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As well as numerous settings, both in and out of the East Bloc, Kostova has three basic story lines to keep straight--one from 1930, when Professor Bartolomew Rossi begins his dangerous research into Dracula, one from 1950, when Professor Rossi's student Paul takes up the scent, and the main narrative from 1972. The criss-crossing story lines mirror the political advances, retreats, triumphs, and losses that shaped Dracula's beleaguered homeland--sometimes with the Byzantines on top, sometimes the Ottomans, sometimes the rag-tag local tribes, or the Orthodox church, and sometimes a fresh conqueror like the Soviet Union.
Although the book is appropriately suspenseful and a delight to read--even the minor characters are distinctive and vividly seen--its most powerful moments are those that describe real horrors. Our narrator recalls that after reading descriptions of Vlad burning young boys or impaling "a large family," she tried to forget the words: "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." The reader, although given a satisfying ending, gets a strong enough dose of European history to temper the usual comforts of the closing words. --Regina Marler
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Book Description audioCD. Condition: Very Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!. Seller Inventory # S_371109868
Book Description Condition: good. Ex Library with stickers and markings, Used item in good condition. Stock photo may be different from actual cover. Seller Inventory # 4EKGRJ00DB49_ns
Book Description audioCD. Condition: Very Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!. Seller Inventory # S_391201856
Book Description Audio CD. Condition: Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!. Seller Inventory # S_302346305
Book Description Condition: VeryGood. Most items will be dispatched the same or the next working day. Audio book. Seller Inventory # wbs8741426684
Book Description Audio CD. Condition: Good. 10 AUDIO CDs withdrawn from the library collection. We will polish each individual Audio CD for a smooth quality of sound. Some library notation to the set. Enjoy this worthwhile AUDIO CD performance. Seller Inventory # BlkUCD071911185
Book Description AudioCD. Condition: Good. 10 AUDIO CDs , polished for your satisfaction for a worthwhile set, in the original box. Some shelf wear and scuff to the box. The AUDIO CDs are in individual slots, protected and clear sounding. Enjoy this abridged AUDIO CD performance!. Seller Inventory # CDU012111000056
Book Description Befriedigend/Good: Durchschnittlich erhaltenes Buch bzw. Schutzumschlag mit Gebrauchsspuren, aber vollständigen Seiten. / Describes the average WORN book or dust jacket that has all the pages present. Seller Inventory # M01594830371-G
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Book Description Condition: Very Good. Compact Discs - Vg - 10 CDs without defect - Abridged. Seller Inventory # 246348