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Mondino de’ Liuzzi #1
Inquisition
A mighty Archbishop. A brilliant scientist. And a killer about to strike . . . A.D. 1311. Mondino is a university anatomist - a man of science in a land governed by the Catholic Inquisition. But the corpse brought to Mondino's laboratory one stormy night defies natural law: The victim is a Templar knight, and his heart has been transformed into a block of iron. Is it alchemy? Or the diabolical work of an ingenious killer? Aided by his headstrong student Gerardo - a young man concealing a deadly secret identity - Mondino must outwit both ruthless Inquisitors and vengeful Templars if he's to stop a murderer who threatens to shake the very foundations of Christendom. Audacious, gripping, and lushly atmospheric, set against the dramatic backdrop of one of history's most dangerous eras.
375 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
13 people are currently reading
511 people want to read
About the author
Alfredo Colitto
145 books18 followersAt the age of thirty, after leaving any hope of adapting to a nine-to-five job, Alfredo Colitto decided to follow his passion for travelling and began journeying around the world. He spent some years in Mexico, and now lives in Bologna, Italy, with his wife Ana Luz and Agata, his cat.
He published the novels Aritmia Letale (Addictions, 2003, under the alias of Alfredo Sereni), Bodhi Tree (Crisalide, 2005) and Café Nopal (Alacrán, 2005). Together with Giancarlo Narciso he edited Un oceano di mezzo (Nuovi Equilibri/Stampa Alternativa) a collection of short stories by Italian and Mexican writers, also published in Mexico. His short stories are included in several collections, among which: EnoKiller (Morganti Editori, 2005), Killers & Co. (Sonzogno, 2003) and Fez, Struzzi e Manganelli (Sonzogno, 2005). Alfredo Colitto is a member of ASB (Writers of Bologna Association) and of AIEP (Asociación Internacional Escritores de Policiacos ). He teaches creative writing in Bologna.
He is also a translator from English and Spanish, working for some of the biggest Italian publishing houses: Einaudi, Piemme, Sperling & Kupfer, Frassinelli, Sonzogno.
He published the novels Aritmia Letale (Addictions, 2003, under the alias of Alfredo Sereni), Bodhi Tree (Crisalide, 2005) and Café Nopal (Alacrán, 2005). Together with Giancarlo Narciso he edited Un oceano di mezzo (Nuovi Equilibri/Stampa Alternativa) a collection of short stories by Italian and Mexican writers, also published in Mexico. His short stories are included in several collections, among which: EnoKiller (Morganti Editori, 2005), Killers & Co. (Sonzogno, 2003) and Fez, Struzzi e Manganelli (Sonzogno, 2005). Alfredo Colitto is a member of ASB (Writers of Bologna Association) and of AIEP (Asociación Internacional Escritores de Policiacos ). He teaches creative writing in Bologna.
He is also a translator from English and Spanish, working for some of the biggest Italian publishing houses: Einaudi, Piemme, Sperling & Kupfer, Frassinelli, Sonzogno.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
February 13, 2022
Bologna, May 1311. University doctor, Mondino de Liuzzi, is confronted with the horribly disfigured corpse of a young Templar. Knowing that the search for his killer could jeopardise his own career, his family’s wellbeing, even his life, nonetheless the celebrated doctor is compelled to risk everything. For the victim is not only part of a monastic order that has fallen foul of the Inquisition, but the dead man’s heart has been transformed into solid iron. Is this the result of alchemy? Or, as Inquisitor Uberto da Rimini believes, of devil worship? Either way, Mondino knows that the murderer must be caught, and the secret of the iron heart laid bare.
The sounds, smells and textures of 14th century Bologna ooze from every scene, and the wonderful supporting cast– including student Gerardo, the brothel-keeping crone, Mondino’s dying father, the sexy Arab sorceress, the crippled beggar boy, Uberto’s henchman, the rapacious money-lender and his disfigured foster daughter – all add colour and authenticity to a plot that never fails to hold one’s attention.
You don’t need to be scholar of medieval Italy to fear the Inquisitor’s Machiavellian manoeuvrings, nor to appreciate the power that love and lust have over mortal men, be they university doctors or naïve young Templar monks!
