learning Cyrillic!

I hope other people in this group are giving this book a try. I would love to have a few people to discuss it with."

Thanks. I've taken three years of Russian so far. Though my schedule does not allow further classes on the subject, I remain interested in the language and culture.

This has been sitting in my to-read pile for a few months and coincidentally, I just happened to take it up this week. I'm only 1/6 of the way in. Kostova is quite lush with her descriptors and the storyline is intriguing; I am enjoying it so far.

I read this book a few years back and while i was half way through it i moved to Romania for 6 months to teach at the international school there.
It was so strange reading this book there. I remember reading it in my flat and all of a sudden the power went out in the whole building and i suddenly realised i was in Romania in the dark reading a book about Vampires!!!! *Oh Crap*
Great book - i loved it.

Reema: what a great story to share! I would have been totally freaked out.

One of the things I really like about the book is how it is not just a historical story and not just an adventure, but so much more. It reminded me of some of the ghost stories (not horror stories) I have read. Not sure why, but it does.

I also like the three different viewpoints presented: the daughter, the father, and his mentor. Sometimes authors fail to pull that off (they all end up seeming too similar) but I think that it worked here.

Alethea wrote: "January 2010

[image error]


The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

Discuss here!

Please warn at the beginning of your post if it contains s..."

I also read this book slower then I usually do. I enjoyed the book and I thought all her research was amazing.

I liked the feel of the book I felt as if this journey could actually happen. If vampires really did exsit in our crazy world.

I loved this book. Enjoy the pacing. It took her 10 years to write it. I was reading this in bed one night with all of the lights off except my penlight and the fan in the window fell out onto the floor. I must say I screamed! I liked the suspense and the gorgeous description of places I will never have the opportunity to visit. I did visit quite a few mosques in Istanbul (via the internet) while reading this book. What amazing architechture. This is one of my favorite books. I just finished Swan Thieves and liked it, but not as well as I did The Historian.