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by Robin Sharma
The Historian summary
Elizabeth Kostova
Brief summary
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova is a captivating novel that delves into the mystery of Dracula and the dark secrets of history. It weaves together past and present, taking the reader on a spellbinding journey through Europe's chilling landscapes.
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The Historian
Summary of key ideas
The Journey of a Historian
In The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova, the protagonist, a young woman, discovers a mysterious book and a cache of yellowed letters in her father's library. These items lead her to uncover the truth about her father's obsession with the historical figure, Vlad the Impaler, the real-life inspiration for Dracula. The story unfolds as she delves into her father's past and his connection to the enigmatic figure.
The narrative takes us back to the 1950s, where the protagonist's father, Paul, a young historian, stumbles upon a strange book in a library in Amsterdam. The book is blank except for a woodcut of a dragon and the word "Drakulya" (the original name of Vlad the Impaler). Intrigued, Paul begins to investigate the history of Vlad the Impaler and his connection to the myth of Dracula.
The Dark History of Vlad the Impaler
As Paul's research progresses, he uncovers a series of letters written by his mentor, Bartholomew Rossi, who had also been obsessed with the history of Vlad the Impaler. Rossi's letters detail his own investigation into the historical figure and his discovery of a mysterious book, which he believes to be Vlad's personal journal. The letters also reveal Rossi's growing paranoia and fear of being followed.
Paul's quest to find Rossi and the truth about Vlad the Impaler takes him across Europe, from Amsterdam to Istanbul, and finally to Romania. Along the way, he meets Helen, a fellow historian, and the two fall in love. Their shared passion for history and their quest to uncover the truth about Vlad the Impaler bind them together.
The Search for Vlad's Tomb
Back in the present, the protagonist, now armed with the knowledge of her father's past, sets out to find him. She retraces his steps, following the clues left in the letters and the mysterious book. Her journey takes her to the remote villages of Eastern Europe, where she encounters the superstitions and folklore surrounding Vlad the Impaler.
As she gets closer to the truth, she learns about the Order of the Dragon, a secret society dedicated to fighting evil, and their connection to Vlad the Impaler. She also discovers that her father has been kidnapped by a vampire, who is none other than Bartholomew Rossi, still alive after all these years, thanks to Vlad's blood.
The Final Confrontation
In the climax of The Historian, the protagonist, along with Helen, now an elderly woman, and a group of historians, confronts Rossi in his castle. They manage to kill him, but not before he reveals that Vlad the Impaler is still alive, hidden in a remote monastery. The protagonist's father, who had been under Rossi's control, is freed, but the truth about Vlad the Impaler's immortality remains.
The novel ends with the protagonist and her father returning home, their quest for the truth about Vlad the Impaler concluded, but with the unsettling knowledge that the historical figure they had been studying might still be alive. The Historian is a gripping tale that weaves together history, folklore, and the supernatural, leaving the reader with a lingering sense of unease and fascination.
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What is The Historian about?
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova is a captivating blend of history and mystery. It follows a young woman who delves into her father's research on the real-life Dracula, uncovering a centuries-old secret and a dangerous adversary. With rich descriptions and a gripping plot, this novel will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
The Historian Review
The Historian (2005) takes readers on an intriguing journey through history, unraveling the mysteries and legends surrounding Vlad the Impaler and the search for his tomb. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- With a blend of historical facts and chilling suspense, it transports readers to different eras and locations, making it an immersive reading experience.
- The book introduces a compelling cast of characters who embark on a perilous quest, drawing readers into their quest for the truth and their personal journeys.
- Its well-researched and atmospheric storytelling brings the past to life, creating an engaging and thrilling narrative that keeps readers hooked until the very end.
Who should read The Historian?
- Anyone with a love for historical fiction and vampire lore
- Readers who enjoy intricate and well-researched plots
- Those who appreciate atmospheric and evocative writing
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The Historian FAQs
What is the main message of The Historian?
The main message of The Historian is a thrilling hunt for answers about Dracula's existence and legacy.
How long does it take to read The Historian?
The reading time for The Historian varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Historian a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Historian is worth reading for its captivating storytelling and exploration of Dracula's legend.
Who is the author of The Historian?
The author of The Historian is Elizabeth Kostova.
What to read after The Historian?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Historian, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Trial of Henry Kissinger by Christopher Hitchens
- In Pursuit of the Unknown by Ian Stewart
- The Sleepwalkers by Christopher Clark
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
- ISIS by Michael Weiss and Hassan Hassan
- Bloodlands by Timothy Snyder
- Gutenberg the Geek by Jeff Jarvis
- The True Believer by Eric Hoffer
- Genome by Matt Ridley