The sounds, smells and textures of 14th century Bologna ooze from every scene, and the wonderful supporting cast– including student Gerardo, the brothel-keeping crone, Mondino’s dying father, the sexy Arab sorceress, the crippled beggar boy, Uberto’s henchman, the rapacious money-lender and his disfigured foster daughter – all add colour and authenticity to a plot that never fails to hold one’s attention.
You don’t need to be scholar of medieval Italy to fear the Inquisitor’s Machiavellian manoeuvrings, nor to appreciate the power that love and lust have over mortal men, be they university doctors or naïve young Templar monks!
October 11, 2015
Felt totally immersed in the period, from the description of the small folk & their living standards to the battle of alchemists (witches & devil worshippers!) vs the Church (inquisitors), the alchemists being the “good guys” with the church portrayed as the ignorant zealots we know them to be.
The Templers are on the run throughout Europe or else under arrest as their whole faith is on trial for heresy & that’s the opening gambit of the mystery set C 1313 in Bologna along with the discovery of an alchemically (Substitute Work of the devil! depending on your stance) altered heart in a dead body.
Plenty of characters are introduced from all sides as the story evolves to keep you guessing as to the whodunit & more importantly howdunit. All are revealed in this h/f mystery which i liken in quality to CJ Sansom’s Shardlake series.
Recommend this 4 star rated book for all you h/f mystery buffs out there.
The Templers are on the run throughout Europe or else under arrest as their whole faith is on trial for heresy & that’s the opening gambit of the mystery set C 1313 in Bologna along with the discovery of an alchemically (Substitute Work of the devil! depending on your stance) altered heart in a dead body.
Plenty of characters are introduced from all sides as the story evolves to keep you guessing as to the whodunit & more importantly howdunit. All are revealed in this h/f mystery which i liken in quality to CJ Sansom’s Shardlake series.
Recommend this 4 star rated book for all you h/f mystery buffs out there.
July 18, 2017
Historical mystery set in 14th century Bologna. Doctor and professor Mondino de Liuzzi is working late dissecting a corpse when one of his students arrives, carrying a dead body. The dead man is a Templar, and the religious order are currently under investigation by order of the Pope. However, the circumstances of this man's death appear to relate more to sorcery, as his heart has been turned to iron. Mondino's curiosity and sympathy lead him to help the young student, but before long his own life is in danger.
This is a lively and intriguing mystery. I liked the setting and found all the background historical information really interesting. The author introduces this skilfully, so that it is integrated into the plot - no annoying info dumps. The range of characters includes a villainous Dominican Inquisitor, Templar Knights, a secretive banker and his adopted daughter, an 'Arabic sorceress' and a host of beggars, mercenaries, monks and soldiers.
The plot is a clever one, not always believable but with enough realism and historical fact packed around it to keep it engaging. There are some great fight scenes too. Overall very enjoyable - 3.5 stars but rounded up because I liked the setting and the characters very much.
This is a lively and intriguing mystery. I liked the setting and found all the background historical information really interesting. The author introduces this skilfully, so that it is integrated into the plot - no annoying info dumps. The range of characters includes a villainous Dominican Inquisitor, Templar Knights, a secretive banker and his adopted daughter, an 'Arabic sorceress' and a host of beggars, mercenaries, monks and soldiers.
The plot is a clever one, not always believable but with enough realism and historical fact packed around it to keep it engaging. There are some great fight scenes too. Overall very enjoyable - 3.5 stars but rounded up because I liked the setting and the characters very much.
February 5, 2020
It is one of the books which you really want to finish but it will take some time. I liked the plot though there are some loopholes in it.
June 8, 2012
This book brings me to another half star impasse. Not quite a 4 star book and yet I enjoyed it too much to give it 3 stars. The ideal solution. Half stars. Inquisition for me was a true 3.5 star read.
I have to say, I am rather surprised by the poor ratings this book has been given to date and it made me wonder whether this is not a book for someone who has no interest in history or historical fiction. I can only guess that some people pick it up expecting a 14th century Da vinci Code which it most definitely is not.
