In 1347 in an Italian monastery there is a murder, a monk tries to solve it. (the original DaVinci Code)
Review:
This book was on a fascinating subject, set in a wonderfully brought to life fourteenth century, and had character development out the wazoo. I read this when I was still in high school because it was considered one of the best historical novels by the owner of the used book store I frequent and he told me to. At first I found it a bit of a challenge to get into the rhythm of (knowing nothing about anything as teenagers are apt to do) but I kept going and got drawn into the story. As an impressionable youth it also made me look at the religion in my life differently and that was a good thing, other reviewers call it a nihilist classic and I have to agree. It seems odd that a novel set in an abbey with a monk as the main character would be so rife with atheism so be warned if you live in a happy naive bubble this book is not for you, for everyone else though, read it at least once in your life (I am adding it to my to-re-read list).
9/10
9/10 but only really smart, un-sheltered older teenagers would "get it" - High School
Notable Quotes:
“Books are not made to be believed, but to be subjected to inquiry. When we consider a book, we mustn't ask ourselves what it says but what it means...”
“A dream is a scripture, and many scriptures are nothing but dreams.”
“This, in fact, is the power of the imagination, which, combining the memory of gold with that of the mountain, can compose the idea of a golden mountain.”
If you enjoyed this you should read:
The God Delusion - Richard Dawkins (If this book made you question your (or other peoples) religiousness)
Pillars of the Earth / World Without End - Ken Follett (if this book made you want to read more historical fiction)
Canterbury Tales - Geoffrey Chaucer (if you got so interested in the period and politics that you want to read a primary document from that time that is totally worth reading)
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