“A multilayered historical novel… capturing the violence, superstition, and spirituality characteristic of the Middle Ages.” - Publishers Weekly
“Some passages are as beautiful as an illustrated manuscript…inventive…Flusfeder has that essential quality of the true novelist: the ability to look at the world in a new and surprising light.” - Allan Massie, Scotsman
“John’s both limited and brilliant point of view is astonishing, especially when he describes the intricacies of an illuminated manuscript with entirely fresh eyes. The reader will move from amazement at how dark the Dark Ages were to recognizing the darkness and the hope in our own time.” - Booklist (starred review)
“Poignant.” - Kirkus Reviews
“Intriguing…a skillful, sensitive exploration… reminiscent of the classic Nabokovian unreliable narrator.” - Rain Taxi Review of Books
“Well-written…Flusfeder’s novel is transporting - it’s set in the 1200s, and it aims to immerse us there.” - New York Times
“A superbly written and intellectually stimulating novel.” - The Independent (London)
“David Flusfeder writes impressively measured prose, provides a convincing look inside the medieval mind, and provokes some interesting ideas.” - Daily Mail (London)
“It is certainly a lively tale and will appeal to anyone who is a fan of Umberto Eco’s THE NAME OF THE ROSE.” - Financial Times (London)
“Original, unusual, intriguing: Flusfeder just keeps getting better and better.” - Mail on Sunday, Novel of the Week
“There is never a dull moment on this trip…The vicissitudes of John’s journey are a delight to follow…The result is a vividly atmospheric sense of period and, in the character of John, a richly comical and engaging hero…Learned, funny and strikingly original, this is a hugely enjoyable read.” - The Times (London)