What it is is a simple, enjoyable mystery set in the early 14th century, in Bologna Italy. The Inquisition is hunting Templars, alchemy and science are gaining momentum in academic circles and times were ripe for student protests and religious persecution.
While not a complex mystery, it was still a nice story for me and my only problems were a few weak plot points and some lack of finesse to the writing due, no doubt, to this book being a translation to English from its original Italian.
If you like C.J. Sansom and his Medieval mysteries then you may enjoy this book too. If you want codes and Templar 's secreting away relics from the time of Christ, then reread your Dan Brown because this ain't that.
I have to say, I am rather surprised by the poor ratings this book has been given to date and it made me wonder whether this is not a book for someone who has no interest in history or historical fiction. I can only guess that some people pick it up expecting a 14th century Da vinci Code which it most definitely is not.
What it is is a simple, enjoyable mystery set in the early 14th century, in Bologna Italy. The Inquisition is hunting Templars, alchemy and science are gaining momentum in academic circles and times were ripe for student protests and religious persecution.
While not a complex mystery, it was still a nice story for me and my only problems were a few weak plot points and some lack of finesse to the writing due, no doubt, to this book being a translation to English from its original Italian.
If you like C.J. Sansom and his Medieval mysteries then you may enjoy this book too. If you want codes and Templar 's secreting away relics from the time of Christ, then reread your Dan Brown because this ain't that.
September 18, 2019
A very good read . I do like a good historical read and this was a rather good one full of mystery , adventure and danger.
I can’t give it 5 🌟 as the characters for me needed a bit more fleshing out .
However the plot kept my interest , there was a lot of intrigue that I do agree made the read very atmospheric and suspenseful.
I can’t give it 5 🌟 as the characters for me needed a bit more fleshing out .
However the plot kept my interest , there was a lot of intrigue that I do agree made the read very atmospheric and suspenseful.
March 23, 2023
3.5 Stars
June 8, 2012
A fast-paced mystery occurring near the beginning of the Inquisiton years when torture was JUST getting started and not all the means of creating pain were perfected yet. A good accounting of the time period and creates the world of the 14th Century in pretty good detail. Several surprises along the with an ending that is believable and well constructed. Highly recommended for those that enjoy the historical period surrounding 14th and 15th century Europe.
September 2, 2017
Thriller storico di stampo italiano, conosciuto al Festival della Letteratura Gialla 2011, vivamente consigliato, sufficentemente apprezzato. E' ambientato nella Bologna del 1300 dove il medico e anatomista Mondino de Liuzzi (figura pare, realmente esistita) riceve la visita di uno suo studente, che gli rivela di aver trovato il cadavere di un uomo trucidato in manera orrenda, e con un blocco di ferro al posto del cuore: agitato e incuriosito, Mondino decide di aiutare il giovane e si lancia nella caccia di questo assassino che non esiterà a colpire ancora. Devo ammettere che da questo Cuore di ferro mi aspettavo qualcosa in più: ottima la parte storica, con un tempo, uno spazio, delle atmosfere, delle abitudini di un passato dipinte in maniera credibile ed esaustiva, flaccida e povera di suspense la parte thriller, con poco coinvolgimento da parte del lettore (a parte la scoperta dell'assassino, che effettivamente lascia sorpresi). In conclusione oserei dire un romanzo più storico che thriller, abile nel riportare alla luce un passato oscuro e affascinante in tutte le sue contraddizioni, meno abile nel tenere sveglia l'attenzione del lettore. Veramente consigliabile? Non saprei.
June 13, 2012
This wasn't a bad novel. It really wasn't a great one either. At best it was an entertaining diversion. The plot was interesting enough, the murder of two Templars who mysteriously have their hearts turned into iron by some form of alchemy. The characters were all interesting, to a point - the problem is that, as with a lot of contemporary historical novels, they seemed a little too 20th-21st century in their speech and attitudes. This was supposed to be the 14th century after all. At times some almost seemed like caricatures. However, it is possible that some of the dialogue subtleties of the Italian text were lost in the translation to English.
