This is a book that I could easily put down, and in fact, I did at one point. The reason being that the plot was fairly predictable. However, I decided to stay with it because, despite its predictability, the story itself was interesting. There were also some characters that piqued my interest.

For instance, there is a Vatican priest/agent with a clouded history. He is dispatched to Seville to look into a situation that initially seems hardly worth the effort. But as the story unfolds, he gets drawn into a secondary plot that involves several deaths and a 100-year-old love story.

Arturo Pérez-Reverte is a talented author, and I know he has written better books than this one. I am still willing to give some of his other works a chance to see if they can live up to his reputation. Maybe those other books will offer a more engaging and unpredictable reading experience.

When someone has maliciously hacked into the Pope's personal computer and left a disturbing message regarding a church killing as a means of self-protection, it falls upon Father Lorenzo Quart of the Institute for External Affairs. This institute, which coordinates the secret activities of the Vatican's Information Services, is also known by the names God's Left Hand or the Dirty Works Department. Father Quart is then dispatched to Seville, Spain, with the crucial task of conducting a thorough investigation and attempting to unearth the identity of the hacker. The situation is rife with intrigue and complex politics. The story is well-written, captivating the reader's attention from the very beginning.

It delves into the mysterious world of the Vatican's inner workings and the lengths to which some may go to protect their interests. As Father Quart embarks on his mission, one can only wonder what he will discover and how it will impact the church and its reputation. The plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat, eager to find out what will happen next.

The author and I both share a hyphen in our last names, and that's truly quite neat. It's an interesting coincidence that adds a touch of uniqueness to our connection.

Having a hyphen in our last names might seem like a small detail, but it can actually say a lot about our family histories and cultural backgrounds. It could indicate a combination of two different family names, perhaps due to marriage or other reasons.

This shared characteristic makes me wonder if there are other similarities between the author and me. Maybe we have similar interests, values, or life experiences. It also makes me appreciate the diversity and individuality that exists within our world.

Overall, the fact that the author and I both have a hyphen in our last names is a fun and unexpected discovery that adds a bit of charm to our relationship.

Not one of Perez-Reverte's stronger efforts, "The Seville Communion" (TSC) presents a story that, while having some elements of interest, fails to fully engage. The plot centers around a youngish, modish priest, Father Quart, who is dispatched by Rome to look into irregularities at a small church in Seville. Father Quart is a devout, dedicated, and driven individual. However, as he delves into the church's affairs, he finds himself increasingly drawn into something much more complex, with his faith being severely tested.

The book may hold some appeal for those with a particular interest in the Catholic church or the city of Seville. Beyond that niche audience, its charm is somewhat limited. Additionally, there is a concern that the translation might not do full justice to Perez-Reverte's writing skills, although this is merely a speculation. In conclusion, there is no great urgency to read this particular work.

I really made an effort to engage with the book for the first 200 pages.

I was determined to get into the story and understand its essence. However, despite my best attempts, I just couldn't seem to connect with it.

The writing style might not have been to my taste, or perhaps the plot wasn't developed in a way that captured my interest.

As a result, I ended up scanning through the second half of the book. I simply wanted to get a general idea of how it all ended.

Overall, my experience with this book was a disappointment.

I had high hopes for it, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. Maybe it would have been a better read for someone else with different preferences.

Nonetheless, I'll continue my search for that perfect book that will truly captivate me from start to finish.

This is the least favorite of my books by Reverte, but still, a very nice novel.

It simply escaped my understanding.

Reverte's works are known for their rich plots and vivid characters. However, this particular book didn't quite resonate with me as much as his others.

The story seemed to have a certain charm, but for some reason, I couldn't fully grasp its essence.

Perhaps it was the way the narrative was structured or the themes that were explored.

Nonetheless, I can still appreciate the effort and talent that went into writing this novel.

It's possible that upon a second reading, I might discover new aspects and gain a better understanding of its meaning.

Overall, while it may not be my top pick from Reverte's collection, it's still a worthwhile read for those who enjoy his style of writing.

A strange and meditative, slow-paced work, it is nothing like Pérez-Reverte's Alatriste novels, of which I am a huge fan.

