Cry to Heaven by Anne Rice Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Cry to Heaven
Book Review: Historically thrilling!!
Summary: 4 Stars
I must admit, I have never found vampires to be a topic of particular interest for me, and so my interest in the books of Anne Rice has been very recent. But through reading about this book, it snagged my musical and historical interests, and so I encourage critical and accurate reviews!
Cry To Heaven is the story of a young nobleman named Tonio who discovers a dark family secret and is then dispelled and castrated before he comes of age to hurl him away from the House of Treshi into the world of the castrati singers. Tonio, while being perhaps the most marvelous singer in all of Naples and possibly of all time, seeks patiently his own quest also, that of revenge. The story also follows Guido, a composer/teacher once singer of the castrati with talent like Tonio's who lost his voice, and so his passion for opera ends up being Tonio's voice. Passion and love, however, grow between these two who struggle towards their musical goal, from the dimly lit studio at the conservatorio to the operas in Naples, to the Contessa's ball to the stage in Rome. As for Tonio's revenge... read the book.
Just having read the book "Cry To Heaven", I have several comments on controversial or not so controversial points in many reviews. Firstly, the book is very lavish in description in places, while being quite skeletal in others (that is to say, mostly action narrative), but one never notices the latter because even then, there is a great wealth of detail described between the lines if you let your imagination flourish. I myself am a great fan of a historical fictional novel and this is an unusual, and not often dealt-with topic to choose. However, as a singer who is currently soprano and a student of music, I find this book to be delightful in that way. I found myself quite swept away to the spectacles of Italian opera, and rich clothing, to the drearier moments, in sight and sound.
There are bits and pieces of this book that can be disturbing and a reader should be forewarned of. One is the incest in the house of Treschi, from which Tonio, the main protagonist, is from. Another are the strong themes of sexuality here and there in the book, due to the disabled yet sexually functional genderless castrati. I am not one to endorse homosexuality or bisexuality, or any sexuality, but in this book, it seems well-twined with the other problems as these singers grow up and therefore I do not condemn it either. Not much is peculiarly graphic so don't bother getting the smelling salts. Religion, also, is brought in, highly Catholic, and adds an extra bit of intrigue to the story, though used a little inappropriately at one point. The combination of these potentially disturbing topics quite knocks the 5th star off the the rating.
But historically, from names of composers to opera setbuilders to great singers and teachers in italy, to even the training methods of music, there is great accuracy in this book which to me makes it a gem, though I think it begins a bit slow. *BUT* for the reader in the world of music, history, or who merely likes a realistic intrigue story with a little romance in it, it is a recommended read.
Book Review: I cried
Summary: 5 Stars
For only the second time in my life, I cried while reading a book. Immense emotion, intense scenes, great plot, everything you could hope for. If you can get over the disgust some may feel at the very first scene, then you are in for a treat. If you cannot, then it is your loss.Book Review: I love this book!
Summary: 5 Stars
Cry to Heaven is an amazing story. At first, I didn't understand the connection between Tonio and Guido, but Anne Rice didn't keepme guessing for too long. I recommend this book to classical and opera fans, as well as people who enjoy stories of conflict, passion, and revenge.
Book Review: IMPRESSIVE
Summary: 5 Stars
I read this book like a bizzillion years ago and as many times since. The amount of research that this author does is evident in anything she writes, but this story seemed so much more *real*. Yes, it's got mature subject matter (homosexuality, etc.) but if the reader is able to really read the lines and also inbetween them, and more importantly pay attention to what the author is writing, then they can completely identify and understand *why* it's that way. Anyway, it's an amazing, captivating read. A favorite of mine! ^_^Book Review: If I could give it 20 stars, I would!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the best Anne Rice book I have read so far, nothing compares