C. M. Hanna

Blend of contemporary and historical fiction of a daughter’s search for her missing mother combined with a hunt for an ancient document authored by Archimedes. The story of the document begins with the burning of the library at Alexandria and continues through the ages, including what are basically short stories of various eras and how a secret society protected the document. The current day storyline contains an interesting set of characters, such as a pillager of antiquities with thugs at his disposal, a museum curator, a paleographer, a Princeton professor, a dancer, and a mathematical savant. Although the book is lengthy, the chapters are short, and the pages turn quickly. It is obvious the authors engaged in a great deal of research, and I thought they did an excellent job of infusing reality with fiction. Recommended to fans of historical fiction with a scientific or mathematical component, readers who enjoy complex brain-teasers, and those interested in fast-paced mysteries who don’t mind the occasional stretching of plausibility.… (plus d'informations)

I bought this book several months back because I've had some contact with Michael Perkins, and found him to be very knowledgeable about many common interests. He never mentioned the book, but I saw it in his profile, and decided it looked interesting; it was.

I knew nothing about Archimedes before reading it. The name was familiar, but that was it. I'm glad I learned a little about him, and I hope to learn more now, as he's a pretty interesting person. But it's not necessary to know anything to enjoy the story.

I liked the way the story moved around through history, bringing the far, far, past together with the present and the 15th century. I enjoyed all of the characters, except perhaps for Eduard, the villain. But he did a good job being the villain, I'll give him that.

Toward the end, I was pretty sure how it would go, but it's nice to have a happy ending for a change, what with all the craziness we've been going through.… (plus d'informations)