1 of 1 people
found this review helpful:
March 11, 2009
What secrets did Leonardo Da Vinci place in the Last Supper? Is Da Vinci sending a message with what the apostels are doing or where they are sitting? Is it meaningful that there is no bread on the table? Why do two of the apostles have their back turned on Jesus? This book weaves a story around these issues and other specific items in the painting.
The story is told through the eyes of a Catholic priest who was sent to unravel a puzzle at the church where the Last Supper was being painted. In many instances, the clues exposed were clever and in many cases, the clues were so obscure as to be unbelievable even in a fiction novel.
Although I am a fan of this type of mystery, I found that the book was very slow moving. Also, for me it was difficult to follow as all of the names were Italian and there was a fair amont of latin used (not surprising as the story is set in Milan in a catholic church). However, I am a reader that likes to know how words are spelled and the complexity of the names and words were beyond my ability to guess the spellings from an audio book. At times, it was difficult to follow the story when several characters with uncommon italian names were involved in the story line at the same time. I had to relisten often to follow the story.
Also, it helped immensely to have a picture of the Last Supper while listening. Without the picture, it was difficult to follow or appreciate the clues being discussed and revealed.
All in all, it was a slow moving, but often clever story about intrigue within the catholic church and why and how Da Vinci exposed secrets. If you like this genre, you will likely enjoy this book, but if you are not a fan, then you will likely find it frustrating to read.
By:
Marsh (Fair Haven, VT, USA)
September 30, 2008
When I read some of the reviews of this book I was prepared for a mediocre listening experience, but as my wife and I listened we found the story and the performance excellent. The characters were rich, and the historical setting very interesting, and the story captivating to the very end! The reader was very animated and had different voices that seemed to fit each characters very well. I do wish I had a copy of DaVinci's Last Supper and his other paintings with me when we were listening. If you are interested in art, history, mystery or religion you will find them all alive and well here!
2 of 2 people
found this review helpful:
By:
James (Matthews, NC, USA)
March 17, 2007
I didn't read or see Dan Brown's Da Vinci's Code so I was starting with an open mind. This is the type of book which captures you and makes you want to listen for a few minutes more each time you take time to listen. The beginning and ending fit together and leaves the listener wondering "could this really have happened as described?" Just a great listen.
2 of 2 people
found this review helpful:
July 21, 2006
If you are looking for Davinci Code II - this isn't it. BUT - if you are really interested in a glimpse of what may have been going on in the Great One's fabulous mind you will enjoy this book. Historical fiction that challenges the mind!
By:
Jolene (Vadnais Heights, MN, USA)
July 11, 2006
Very, very tedious. And read in a droning (monotone) voice, apparently to simulate a ponderous Dominican priest of the late 1500's. But the voice adds to the tedium of the writing. I find myself doing a lot of fast-forwarding, Waste of money/credits!