The English title is misleading. I went into the novel thinking there were be more about the early Inquisition itself. The background on the supposed Templar heresies was accurate enough. The novel would have been more interesting if there had been more of a focus on that supposed heresy rather than the alchemy aspect. The character of Adia, the well-educated healer/converted Moslem would have been more satisfying if she hadn't been a romantic interest for Mondino but merely a colleague. I did not figure out who the murder really was until that was revealed. I was a little disappointed about how early it was revealed and a little more disappointed about who it was. The whole ending was a little too neat.
Still, it was a good, quick summer read.
The English title is misleading. I went into the novel thinking there were be more about the early Inquisition itself. The background on the supposed Templar heresies was accurate enough. The novel would have been more interesting if there had been more of a focus on that supposed heresy rather than the alchemy aspect. The character of Adia, the well-educated healer/converted Moslem would have been more satisfying if she hadn't been a romantic interest for Mondino but merely a colleague. I did not figure out who the murder really was until that was revealed. I was a little disappointed about how early it was revealed and a little more disappointed about who it was. The whole ending was a little too neat.
Still, it was a good, quick summer read.
July 29, 2017
il romanzo non mi è dispiaciuto e l’ambientazione nella Bologna dei primi anni del 1300 è molto curata. Indovinata è la creazione del personaggio principale, Mondino de’ Liuzzi, che indaga per scoprire l’autore dell’efferato omicidio, aiutando un suo studente di medicina. Un uomo che ama il suo lavoro di medico, dedito alla scienza, affezionato al vecchio padre morente e molto legato alla famiglia.
Però nella trama ci sono alcune scene che non mi hanno convinto:
1-se una persona è svenuta non può mangiare o bere nulla, nemmeno con la forza. La capacità di deglutire non c’è.
2-non esisteva la lingua italiana nel 1300, comune a tutta l'Italia. I popolani parlavano solo dialetto locale con qualche parola latina (religiosa), i religiosi parlavano latino misto alla loro lingua madre (francese o tedesca)
3-un cristiano istruito e con un buon lavoro non si sarebbe mai sognato di stringere una relazione stabile con una fattucchiera di strada, di religione musulmana. Anche se più intelligente della media. Il lavoro come medico e insegnante ne avrebbe risentito troppo.
4-un attimo prima un uomo sottoposto a tortura (il tratto di corda) ha un braccio slogato, un attimo dopo trasporta in braccio un cadavere. Improbabile, sarebbe svenuto dal dolore.
5-anche la scelta dell’assassino: originale, non c’è dubbio, ma è difficile che un essere umano esile riesca a sopraffare al primo colpo uomini robusti, alcuni abituati a combattere.
Però nella trama ci sono alcune scene che non mi hanno convinto:
1-se una persona è svenuta non può mangiare o bere nulla, nemmeno con la forza. La capacità di deglutire non c’è.
2-non esisteva la lingua italiana nel 1300, comune a tutta l'Italia. I popolani parlavano solo dialetto locale con qualche parola latina (religiosa), i religiosi parlavano latino misto alla loro lingua madre (francese o tedesca)
3-un cristiano istruito e con un buon lavoro non si sarebbe mai sognato di stringere una relazione stabile con una fattucchiera di strada, di religione musulmana. Anche se più intelligente della media. Il lavoro come medico e insegnante ne avrebbe risentito troppo.
4-un attimo prima un uomo sottoposto a tortura (il tratto di corda) ha un braccio slogato, un attimo dopo trasporta in braccio un cadavere. Improbabile, sarebbe svenuto dal dolore.
5-anche la scelta dell’assassino: originale, non c’è dubbio, ma è difficile che un essere umano esile riesca a sopraffare al primo colpo uomini robusti, alcuni abituati a combattere.
February 29, 2012
I must admit, I never finished it. I got halfway and then asked myself if it'd be a disaster if I went and read something else instead. I don't like giving up on books unless I hate them and this wasn't bad, it just wasn't good. in fact, it made almost zero impact on me except to think that I don't like Italian male authors because their style always sounds stuffy and dry (unscientific a judgement as I've only read a handful but..). The plot seemed pretty unremarkable, ditto the prose, the characters didn't do anything for me... so I went looking for the third C J Sansom novel instead. Given the piles of good books waiting to be read in my house, I just decided life was too short.
