margaretpinard's review against another edition
3.0
An interesting story starting in Dunwich, then Ely, then getting kind of long-winded and taking in the known world: Italy, Cairo, France, Hungary, etc. I don't usually read fiction set in medieval times, but this one was less trope-y and I liked the connection Stephen had with stones and that supernatural aspect. His lady love Aude I liked too, even though she occasionally did silly 'womanish' things for the plot to continue grinding along. A long story, it could've been shorter. Good read.
darlenemarshall's review against another edition
4.0
This is the kind of involved historical with a great deal of research and detail that satisfies my inner reader. Unfortunately, in some ways the depth of character for the protagonists seemed sacrificed for the joy of sharing the intricacies of architecture in the age of great medieval cathedrals.
In addition there were abrupt point of view shifts in some scenes which I find off-putting, but YMMV. Overall it was a fascinating look into an age of faith and wonder, and would be enjoyed by readers who like stories about extraordinary people in the Middle Ages who weren't powerful knights and nobles, yet left an enduring legacy.
In addition there were abrupt point of view shifts in some scenes which I find off-putting, but YMMV. Overall it was a fascinating look into an age of faith and wonder, and would be enjoyed by readers who like stories about extraordinary people in the Middle Ages who weren't powerful knights and nobles, yet left an enduring legacy.
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