Lovett has the wonderful ability to write stories about characters who have an affinity for books and the stories they tell outside of their pages. Reading one of his novels is what it must be like to walk the Chartres Cathedral Maze; a journey into inner reflection on life and it's personal meaning, told to you by characters that are flawed and yet worthy of the reader's affection because of it. If you have ever been enthralled by tales of King Arthur and his Knights, the legend of the Holy Grail, or just sat enraptured by the history that can be found around you, you're going to enjoy this novel. Like in The Bookman's Tale, Lovett's previous novel, there runs the glittering thread of obsession in these pages, tying together a historical mystery that unfolds before your eyes with as much grace as adventure.
This is a story of a little boy who sees a tragedy unfold unaware of its importance. In time another little boy will come along who promises to keep a secret, the magnitude of which has filtered down the distant past to him from many others who guarded it. As he grows into a man dedicated to solving the mystery handed to him by his grandfather, he becomes entrapped by this all consuming search. Unknowingly withdrawn from others he is caught unprepared when a young woman barges into his most cherished sanctum to complete a project that could destroy every thing he's worked so hard for and challenges him to realize that sometimes choices made can be as restrictive as they are freeing.
Based in the city of Barchester, England which was originally invented by Anthony Trollope, Lovett introduces us to the amalgamated history of the creation of its most important heritage, Barchester Cathedral and its amazing library of ancient manuscripts. The Cathedral's history will take us on a hunt for one of the most important religious discoveries of all time. As you turn the pages you will reveal the various threads of obsession and love that Lovett spins into a tale of learning to love and let go. History and fiction meet to create a story that I'm sure Trollope himself would have approved of. Recommend for anyone interested in English historical fiction, religious stories, or just a good read. Add it to your TBR pile and save some time to wallow in the glory of ancient Barchester with Lovett and Trollope.
This is a story of a little boy who sees a tragedy unfold unaware of its importance. In time another little boy will come along who promises to keep a secret, the magnitude of which has filtered down the distant past to him from many others who guarded it. As he grows into a man dedicated to solving the mystery handed to him by his grandfather, he becomes entrapped by this all consuming search. Unknowingly withdrawn from others he is caught unprepared when a young woman barges into his most cherished sanctum to complete a project that could destroy every thing he's worked so hard for and challenges him to realize that sometimes choices made can be as restrictive as they are freeing.
Based in the city of Barchester, England which was originally invented by Anthony Trollope, Lovett introduces us to the amalgamated history of the creation of its most important heritage, Barchester Cathedral and its amazing library of ancient manuscripts. The Cathedral's history will take us on a hunt for one of the most important religious discoveries of all time. As you turn the pages you will reveal the various threads of obsession and love that Lovett spins into a tale of learning to love and let go. History and fiction meet to create a story that I'm sure Trollope himself would have approved of. Recommend for anyone interested in English historical fiction, religious stories, or just a good read. Add it to your TBR pile and save some time to wallow in the glory of ancient Barchester with Lovett and Trollope.
