rebjam's review
2.0
I wanted to like this, it had all the trappings of a good read--art, history, Italy.. But I found the narrative confusing, salient points missing and pertinent scenes not adequately described.
nkmeyers's review
3.0
This is an odd book but not without some merits ! The contrast btwn the Canadian and British protagonists' experiences with italian men and culture is interesting, as is the way the author weaves local color, history and literary styles together in a way that allows her to tackle corruption, post war animosities, and suppression of war crimes.
canadianbookworm's review against another edition
4.0
Slow at first, but engrossing.
Really liked the ending.
Really liked the ending.
ahsimlibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
BookList: Forbes' latest departs from India, the setting of her previous literary thrillers--Bombay Ice (1998) and Fish, Blood and Bone (2001)--and moves to idyllic Urbino, Italy, birthplace of Renaissance painter Raphael. Deftly exploring connections between art, religion, and politics, Forbes layers her mystery with lush imagery and palpable human drama. When the Raphael painting that she is commissioned to work on is attacked, Charlotte Penton, a prim English divorcee and art restorer, finds herself embroiled in a plot involving deadly secrets and betrayals from the past. As Charlotte and her rival, the sexy Canadian Donna, look for answers in the painting, they become entangled in the mystery of San Rocco, a village whose destruction during World War II hides another sordid secret protected by powerful men. Numerous digressions on such matters as the mechanics of hoax miracles and Italian cuisine add flavor and depth to the novel but also diminish the suspense. A good choice for fans of Arturo Perez-Reverte and Iain Pears or for the Italy-bound. -- MishaStone (BookList, 05-01-2004, p1506)
sarah42783's review against another edition
1.0
Set in Italy in the 1990's, this book is supposed to be a "political thriller and an examination of our capacity for restoration" but I found it boring and couldn't get past the first 10 chapters.
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