The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova is a novel that presents an interesting premise but has its share of flaws. The story is told through a complex web of letters and different time periods, which can be both engaging and confusing. The languorous pacing in the beginning gives the book a European travel guide feel, with detailed descriptions of various locales and sumptuous meals. However, as the plot tightens, it becomes somewhat predictable. The characters are more like props than real people, lacking in personality and depth. The leaden dialogue is mostly exposition, and the epistolary format can be a bit of a stretch. Despite these shortcomings, The Historian is not a bad read. It has its moments of charm and is an easy enough book to get through. But it falls short of the over-the-top fun that its premise seems to promise.

The novel's structure, with its multiple timelines and nested narratives, requires the reader to pay close attention. The use of quotation marks to distinguish between different narrators can be a bit tricky, especially when there are letters within letters. This can lead to confusion and the need for rereading certain passages. Additionally, the characters' lack of development makes it difficult to fully engage with the story on an emotional level. We are told how the characters feel rather than shown through their actions and interactions.

On the positive side, Kostova's descriptions of the various locations are vivid and bring the settings to life. The reader can almost feel as if they are traveling along with the characters, experiencing the beauty and history of each place. The book also has a certain allure due to its connection with the Dracula legend. The idea of a modern-day hunt for the undead vampire is an intriguing one. However, the serious tone of the book sometimes detracts from the potential for excitement and adventure. Overall, The Historian is a mixed bag. It has its strengths and weaknesses, and while it may not be a literary masterpiece, it can still provide some entertainment for those looking for a summertime read.

Tentatively, my hand crept towards the mouse. What dark and unholy specter could be contained in other people's reviews of Elizabeth Kostova's The Historian?

I was filled with passive-voiced dread as the link was clicked by me. I was horrified to read:

xdragonlady's review: \\"My main problem with the book being that the author told the tale from so many different points of view, but that they were each told in first person without giving the reader any notice as to who was telling the tale. [...] I don't understand why this book is on the bestseller's list.\\"

I was aghast! Could the novel I had just read really have been a confounding multi-tiered multiple first-person narrative with lack-luster voices which the author clearly mistook for a clever attempt at recreating a sense of research?

With much hesitation, I read on.

\\"I find myself thinking of my mother's comment after she read the Da Vinci Code, that it was ok but she knew many other books that were written much better that should be best sellers. I wish Brien had read the book at the same time as I did, I would liked to have talked to him about it.\\"

Blast! I too wondered what xdragonladyx's mother and friend Brien would have thought! If only she could have included a detailed transcription of their own reviews! I may now never know if either of them viewed The Historian as an attempt to capitalize on the fad of Dan Brown-style mysteries and the vampire genre!

Suddenly, a wayward link caught my eye and I clicked.

Silver's review: \\"I think I read some review here on GoodReads that called this a book to be conquered. You know, one where after a time you feel so invested that you MUST finish it, you must defeat the book, you will NOT give up, no matter how much you are suffering. Whoever said that about Kostova's The Historian, I salute you.\\"

As I read this thing about someone reading something else somewhere, I was reminded of my own refusal to allow the dry 600+ page tome to defeat me. And that by the time I had completed the flatulent ending, not only had I conquered it, but impaled it still screaming onto a ten-foot stake. It was dead and without the risk of ever returning to life, so that no one would ever have to read it again.

You're welcome.

I truly relished this book. It presented a distinct sort of reading experience.

From the very beginning, it had me engaged and eager to explore further. The content was rich and detailed, offering a deep dive into various aspects of research and history.

It was evident that the author had put in a great deal of effort to gather and present the information in an interesting and accessible manner.

For those who have a passion for research and history, this book is an absolute must-read. It will not only satisfy their curiosity but also expand their knowledge and understanding in these fields.

Whether you are a student, a scholar, or simply someone who enjoys learning about the past, this book has something to offer.

I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating and informative read.

One of my most cherished and adored novels is truly a gem in my literary world.

No matter how many millions of negative reviews I might come across, it doesn't sway my love for it one bit.

I am completely enamored with everything about this novel. Its heroes are not just fictional characters; they have become like the best friends of mine.

They accompany me through different emotions and experiences as I turn the pages.

I have a firm plan in my heart to read and re-read this novel for the coming decades, God willing.

It is a source of inspiration, comfort, and joy for me.

Every time I pick it up, it's like embarking on a new adventure with my dear friends.

I can't imagine my life without this novel by my side.

It will always hold a special place in my heart and be a constant companion throughout my life.

3.5 Stars

I truly relished the premise and setup of this historical horror novel. It vividly reminded me of the very essence that I had craved from "The Discovery of Witches". The concept was captivating and had the potential to be a real page-turner.

However, I must admit that letters are not my preferred format of storytelling. Nevertheless, I do understand that it is a respectful nod to the classic novel "Dracula". This format did add a certain charm and authenticity to the narrative, but it also had its limitations for me.

