"The Historian" by Elizabeth Kostova, Little Brown and Company, June 2005

Introduction

Historical fiction is an amazing genre blending historical events with fictional characters, plots and motifs. The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova can be classified as a historical fiction novel. Ever wonder who Stoker based his infamous Dracula on? Stoker’s Dracula was not created over night out of thin air. Dracula’s creator introduced his astonishing vampire from the historical figure, Vlad Tepes. Kostova blends two electrifying characters, Vlad Tepes and Dracula, into one monster character in her stand-alone novel, The Historian. Kostova’s excellent storytelling will leave you wanting more.

Pros:

Kostova is an expert storyteller that will bring the fictional novel to your living room. The setting changes from prestigious academic libraries in America to mysterious old libraries in mysterious Eastern Europe. Kostova blends together Stoker's Dracula and Vlad Tepes (Vlad the Impaler). The main character narrates the story from her point of view. She follows in her father's footsteps to solve the riddle behind Vlad the Impaler. Another interesting part about the novel's DNA is the main character's name is hidden throughout much of the plot line. This little aspect creates mystery surrounding the narrator, but also connects the reader to the adventure that spans multiple continents. 

Cons

There are very few flaws in Kostova’s novel.The lacking of background information on Vlad Tepes is the only negative to Kostova's novel. Vlad Tepes is an intriguing character who lived and ruled Romania during medieval times. Anyone not familiar with the history of Vlad Tepes will be eager to learn more about the man who is known to some as hero but to others as a bloody tyrant. Kostova does an excellent job giving bits and pieces of information about Vlad Tepes but leaves the rest up to the audience's mind to create their image of Vlad Tepes Dracula. 

Conclusion:

The Historian is a novel that will stand the test of time. It will be considered a masterpiece and be compared to other great authors including Emily Brönte and Mary Shelley. The accelerating plot of Kostova’s first novel excites and drives the novel through her audience at rapid speeds. She blends history and mystery together superbly making The Historian  a must read. If you have not bought it already go to your nearest bookstore, and buy it. You will not be disappointed.

Grade A