April 9, 2013
A not very exciting thriller set in 14th Century Italy with the feeling of historical thriller by numbers. It's a bit predictable, though not entirely, and I was left with the feeling of a fairly average story wrapped in the dressing of the period.
Its major failing is its inability to convey a sense of time and place - I got no real feel for the period or the power of the inquisition. It was all a bit mechanical. The other issue for me was that none of the characters were particularly sympathetic making me fairly ambivalent as to their fate.
The jacket claims it is a thriller to rival CJ Sansom.....it isn't.
Its major failing is its inability to convey a sense of time and place - I got no real feel for the period or the power of the inquisition. It was all a bit mechanical. The other issue for me was that none of the characters were particularly sympathetic making me fairly ambivalent as to their fate.
The jacket claims it is a thriller to rival CJ Sansom.....it isn't.
June 30, 2012
A good mystery. I enjoyed the little cliffhangers and the story itself was a good one.
May 28, 2015
Really a 3.5 star rating. Very readable, the descriptive historical text brings the setting to life, rather than being dry as is sometimes the case.
January 4, 2024
Premetto che non conoscevo l’autore e di essermi imbattuto in questo libro per una pura casualità. Devo però ammettere che una volta iniziato non sono riuscito a smettere di leggere finché non sono giunto alla fine.
Si tratta di un thriller storico ambientato a Bologna nel 1311 che vede come protagonista un affermato medico e insegnante di nome Mondino de’ Liuzzi, uomo di scienza famoso per i suoi studi di anatomia, attività che lo porta ad essere in contrasto con la chiesa ed in particolare con l’inquisitore Uberto da Rimini.
La sua attività di insegnante lo legherà ad un suo studente, Gerardo da Castelbretone, che una sera busserà alla porta di Mondino con in braccio il cadavere di un uomo con un cuore di ferro. Da qui inizierà una storia che si svilupperà con un ritmo serrato fino al colpo di scena finale.
Fa da sfondo alla vicenda la persecuzione della chiesa ai templari qui rappresentati in maniera non edificante da Ugo da Narbona.
Molto interessanti le due figure femminili: la strega Adia e la ragazza sfregiata Fiamma.
Un bellissimo romanzo che parte da personaggi realmente esistiti su cui viene cucita una storia che tiene il lettore con il fiato sospeso fino alla fine.
A chi non conoscesse questo scrittore ne consiglio la lettura.
Si tratta di un thriller storico ambientato a Bologna nel 1311 che vede come protagonista un affermato medico e insegnante di nome Mondino de’ Liuzzi, uomo di scienza famoso per i suoi studi di anatomia, attività che lo porta ad essere in contrasto con la chiesa ed in particolare con l’inquisitore Uberto da Rimini.
La sua attività di insegnante lo legherà ad un suo studente, Gerardo da Castelbretone, che una sera busserà alla porta di Mondino con in braccio il cadavere di un uomo con un cuore di ferro. Da qui inizierà una storia che si svilupperà con un ritmo serrato fino al colpo di scena finale.
Fa da sfondo alla vicenda la persecuzione della chiesa ai templari qui rappresentati in maniera non edificante da Ugo da Narbona.
Molto interessanti le due figure femminili: la strega Adia e la ragazza sfregiata Fiamma.
Un bellissimo romanzo che parte da personaggi realmente esistiti su cui viene cucita una storia che tiene il lettore con il fiato sospeso fino alla fine.
A chi non conoscesse questo scrittore ne consiglio la lettura.
January 26, 2020
A human heart which was turned into iron can also be turned into gold which would create al iskir which can cure any disease and prolong the human life. Depending upon this old folk of alchemist who has acquired this power. The plot was based in italy introducing an scientist and a templar. It is an easy novel with simple words and interpretation. As I read the description I was captivated but the writing in the book is so dull that sometimes it causes to drop it. Plot was good but the entire carrying of the story was crippling but usage of simple words to create understanding sentences that would not need dictionary all the time is admirable of the Mr.Alfredo Colitto.