As a horror enthusiast, I found myself yearning for this novel to delve deeper into the horror elements. It seemed to lean more towards historical fiction than I had initially anticipated. While I adored the start, which was filled with mystery and suspense, the second half didn't quite grip me in the same way. Or perhaps it was that the story chose to focus on details that I personally felt were a little less engaging. Overall, it was an enjoyable read, but it left me with a slight sense of unfulfillment in the horror department.

“Battle not with monsters, lest ye become a monster, and if you gaze into the abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.” – Friedrich Nietzsche

The story of Dracula has long held a captivating allure for people. The author has crafted a unique retelling where a young girl stumbles upon a book and papers in her father's library. This discovery is set to forever alter the course of their lives.

This book had been lingering on my to-read list for an extended period. I repeatedly postponed delving into it, unsure of the reason. However, after making a conscious effort to listen to more audiobooks, I finally decided to give this one a try. I must admit that the audiobook was masterfully produced. The spooky music that interspersed between the chapters was a brilliant touch. It effectively created a creepy and eerie atmosphere that was a perfect match for the book. The narration was also highly enjoyable.

The quest for answers in this book leads the characters on a journey of sorts that will take them to... I'm not entirely certain if I would have derived the same level of enjoyment from reading the book as opposed to listening to the audiobook. The audiobook truly enhanced the experience for me. I also relished the journey that the characters embark upon. The focus is more on them and their quest rather than solely on Dracula. Of course, Dracula is present, but there is so much more to this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere within this book. I could almost smell the musty old books and sense the dampness in the ancient buildings. The history of Europe, the legend of Dracula, the old churches, and relics all combine to set the stage. This is a lengthy book, but it is exquisitely crafted. Although it had its slower moments, I didn't find it bothersome. It's a worthwhile read or listen if you don't mind the book's length.

The Historian

is a captivating standalone historical fiction novel penned by Elizabeth Kostova. Although it features vampires, it defies classification as paranormal. This is due to Kostova's meticulous attention to historical accuracy, particularly concerning the historical figure of Vlad the Impaler rather than the mythical Dracula the Vampire. In an online interview, Kostova revealed that she took a real historical mystery - the whereabouts of Vlad the Impaler's burial or the fate of his remains - and crafted a fictional speculation from it. The other historical events in the book are real and carefully researched, while the twentieth-century characters are fictional.

Personally, I was enamored by the book's layered nature. Multiple stories unfold and build upon each other in numerous exotic locations, spanning across several centuries. It offers a rich reading experience, brimming with culture, history, adventure, and mystery. Despite its considerable length, I was never bored and always eager to resume reading where I left off. If you have a penchant for historical thrillers, especially those written in a style similar to Dan Brown's, you're bound to love The Historian. Do give it a try!

My favorite quote:

“For all his attention to my historical education, my father had neglected to tell me this: history’s terrible moments were real. I understand now, decades later, that he could never have told me. Only history itself can convince you of such a truth. And once you’ve seen that truth—really seen it—you can’t look away.”

A bit of trivia:

It took Elizabeth Kostova a whopping ten years to write The Historian. This debut novel holds the distinction of being the first to debut at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. Kostova was initially inspired by her childhood memories of her father, a professor, regaling her with stories about Dracula.

A book that concludes with a happy ending, yet is not marred by a dire, grim, sad, and flat epilogue, is indeed a curious and rare thing. Such a creation can only emerge from the pen of a patient and talented author like Kostova. In many books, if not the majority or even all of them, there is one character who bears the greatest responsibility for the conclusion of their stories. In this case, the person in question is Eva's mother, Helen. She finds herself at the center of a convoluted disappearing act that seems almost worthy of a bad Agatha Christie novel.

The Historian delves into the concept of how time can transform into history in the hands of its observers. The monstrous tyrant from the past can regain significance if he is resurrected from the dead. Time that encapsulates a person's activities is known as a lifetime. The author painstakingly adds word after word, patiently constructing her work with all her skills and craftsmanship. The words may often be ordinary, but they represent ideas that are truly worth reading.

Who, then, is the historian? Who is the titular character? It could be Paul or Rossi. It might also be Helen or Eva. However, it could even be Dracula himself, as he is once mentioned as a historian. The book, told through a series of letters and postcards, does not belong to the horror genre, yet all the points converge to Dracula. Having said that, I believe Dracula is merely a pretext, intended to give this impressive book a purpose. I just wish that there had been no Epilogue. I long for happy endings in books that I simply do not want to end.

I am not overly enamored by the story of Dracula. In fact, I haven't even read Bram Stoker's original version. So, as I reached around page 340 or so, I began to question my decision to read this book.

However, it turns out that the story is more about a line of people who have been conducting research on the historical Dracula and have become completely obsessed with their work. The way the story is constructed is quite interesting.

We move back and forth between three main characters over a span of about 60 years. Additionally, we get to read many "historical" documents that these people discover in various hidden archives, libraries, and collections around the world.

