Helpful Score: 14
The beautiful cover is what attracted me to this book at first. After I'd read 50 pages or so I thought it was a marvelous historical thriller. After 100 pages my opinion dropped a bit, and I would've called it a historical romance. But I did follow the story to the end, which was sad, but not particularly thought-provoking. I've read that the author did a lot of legitimate historical research into the lat 14th century in England, and that shows, but there's not much meat on the bones of the plot. The title character is a truly admirable person, and he's rewarded with the greatest measure of sadness. All in all, fairly depressing, and for little purpose.
Helpful Score: 12
It is obvious the author did a ton of research for this novel. She intertwines historical figures in to make them and the story more real. I must admit, I cried through the last couple of chapters.
Helpful Score: 7
Wow... this book is very well written, but the subject matter is just too darn depressing! Late 14th century England... Lots of church involvement.
Helpful Score: 6
The Illuminator is an amazing book. There is so much more to this story than the synopsis of the book leads you to believe. Every character that makes an appearance in this book has a story that weaves into the main story. Every character, no matter how small a part they play, is so well developed that they seem real and they tug at your heart strings. The author does not spare your feelings in telling this story there is much heartbreak and sorrow, yet it is beautifully told. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction. It is defiantly one of the best books I've read in a long time.
Helpful Score: 5
While this book had some common themes for historical fiction of this era, it also had enough unique elements to make it more interesting. A widow is asked by the bishop to house an artisan who illuminates manuscripts and his young daughter. This is not a fluffy romance -- political and religious issues, social uprisings, illness and death are all present, but the heroine is strong and independent, leading to a surprising finish. Recommended.
