Official Review: purgatorio by bernard kuckuck

Please use this forum to discuss historical fiction books. Common definitions define historical fiction as novels written at least 25-50 years after the book's setting.
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Thauany Maria
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Re: Official Review: purgatorio by bernard kuckuck

Post by Thauany Maria »

Como grande apreciadora de história e música, fiquei encantada com Purgatorio, um romance histórico de Bernard Kuckuck ambientado em Florença, Itália, no final do século XVI. A trama começa com os preparativos para o aguardado casamento de Maria Medici com o Rei Henrique IV da França e segue a jornada de Filippo Oraiosieri, um jovem estudante de música sob a orientação do Maestro Lorenzo Stamezzo. Filippo, sorteado para fazer parte de um grupo de músicos renomados, se vê cercado por figuras históricas como Giulio Caccini, Jacopo Peri, Vicenzo Galilei e o libretista Ottavio Rinuccini.

O momento mais inspirador do livro ocorre durante um ensaio no Palazzo Medici, quando Ottavio sugere a criação de uma obra inédita, o que gera uma discussão animada sobre a proposta. Foi aí que o Maestro Lorenzo mencionou uma carta não enviada de Beatrice Portinari a Dante Alighieri, o que despertou em Filippo a ideia de compor um dramma per musica inspirado na história de Dante e sua amada Beatrice. O incentivo de Beatrice Cortese, sobrinha de Lorenzo, também foi fundamental para que ele seguisse em frente com seu projeto.

Apesar de a música ser o foco central, o livro também aborda de forma fascinante questões filosóficas, religiosas e políticas da época, mencionando figuras históricas importantes como o Papa Bonifácio VIII, Niccolò Machiavelli e Lorenzo de Medici. O que mais me cativou, no entanto, foi a forma como o romance explora o conceito de amor platônico. A história de Dante, que admirava Beatrice à distância por nove anos, sem nunca interagir fisicamente com ela, ressoou profundamente comigo. Da mesma forma, a relação entre Filippo e Beatrice se desenvolve a partir de um profundo respeito mútuo, sem qualquer envolvimento carnal. Esses momentos reforçam a ideia de que o amor verdadeiro transcende a atração física.

Em termos de escrita, o autor fez um excelente trabalho, com uma narrativa bem estruturada e rica em detalhes históricos. A pesquisa é clara e impressionante, e o tom condiz perfeitamente com o período retratado. Fiquei particularmente fascinada pela habilidade do autor em integrar personagens históricos com personagens fictícios de maneira tão convincente. Além disso, a tradução é excelente, e as explicações dos jargões musicais nas notas de rodapé, apesar de exigirem algumas consultas, acrescentam valor à obra. A obra também se destaca pelos belos poemas originais do autor, que demonstram seu talento poético.

No entanto, o livro pode ser mais atraente para leitores com uma afinidade especial por história e música, já que o uso de termos musicais como canzonet e madrigale pode ser desafiador para quem não está familiarizado com o vocabulário. A consulta constante às notas de rodapé também pode interromper o ritmo da leitura, e as variações de grafia dos nomes, como Cecilia/Cecilia, Bici/Bice e Lorenzo/Laurenzo, podem confundir um pouco.

Ainda assim, eu realmente gostei dessa obra e dou-lhe 3 de 4 estrelas. Recomendo-a fortemente para leitores que compartilham o mesmo interesse por história, música e cultura renascentista. O romance é uma leitura envolvente e enriquecedora, que oferece uma imersão fascinante no contexto histórico e musical da época.
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Ukaegbu Confidence
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Post by Ukaegbu Confidence »

I love historical novels. There is just something about the old life that appeals to me, and I would love to read Purgatorio by Bernard Kuckuck.
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Post by rusyalana »

This sounds like a nice historical fiction with the focus on a particular period with its philosophy, religion and politics. It will be interesting to find out more about the history of the invention of opera in the Florence. Congratulation on becoming BOTD!
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Post by Lauren Stjohn »

:tiphat: A real joy. To read such a detailed review of the characters intertwined in a fictional historical story. I am a lover of the heritage of Italy. Florence in the 16th century was represented well during the support of the arts and music. Although several centuries have past, the contribution to the arts via Florence Italy is astoundingly preserved. I am anxious to read this book. The appeal to me extends from the preservation of music. Thank you for a thorough review.
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Post by Sanju Lali »

An interesting story of sixteenth century at Florence Italy can be found in the historical fiction book "purgatorio" by bernard kuckuck. The story begins with wedding of Maria Medici to King Henry IV of France.
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Jorge Leon Salazar
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Post by Jorge Leon Salazar »

This story seems ideal for those who are fascinated with history and have an inclination and appreciation for music. It also touches on other important themes of the time such as philosophy, religion and politics. Sounds interesting!
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Post by Joe Alex 2 »

Blending history, music, and philosophy, the story sounds like a rich and immersive read. The focus on Dante and Beatrice adds a poetic touch, and the idea of platonic love is beautifully explored. However, the heavy use of musical jargon might make it a bit challenging for some readers.
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Post by Love Ukaegbu »

it's hard to see two young people of different genders enjoy and value platonic love. I really like this book's plot, and it is certainly a great read. Congratulations on the book of the day.
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Post by Nemanja Jankovic »

"Purgatorio" by Bernard Kuckuck is a historical novel set in the late 16th century Florence, Italy. The book begins with the wedding of King Henry IV of France and Maria Medici. There is also young Filippo Oraiosieri, a music student and junior member of a group of music enthusiasts.
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Post by Alissa Deann Devargas »

'Though the principal focus of the story was music, it also touched important issues of the time, philosophy, religion and politics.'
Italian history and culture has always fascinated me.
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Post by Supritika Ghatak »

Bernard Kuckuck’s Purgatorio lends 16th-century Florence to life as Filippo, a budding musician, draws inspiration from Dante and Beatrice. Blending history, philosophy, and music, it vividly portrays artistic ambition and the complexities of society.
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Amos Osinya
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Post by Amos Osinya »

A great review of 'Pargatorio'. The review shows an interesting story around Maria Medici among other characters. I will recommend this book to a friend who greatly loves this genre. I will as well set aside sometime to read it. I hope we will enjoy it. Congratulations book of the day
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Post by Ajiferuke Ajibola »

"Purgatorio" by Bernard Kuckuck is a historical novel set in Italy in the late 16th century and brings to the fore the author's vast knowledge of history. Congrats on BOTD. Fantastic review.
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Post by Judy Burr »

Thank you for your review. I read the sample. I read about Flippio and Beatrice working on a project together. The writer's description of this time in history is amazing. Congrats to the author for the #BOTD.
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Rady Espinoza
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Post by Rady Espinoza »

This historical novel takes place in 16th Century Florence, Italy. The story begins with the preparations for the much-anticipated marriage of María Medici and King Henry IV of France. The story initially centers on music, followed by discussions on philosophy, religion, and politics, concluding with a mention of platonic love. Conversely, several notable figures were referenced: Pope Boniface VIII, Niccolo Machiavelli, and Lorenzo de Medici.
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