Official Review: purgatorio by bernard kuckuck

kimmyschemy06 · Post by **kimmyschemy06** » 13 Dec 2015, 05:43

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "purgatorio" by bernard kuckuck.]

3 out of 4 stars

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Purgatorio is a historical novel by Bernard Kuckuck. Set in the backdrop of Florence, Italy in the late 16th century, the story started with the grand preparation of the much awaited wedding of Maria Medici to King Henry IV of France.

Filippo Oraiosieri was a young music student under Maestro Lorenzo Stamezzo. Filippo had been very fortunate to be a junior member of a group of the most renowned music enthusiasts which included the great composers Giulio Caccini, Jacopo Peri and Vicenzo Galilei as well as the famous librettist Ottavio Rinuccini.

After one of their lively rehearsals at the big hall of Palazzo Medici, Ottavio Rinuccini suggested to create an original melodic entertainment and a healthy discussion as to the subject of such ambitious undertaking took place. It was then that Maestro Lorenzo mentioned the existence of an unsent letter by Beatrice Portinari to Dante Alighieri.

The mention of the letter inspired Filippo to compose his own dramma per musica based on the most celebrated poet, Dante and his Divine Lady, Beatrice. His determination was fuelled by the encouragement of the kindly niece of Maestro Lorenzo, Beatrice Cortese who thought highly of Filippo but was engaged to an accomplished swordsman, Eugenio Igneo.

Though the principal focus of the story was music, it also touched important issues of the time, philosophy, religion and politics. Thus, several prominent names in history were mentioned including Pope Boniface VIII, Niccolo Machiavelli and Lorenzo de Medici. The part I like best, however, was the concept of platonic love: how Dante watched Beatrice from across the street for nine years as she entered and left the church and how Filippo and his own Beatrice worked together in mutual respect without any carnal interactions. These scenes make the readers believe in and long for the power of true love that transcends physical attraction.

Generally, the book was well written and well researched. The tone was appropriate for the setting and the fictional characters blended well with the real people. The author’s vast knowledge of history was commendable and his translation was impressive (although, I admit that I am not the most credible judge for that). In addition, the author included descriptions of musical jargons as well as endnotes for the translation of Italian phrases. Furthermore, I was very much awed by the beautiful and original poems by the author. He is a gifted poet.

However, this story may be well written, but it might appeal only to a limited type of readers, those who are fascinated with history and have inclination to music. Moreover, there were too many musical jargons (canzonet, madrigale) and though endnotes were provided for the translation of Italian phrases, some readers may find it bothersome to look up. Finally, spelling variations of names (Cecilia-Cecilia, Bici-Bice, Lorenzo-Laurenzo) can be confusing to readers.

In view of the above, I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars and I recommend it to readers who have profound appreciation for music and vast knowledge of history. This is not only entertaining but also very informative.

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purgatorio
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psyche · Post by **psyche** » 17 Dec 2015, 15:18

Great review. I like a very dense story but I must admit I am easily annoyed by things like inconsistent spelling of names, unless there is a contextual reason for it.

kimmyschemy06 · Post by **kimmyschemy06** » 17 Dec 2015, 21:10

psyche wrote:Great review. I like a very dense story but I must admit I am easily annoyed by things like inconsistent spelling of names, unless there is a contextual reason for it.

Thank you! The inconsistent spelling makes the reader wonder if he read the name right the first time. Nevertheless, it was a great book.

gali · Post by **gali** » 17 Dec 2015, 23:26

Nice review! I am glad you found it entertaining and informative.

kimmyschemy06 · Post by **kimmyschemy06** » 18 Dec 2015, 09:01

gali wrote:Nice review! I am glad you found it entertaining and informative.

Thank you! It is a great book.

chytach18- · Post by **chytach18-** » 22 Dec 2015, 08:59

Fantastic review! Very detailed. And honest.

kimmyschemy06 · Post by **kimmyschemy06** » 22 Dec 2015, 09:40

chytach18- wrote:Fantastic review! Very detailed. And honest.

Thank you very much!

Post by **Rebecca De Figueiredo** » 15 Feb 2025, 10:34

Yes, I agree with the reviewer that this book might appeal only to readers who are interested in this period and place in history, yet it is true that truly avid readers are open to all genres of book. It is a detailed and interesting novel.

Post by **Bertha Jackson** » 15 Feb 2025, 10:35

Music fans will appreciate the historical information in this book. Thank you for your review.

tarafarah7 · Post by **tarafarah7** » 15 Feb 2025, 10:39

Well-written and researched, today's BOTD is a historical fiction novel that focuses on music and themes surrounding love, religion, philosophy, and politics. Readers interested in opera and poetry will not only find this entertaining but also informative. Thank you so much for your thorough review; it was very helpful.

Nazma P · Post by **Nazma P** » 15 Feb 2025, 10:49

Historical fiction is an intriguing genre because it blends real figures and fiction together. I'm interested in both history and music, so I think this will be a great read for me. Also I love the concept of platonic love, it's something really beautiful to read about. An appealing piece for sure.

Amy Luman · Post by **Amy Luman** » 15 Feb 2025, 10:55

I appreciate that this review had such an amazing recommendation. Although I am in love with American history (which I admit is not as rich as that of other countries’) I only have a limited interest in that of older countries. Also I am not as interested in classical music as this seems to require. Thanks!

Post by **Alida Spies** » 15 Feb 2025, 11:02

Artists are often inspired by great events from the past and Filippo composing his own dramma per musica based on the most celebrated poet, Dante and his Divine Lady, Beatrice, sounds realistic. Touching on issues of the time, philosophy, religion and politics, makes it more than a story about music. Thank you for your informative review.

Nerea · Post by **Nerea** » 15 Feb 2025, 11:06

I am not a music enthusiast neither am I a historical fanatic, however, I love that the book features historical moments of various poets and that it touches on themes that are common to many today. Plus, I love poetry, so the book seems to be a fine fit for me to read.

Post by **Seetha E** » 15 Feb 2025, 11:07

Thank you for your informative review.
The book appears to be very detailed and as rightly pointed out by the reviewer, it will interest readers of the niche genre. I will pass this one.