Official Review: purgatorio by bernard kuckuck

[Runan]

Inspired by an unsent letter between Beatrice and Dante, Fillipo decides to create a musical masterpiece. The author's historical knowledge is felt in his writing. The poems are beautiful. The platonic love captures the reader's feelings.

[Kibet Hillary]

I have read one of Bernard Kuckuck's books and I can confess that he is an amazing writer. I am an ardent reader of historical fiction and hence I look forward to reading this captivating book.
Many thanks for the informative review, @kimmyschemy06.

[Harmen Aerts]

Although this is a well written review I don't think this book will be of interest to me. I like historical fiction, but the book sounds like it doesn't have the kind of driving plot that would appeal to me. I've never really found the history of music to be of much appeal.

I can understand your perspective! Historical fiction can be fascinating, but it really depends on the themes that resonate with each reader. However, it does explore broader themes like philosophy which could still be engaging. What kind of historical fiction do you usually enjoy?

Usually I enjoy historical fiction set in times of conflict, from the time of antiquity to the modern age. I find that some of the most fascinating tales arise out of eras of strife, where humans are pushed to survive against all odds.

[mrlefty0706]

Hi @Bhimlendra Kumar 1, I just read your comments on the official review of "Purgatorio". I would like to suggest you provide more detail so you motivate other members to read the book. For example: "Purgatorio" by Bernard Kuckuck is a historical novel that takes place in late 16th century Florence, Italy as the country prepares for the wedding of Maria Medici to King Henry IV of France. A group of well-known musicians and composers decide to create an original melodic entertainment for the wedding. Maestro Lorenzo had told the group after a lively rehearsal at the Palazzo Medici of an unsent letter by Beatrice Portinari to Dante Alighieri. The mention of this letter prompted Filippo, a talented music student under Maestro Lorenzo to create his own drama musical based on the poet Dante and his Lady Beatrice. Filippo is very lucky to be part of this incredible group of composers and his musical could be his first step toward success and fame of his own. He was encouraged by Maestro Lorenzo’s niece Beatrice who was friends with Filippo, but was already engaged to a very talented swordsman named Eugenio Igneo. While the primary focus of the story was music, the issues of the time period including religion, politics and philosophy had a huge influence on the musical compositions. Very prominent men were mentioned in the story including Pope Boniface VIII, Machiavelli and Lorenzo de Medici. The book was educational and readers will learn that Dante watched Beatrice enter the church from across the street for nine years, which makes me wonder why Beatrice never sent the letter she wrote to Dante. I would like to read the entire book for the romantic and historical aspects of this story. The official reviewer only gave the book 3 out of 4-stars because of the many confusing spelling of names and the fact that the book may only appeal to a limited type of reader that loves history and musicals from the 16th century. I think there are many types of people that will enjoy reading this story. @Mrlefty0706