The action, such as it is, is set into motion by deaths happening in a baroque church in Sevilla. Banker/developers wish to raze this church. All this takes place at an unspecified date. It is recent enough that computers and hacking are central to the plot, but at a time when computers were hard wired to the net. The main character is a priest working for a branch of the Vatican which is a modern version of the Inquisition. He is sent to Sevilla to investigate.

What transpires is little like the usual "mystery" novel. For what ends up being investigated, via the examination of two possible murders, is the priest/investigator's own death of faith, and the "passing" of the glory that Sevilla once had been. Ultimately, this novel tells the death of Spain itself, as an empire. A character in it goes mad, waiting for her lover, killed in the war of 1898 with the United States.

Reverte's atmospheric prose lingers over Sevilla, the enduring embodiment of what once had been. In contrast, the characters are cardboard figures by and large, this is underscored by their improbable names. They are, in the words of T. S. Eliot, "hollow men." And the title, in Spanish (La Piel del Tambor, or The Drumskin), means to say that they are but noises--and voices--over a great hollow.

I see this melancholy work as a contrast and perspective on Alatriste's time, as gone, in all its vivid greatness.

All this said, Reverte can really write. His words have the power to transport the reader into a world that is both strange and familiar, a world that is filled with mystery and melancholy.

The story revolves around Our Lady of the Tears, an ancient church. There are several distinct characters, each desiring to win their own battle, whether it is to save the church or to destroy it.

This book is exquisitely written. Page after page, it becomes possible to delve into everyone's mind and fathom the reasons behind their fight. However, it will not be evident who is in control of the game until the conclusion of the story.

The detailed exploration of the characters' thoughts and motives adds depth and complexity to the narrative. It keeps the reader engaged and curious, eagerly turning the pages to discover the ultimate outcome.

As the story progresses, the conflicts and tensions between the characters build, creating a sense of anticipation and drama. Will the church be saved or will it be demolished? Only by reaching the end of the story can one find out.

Overall, this book offers a captivating and thought-provoking read, with its well-developed characters and intriguing plot.

The end is truly disappointing.

He unfortunately falls into the cliche trap of the dark lady.

However, the book is written beautifully.

There is a hint of Marquez's style swirling around within the midst of his other wonderful writing.

The concept and development of the mystery are mostly outstanding.

I simply believe that he couldn't make up his mind about what to do with the ending, and as a result, he made the wrong choice.

But still, it is a great book.

I loved it and will definitely read it again.

Despite the flawed ending, the overall quality of the writing and the engaging mystery make it a memorable read.

It's a book that has its flaws, but also has many redeeming qualities that make it worth reading and rereading.

One can't help but be impressed by the author's writing skills, even if the ending doesn't quite live up to the expectations set by the rest of the book.

Nonetheless, it's a book that I would recommend to others, with the caveat that they should be prepared for a somewhat disappointing ending.

When walking through the city of Seville, which I love, and describing it so well, even the soul of the city. The police/thriller part is rather weak and perhaps very dated (the technology of the 90s). Besides being very predictable.

Five stars for the creation of the atmosphere, for the three very funny characters (the "hitmen"), for Father Ferro. Also for the writing itself, without a doubt!

Two stars for the police, for the two central characters and for the ending.

This is an excellent novel.

Personally, in my taste, it lacks a little bit of action. However, the setting, the church, Sevilla, and the characters are all amazing and overwhelming.

The description of the environment and the atmosphere is so vivid that it makes the readers feel as if they are actually there.

The church in Sevilla seems to have its own soul, and it adds a mysterious and solemn touch to the story.

The characters are well-developed and have their own unique personalities and backgrounds.

Each of them plays an important role in the development of the plot, and their interactions and relationships are very interesting to read.

Although the lack of action may make some readers feel a little bit bored, the overall quality of the novel is still very high.

It is a great work that is worth reading and enjoying.

Strålande is a word that may not be familiar to everyone. It has a certain charm and mystery.

Perhaps it represents a state of shining or radiating. It could describe a person who has a bright and positive personality, someone who seems to emit a kind of energy that attracts others.

Or it might refer to an object that has a special luster or glow, like a precious gem or a beautiful piece of art.

The word stålande can also evoke a sense of stillness and stability. It implies that something is firmly in place, unwavering and strong.

In conclusion, stålande is a word that can carry multiple meanings and interpretations, depending on the context in which it is used. It has the power to paint a vivid picture in our minds and add a touch of elegance and beauty to our language.