As a future librarian, I must admit that this was my favorite part. Reading about the process of piecing together the research was truly fascinating. And the idea of Dracula's personal collection? It's simply priceless.

This aspect of the story really captured my imagination and made me think about the importance of preserving historical documents and collections.

Overall, while my initial doubts about the book were understandable, I ended up being quite engaged by this unique take on the Dracula legend.

OMG I DID IT. After spending a significant amount of time on this, I'm actually quite satisfied with my accomplishment. Also, considering how long it took me to get through this mammoth, dense history lesson, I'm actually rating it pretty highly. I did enjoy the overall experience.

However, I'm burned out from the effort, so I'm reverting to bullet points for a bit. Here are the good things:

- There are lots of pretty places described in the story, which makes it visually appealing.

- Dracula is a central figure, and the historical Dracula in all his impaling glory adds an element of excitement and horror.

- The story is a fun one that romps all over the world, taking the reader on a global adventure.

- Rossi was such a cute old man. Am I allowed to say he was cute? He reminded me of Indiana Jones' dad, but then maybe I'm mentally building the character more than the book did XD

Now, here are the bad things:

- The LENGTH OF THIS THING. It was just too long, and at times, it felt like it would never end.

- SO. MUCH. DETAIL. (see first point) The excessive detail made it a bit overwhelming at times.

- Stories within stories within stories within stories (see first point) This added complexity, but it also made the narrative a bit convoluted.

- The story was so sloooooooow (see first point) It took a long time for things to happen, and I found myself getting impatient.

- There was an uncanny coincidence that so many people all over the world they happen to bump into are doing the same kinda research and they want to help. This felt a bit contrived.

- There were no pictures, which would have been nice to have to help visualize the settings and characters.

Basically, it was just too damn long but was otherwise an interesting, unique tale filled with fascinating history that was weaved in with fiction and an element of the supernatural for suspense. That's all I have to say on the matter at this time.

Let me preface all I have to say about this book. I had started this book a number of times and of course never continued with it.

The Historian is a truly massive tome that delves deep into the existence of Dracula. Unlike Bram Stoker's Dracula, The Historian provides an authentic name for Dracula, which is Vlad Tempes (Vlad the Impaler), and transforms him into the ever-evil Count.

The book chronicles the search of three generations and their eventual discovery of Dracula. It follows the family through various countries closely associated with the legend and incorporates a significant amount of folklore. It is extremely detailed in its depth and quite wordy, as the novel is predominantly told through letters and the interactions of the characters. I have read that the author spent ten years writing this book, and it shows in the intricate development of the plot.

Given the topic, the tome is eerie, but I never found it truly scary. It was written as a sort of history book, and although the main character is the evil Dracula, one doesn't really encounter him until the end, which I felt was the best part of the book. We accompany our heroes (the historians) through the countries of Holland, Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, and London as they individually attempt to piece together the legend and ultimately come to the realization that this evil menace is still "alive." Eventually, the forces unite, and Vlad is fully realized and disposed of.

While I definitely enjoyed the book, I felt that there was simply too much to the story. One never quite experiences that sense of horror felt when reading Dracula, and although the atmosphere was dark, Miss Kosova was never able to approach Stoker's descriptive style in his most famous tale. Personally, I couldn't connect closely with the characters and felt they held themselves back in that typically old European style, which, of course, makes sense given the setting. Religious matters were presented with the idea that sometimes the church not only condones but encourages evil as a means to an end.

In my opinion, the book dealt more with the amount of evil present in the world, both in the past and the present. This search for Dracula is quite lengthy and not an easy read. One must focus on the narrative, as the author sometimes shifts from character to character within a single chapter.

All in all, it was a satisfying book, certainly not one that could be read in a weekend, but a good attempt at giving a real form to the character of Dracula. If you like the current trend of vampirism that seems to be sweeping the book world, you might want to pick up this novel. It is definitely no Twilight and not quite Dracula, but it does have appeal for those of us who believe there are always evil forces at work in the world.

I am completely freaked out by the sheer magnitude of my love for this book. It is an old-fashioned, captivating swashbuckler that you simply can't turn the pages fast enough. The story is told through a unique combination of letters, diary entries, postcards, and reminiscences. It masterfully combines elements of history, romance, adventure, and an unwavering love of books. What's more, there are secrets within secrets within secrets, making it deliciously mysterious!

Much of the action unfolds in libraries and on trains. The characters embark on a journey to mysterious locales such as Turkey, Romania, and Hungary to determine if Vlad was truly a vampire. The travel descriptions are so vivid and evocative that they make me long to write lengthy letters home from a train in a foreign land, surrounded by foreign accents.

This was my third or fourth time reading The Historian, and I thoroughly enjoyed it once again. I recently took a trip to Budapest, and it was an absolute delight to read about the places I had just visited. I was also deeply moved, perhaps even more than usual, by the tenderness and sorrow of some of the scenes. And I'm quite certain that I have just convinced two of my favorite people to read it as well.