Thanks&BeHappy
Thanks&BeHappy
July 4, 2023
Bologna, 1311 - a crucible for scientific and religious ideas and enthusiasts. Bodies are being discovered with hearts turned to iron. Will Mondino Lizzi, determined to write a great scientific treatise, discover the truth, or will the Inquisition find what it needs to crush the Knights Templar?
I’m surprised that even today people - men - are still writing schlocky conspiracy thrillers which toss in a few sex scenes in which beautiful women throw themselves willingly into the arms of Our Heroes in an ‘explosion of sensuality’. I really wanted to like a history mystery set in one of my favourite cities but this was really rubbish on several levels.
I’m surprised that even today people - men - are still writing schlocky conspiracy thrillers which toss in a few sex scenes in which beautiful women throw themselves willingly into the arms of Our Heroes in an ‘explosion of sensuality’. I really wanted to like a history mystery set in one of my favourite cities but this was really rubbish on several levels.
October 28, 2018
Eigenlijk 3,5 ster. Verhaal gaat over een aantal moorden waarbij het hart van de dode veranderd is in metaal. De inquisiteur ziet hierin een goede kans om de orde vd tempeliers te beschuldigen, maar Mondino, een arts met grote belangstelling voor alchemie besluit zijn leerling Gerardo te helpen om de echte moordenaar te vinden. Verhaal heeft aantal onverwachte wendingen, maar geluk van Mondino en Gerardo is soms wel zeer onwaarschijnlijk. Leuk om te lezen. Qua Engels best veel onbekende woorden.
September 27, 2023
1311 Bologna is the setting for a largely involving story centred on university physician, Mondino, and hidden Templar, Gerardo.
A body of a Templar, now threatened by the Inquisition, here in the person of Uberto da Rimini, is found with the heart turned to iron. Another Templar is hideously murdered and Mondino and Gerardo need to save themselves by finding the killer, whose identity provides a surprise when unveiled. It's excellent for the non-anachronistic time period and characters, although just a little too long.
A body of a Templar, now threatened by the Inquisition, here in the person of Uberto da Rimini, is found with the heart turned to iron. Another Templar is hideously murdered and Mondino and Gerardo need to save themselves by finding the killer, whose identity provides a surprise when unveiled. It's excellent for the non-anachronistic time period and characters, although just a little too long.
October 20, 2017
Come si dice qui in UK, "niente per cui scrivere a casa".
Colitto ha il merito, nel panorama sterile odierno, almeno di usare una prosa un po' piu' articolata, ma alla fine questo libro non mi ha dato nessuna emozione, ed in alcuni tratti l'ho anche trovato molto noioso. Come ha detto qualcuno prima di me, un libro "tiepido".
Colitto ha il merito, nel panorama sterile odierno, almeno di usare una prosa un po' piu' articolata, ma alla fine questo libro non mi ha dato nessuna emozione, ed in alcuni tratti l'ho anche trovato molto noioso. Come ha detto qualcuno prima di me, un libro "tiepido".
July 15, 2019
There is not many books I don't finish but unfortunately this is one of them. I just couldn't take to it and that's saying something from me. It just was too long winded and complicated. Considering that I have read game of Thrones all the books that's something. I will be just giving it up now to a charity shop. Maybe someone will like it better.
January 17, 2020
I wish I could give this 3.5 stars, it isn't quite good enough for 4.
It was a fairly enjoyable look into 14th century Italy with an easy to follow murder mystery. Characters were okay, a little lacking in layers.
All in all an enjoyable book translated from Italian.
It was a fairly enjoyable look into 14th century Italy with an easy to follow murder mystery. Characters were okay, a little lacking in layers.
All in all an enjoyable book translated from Italian.
February 12, 2017
Meh. I wasn't too inspired to pick up this book half the time and I had a problem with how some of the characters were treated. I got fed up with the Inquisitor and thought the antagonist was silly.
July 2, 2017
Too many instances of "he went and..." "to try and" etc, but generally enjoyable.
