Saturday Read: The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

So lately I have, like the rest of the world it seems, been anticipating the release of Dan Brown’s “Angels and Demons” film. I’ve re-read the book (I have the nice copy with pictures!) and “The Da Vinci Code” in preparation and cannot seem to satisfy my historical-thriller appetite. So along with “The Reincarnationist,” here is another book that filled my need for some serious reading adrenaline.

By Alex

“The Historian” by Elizabeth Kostova is a LARGE book. I have the hardcover copy and let me tell you, this thing is by no means dainty. At a whopping 642 pages, you’re in for the long haul with this one. But what a fast-paced, exciting and intriguing haul it is!

Kostova takes the classic story of Dracula and weaves it into a story about the hunt for the real man, Vlad the Impaler, who supposedly did discover a way to become immortal. With vivid descriptions of the majestic countries of the Eastern Bloc (if you’re ever been, you will be drooling with jealously) and scary dives into crypts and ancient castles, Kostova is sure to please a history or travel buff purely with her settings.

The characters fit the plot perfectly and are very well-written; not a stone is left unturned. So well written in fact, I had no trouble imagining the frail Professor Rossi or the beautiful Helen, who insists on putting on a brave face at all times.

Anyone who has an interest in the supernatural will appreciate this a bit more than Dan Brown’s work. All the characters in this book whole-heartedly believe in the possibility of vampires and I admit, it’s hard not to get drawn in yourself.

If you’re up for some high-energy adventure to tide you over until “Angels and Demons” hits theatres or you just love a well-researched historical fiction or just love traveling, “The Historian” by Elizabeth Kostova will not let you down!