Anyone read The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova ?

[SorenLorensen]

Can't see a thread on it...

I've almost finished it but, while I enjoyed it a lot at the start, I'm finding that I'm really struggling to pay attention as I get nearer the end. I kept reading pages last night and realising I hadn't really read them, iykwim. Getting very bogged down now in 'translated historical documents' by monks with daft names travelling through Bulgaria looking for Dracula.

Has anyone finished it - should I keep going?

I got through to the end - which I didn't do with Jonathan Strange - but I know exactly what you mean. I would get there and see what you think (god, that's not much of a recommendation is it). I suspect it is an important Vampire Text, and as such one we should Imbibe.

You have read Dracula, of course, haven't you? Now that's gripping.

Yes, I've read Dracula And I love Anne Rice (well, the earlier Vampire ones - gave up by about Book 5). OK, just because it's you, mif - I'll perservere.

Or even persevere.

It's those Chronicles of Matthias The Indefatigable, or whatever his name is, my brain's shut down.

I really enjoyed this book but do know what you mean about the end being a struggle. I read it at the very end of my pregnancy and knew I had to finish it before I allowed myself to go into labour and sure enough I finished it on the Thursday daytime and went into labour that very evening!

I find that I don't really care about whether they find old Vlad or not (or even Rossi) but more about what happened to Helen, and whether the daughter and Barley find her father. I am so rubbish at names. Can't remember the name of the daughter or her father, and I was only reading it last night.

I think I skipped those bits. I tend to skip the made up text bits. Only way I got through Possession.

When you've finished, reward yourself with Mr Pratchett.

The bit about Turgut being part of an age old secret association loyal to the Sultan made me laugh - it made me think of the Indiana Jones film where they have the tattoos and they've been guarding the Holy Grail for thousands of years.

I have the new Stephen King waiting - I'm very lowbrow really

I gave up on Possession.

So next time someone says "how do I kick-start labour?" I won't recommend pineapple or curry, but this book, Ledodgy.

I will email you about other Lowbrow Books.

Oooh goody

Definately! I think it may have come out in paperback now but I read the hard back and it was near impossible to read it in the bath or bed with a huge bump lol.

Finished reading it this weekend and loved it, although also have to admit to skipping huge chunks of boring detail about Turgut towards the end, plus a bit of the translated stuff. Have to say their Vlad was not nearly as sexy as Gary Oldman in the film - shame.

I did finish it and it did pick up towards the end - though I felt she got towards the end then thought "hey up, I've gone on a bit, better finish up now."

I'm reading Sheila Hancock's book about John Thaw now...liking it so far.