Thursday, August 27, 2009

Jerusalem's Undead Trilogy

It is one in the morning, and I have just finished Eric Wilson’s book, Haunt of Jackals. I will definitely read this again and again. This book is the second in the Jerusalem’s Undead Trilogy. And, like its first part, Field of Blood, this book is great.

*To read my post on Field of Blood, go here: Field of Blood *

Having recently read Field of Blood for the second time, I was itching to get Haunt of Jackals. I received it in the mail as a gift from a friend, and jumped right on in to the story. Twelve hours later, I read the last page and about screamed. One, because it’s a FANTASTIC story. Two, because I was right about the author of the journal entries. *HA!*

Eric continues weaving in the threads of history through this work, making you think and sometimes wonder. He continues to expound on the stories of Nistarim and the Collectors, as well as Gina’s own history. And we also learn more about the mysterious Cal—what an interesting tale there, though I’m sure there is more to be revealed.

This story answers many questions, but also leaves you with new questions, which I’m waiting to find the answers to in Valley of Bones.

And still yet, my only complaint: Mr. Wilson! (Gee, I just felt like Dennis the Menace) Why do I have to wait so long for the next book?!

I most definitely will wait, but who says I have to be patient about it? ;-)

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

People of the Book

I’ve just finished reading a very interesting book of the historical fiction genre.

People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks

This book first caught my attention because of the cover. Yes, I do judge books by their covers. The cover is beautiful in it’s simplicity: Black with a gold and blue outline of a butterfly wing, the title in white across the middle of the wing.

And when I opened it, I knew this book was not a waste of time or money.

People of the Book is a fictional representation of the creation, past, and conservation of the Sarajevo Haggadah. The reader is swept into the life of a rare book expert, Hanna, as she takes on the prestigious job of conserving the Haggadah. Then as she analyses artifacts found within the pages of the book, we are given glimpses into the history, going to Sarajevo during World War II, to Vienna, to the Venice Carnivale in 1609, and to Spain in the 1400s.

The history in this book is rich, and fills every line, flowing from the lives of every character and setting. This book is emotional as well, filled with love, regret, anger, fear, and abandonment.

This book does have sexual content. It doesn’t go into great detail, though a couple passages give greater detail than the rest. So if you don’t want anything like that in a book, you may not want this one. Though I have to admit, the richness of the history is enriched because of the sexual content of some passages.