Though this book is written within the framework of Roman Catholicism of the 1400-1500s, it is not a Catholic book. It is a book celebrating Renaissance humanism
( Read more... )
Ouch on the surgery, but glad for the results. My folks had cataract surgery several years ago, and Mom was able to see without glasses for the first time since childhood. She did need non-prescription reading glasses for close work, although it wasn't that much later that her neurological issues made it hard for her to enjoy reading. Dad is able to get by without glasses, other than sunglasses when he's driving.
I'm interested to see your comments. I've hesitated even to try to get this one from the library, even though JW has written a lot of books I enjoyed-the early Arthurian ones, the mysteries set in a fascist AH Britain, the Just City novels-because, well, it's Savonarola, a historical figure in whom I can see no redeeming features. And I remember reading My Real Children, which was written from an ethical viewpoint I recoil from; Walton's skill as a writer kept me reading but made the aftereffect all the more unpleasant. I'm not sure I even want to get into the head of Savonarola that way. But you make the setting, at least, sound interesting. Can you say anything about the ethical point of view one inhabits in readiing Lent?
I wish you untroubled recovery from the eye surgery. C is at the point of scheduling cataract surgery for her right eye, but some other business has to be cleared up first; when her other eye was done, some years ago, she got through it satisfactorily. And one's eyesight is a precious thing to have saved.
Savonarola gets bad press, being known only for the Bonfire of the Vanities, which is vastly misunderstood by modern people. He's an immensely appealing character in this book. So many twists and turns, while staying close to the sources for the characters who actually lived.
Comments 12
Reply
Reply
I wish you untroubled recovery from the eye surgery. C is at the point of scheduling cataract surgery for her right eye, but some other business has to be cleared up first; when her other eye was done, some years ago, she got through it satisfactorily. And one's eyesight is a precious thing to have saved.
Reply
Reply
Oh my, I hope the results of this surgery are spectacular. Discovering what colors you've been missing... I can only imagine how moving that would be.
Reply
Reply
Reply
Reply
Reply
Reply
Leave a comment