July 7, 2024
Utter mince
December 7, 2020
1300’s. Templars are under the Church scrutiny, chased around all Europe, tortured, imprisoned, killed. And man are starting to be found with their hearts converted into iron. A physician, too curious about this alchemy miracle, decides to help a Templar that is seeking justice and an answer to these events, despite his involvement being so dangerous to cost him his career. But he cannot help himself: he needs to find the formula that converts hearts into iron. Can Alchemy be the way to eternal life?
May 21, 2014
Tutti a Bononia!
“Cuore di ferro” di Alfredo Colitto - Piemme Bestseller, 2010.
Libro bellissimo, ho trovato un autore. Un mio autore, uno di quelli di cui, offerte permettendo, leggerò ogni romanzo. Alla fine dispiace lasciare le ambientazioni e i personaggi di Colitto ma c’è un difetto di metafisicità per i miei gusti. Avei gradito una rivelazione finale sui simboli e valori e cose misteriosofiche varie attorno al cuore di ferro appunto. Ma queste sono preferenze personali. Diciamo però che, o un thriller è meramente enigma da dipanare e allora il linguaggio avrebbe dovuto essere più sbrigativo, o il romanzo, come questo, è cesellato e allora inevitabilmente promette risposte più compiute. Con queste premesse cito Schatzing, Ken Follett la Chevalier. Se i primi due né “Il diavolo nella cattedrale” e ne “Mondo senza fine ” dànno risposte sul piano individuale descrivendo la sfida vinta di un paria e di una donna in tempi proibitivi per entrambi, la Chevalier né “La Dama e l’Unicorno” racconta l’epopea di un mondo produttivo, la sfida vinta della borghesia artigiana. Ora Colitto non sbaglia un tratto di penna guarda con un sorriso alle supposta dolcezza degli arabi nell’allevare gli animali in contraddizione con la ferocia attuata contro gli infedeli, dà conto in modo sintetico ma esatto del baffometto pensiero, prende le distanze dal suo stesso protagonista tanto ancora arretrato come medico. Però sul piano di ciò che io chiamo lezione magistrale del romanzo o se vogliamo del suo contenuto sapienziale, Colitto può e deve spingersi oltre. Lo richiede la sua compiutezza di scrittore che non può procedere disgiunta da quella dell’intellettuale. Quattro stelle.
“Cuore di ferro” di Alfredo Colitto - Piemme Bestseller, 2010.
Libro bellissimo, ho trovato un autore. Un mio autore, uno di quelli di cui, offerte permettendo, leggerò ogni romanzo. Alla fine dispiace lasciare le ambientazioni e i personaggi di Colitto ma c’è un difetto di metafisicità per i miei gusti. Avei gradito una rivelazione finale sui simboli e valori e cose misteriosofiche varie attorno al cuore di ferro appunto. Ma queste sono preferenze personali. Diciamo però che, o un thriller è meramente enigma da dipanare e allora il linguaggio avrebbe dovuto essere più sbrigativo, o il romanzo, come questo, è cesellato e allora inevitabilmente promette risposte più compiute. Con queste premesse cito Schatzing, Ken Follett la Chevalier. Se i primi due né “Il diavolo nella cattedrale” e ne “Mondo senza fine ” dànno risposte sul piano individuale descrivendo la sfida vinta di un paria e di una donna in tempi proibitivi per entrambi, la Chevalier né “La Dama e l’Unicorno” racconta l’epopea di un mondo produttivo, la sfida vinta della borghesia artigiana. Ora Colitto non sbaglia un tratto di penna guarda con un sorriso alle supposta dolcezza degli arabi nell’allevare gli animali in contraddizione con la ferocia attuata contro gli infedeli, dà conto in modo sintetico ma esatto del baffometto pensiero, prende le distanze dal suo stesso protagonista tanto ancora arretrato come medico. Però sul piano di ciò che io chiamo lezione magistrale del romanzo o se vogliamo del suo contenuto sapienziale, Colitto può e deve spingersi oltre. Lo richiede la sua compiutezza di scrittore che non può procedere disgiunta da quella dell’intellettuale. Quattro stelle.
May 21, 2016
Following the receipt of a letter threatening to reveal the truth, a man is murdered and his heart is turned into iron. When Mondino, an esteemed local physician, is brought the corpse by his student Gerardo, they are thrown into a maddening and dangerous chase for the truth.
Alfredo Colitto’s Inquisition, set in fourteenth-century Bologna, brings together the famous legend of the Knights Templar, the horror of the inquisition into that order, and a gripping crime thriller. There are a few strands to this narrative. Despite Mondino and Gerardo being master and student, the revelation of Gerardo being a Templar Knight means that they follow their investigation separately. Meanwhile, the Inquisitor Uberto da Rimini is almost demonic himself in his quest to crush the Templar Order and to place the blame for the murder on Gerardo and Mondino.
What Colitto’s novel lacks in character development (Hugues de Narbonne, another Templar Knight, is particularly shallow) it certainly makes up for in gripping plot. Inquisition is a crowd pleaser for historical fiction fans – it’s not so unique that it will make you sit on the edge of your seat while reading it, but it’s interesting enough to keep you gripped for the whole novel. The revelation of the real killer is also particularly surprising, turning the tale on its head just when you expected it to reach a different conclusion.
Inquisition is typical of its genre, but it’s by no means lacklustre. It weaves together a clear historical picture and the tension needed for a crime thriller. Certainly worth the read for any fan of historical fiction and thrillers.
Alfredo Colitto’s Inquisition, set in fourteenth-century Bologna, brings together the famous legend of the Knights Templar, the horror of the inquisition into that order, and a gripping crime thriller. There are a few strands to this narrative. Despite Mondino and Gerardo being master and student, the revelation of Gerardo being a Templar Knight means that they follow their investigation separately. Meanwhile, the Inquisitor Uberto da Rimini is almost demonic himself in his quest to crush the Templar Order and to place the blame for the murder on Gerardo and Mondino.
What Colitto’s novel lacks in character development (Hugues de Narbonne, another Templar Knight, is particularly shallow) it certainly makes up for in gripping plot. Inquisition is a crowd pleaser for historical fiction fans – it’s not so unique that it will make you sit on the edge of your seat while reading it, but it’s interesting enough to keep you gripped for the whole novel. The revelation of the real killer is also particularly surprising, turning the tale on its head just when you expected it to reach a different conclusion.
Inquisition is typical of its genre, but it’s by no means lacklustre. It weaves together a clear historical picture and the tension needed for a crime thriller. Certainly worth the read for any fan of historical fiction and thrillers.
August 1, 2012
This book brings me to another half star impasse. Not quite a 4 star book and yet I enjoyed it too much to give it 3 stars. The ideal solution. Half stars. Inquisition for me was a true 3.5 star read.
I have to say, I am rather surprised by the poor ratings this book has been given to date and it made me wonder whether this is not a book for someone who has no interest in history or historical fiction. I can only guess that some people pick it up expecting a 14th century Da vinci Code which it most definitely is not.
What it is is a simple, enjoyable mystery set in the early 14th century, in Bologna Italy. The Inquisition is hunting Templars, alchemy and science are gaining momentum in academic circles and times were ripe for student protests and religious persecution.
While not a complex mystery, it was still a nice story for me and my only problems were a few weak plot points and some lack of finesse to the writing due, no doubt, to this book being a translation to English from its original Italian.
If you like C.J. Sansom and his Medieval mysteries then you may enjoy this book too. If you want codes and Templar 's secreting away relics from the time of Christ, then reread your Dan Brown because this ain't that
I have to say, I am rather surprised by the poor ratings this book has been given to date and it made me wonder whether this is not a book for someone who has no interest in history or historical fiction. I can only guess that some people pick it up expecting a 14th century Da vinci Code which it most definitely is not.
What it is is a simple, enjoyable mystery set in the early 14th century, in Bologna Italy. The Inquisition is hunting Templars, alchemy and science are gaining momentum in academic circles and times were ripe for student protests and religious persecution.
While not a complex mystery, it was still a nice story for me and my only problems were a few weak plot points and some lack of finesse to the writing due, no doubt, to this book being a translation to English from its original Italian.
If you like C.J. Sansom and his Medieval mysteries then you may enjoy this book too. If you want codes and Templar 's secreting away relics from the time of Christ, then reread your Dan Brown because this ain't that
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