Perry is a skilled storyteller masterfully weaving historical facts and cultural tradition into very readiable text. As the contributing sub-plots build. the reader is moved to think that the politics of greed and human behavior has not altered much since 1281. Found myself routing for the resilience and sustainability of Byzantium as depicted in Constantinople's description. Some of the examination about faith were a bit overwhelming, but the I'm not religious. While I haven't read a lot of Anne Perry novels, this third one is my favorite so far. I love her attention to historical detail and this one is no disappointment. It takes place in 1273 when Constantinople is still recoverinfrom the sack of the Crusaders that nearly destroyed the city in 1204. Anna Lascaris - Zarides is going to Constantinople certain that she can prove her twin brother's innocence in the assassination of the nobleman, Bassarion Comnenos, who was set to overthrow the present emperor Michael Palaeologus. Her only hope to get close to those who would know anything about the assassination plot would be if she were to be able to pose as a man. Her training in medicine under her father, who was also a physician, gives her the perfect cover ... she goes to Constantinople under the guise of a eunuch physician. In the ensuing years she is able to gain much information and to make friends, albeit sometimes tenuous friendships, with many important people. She finds herself in Constantinople at a time when the great city is being threatened by an invasion by Crusaders once again; this time by those sponsored by the Roman Catholic Church who want to "persuade" the Greek Orthodox Church to reunite with the Church of Rome after many years of a schism over differing theological views re: the Holy Spirit. Perry creates wonderful plots and subplots and colorful characters in this historical period of history. I loved the story line and its many plots and subplots and learned a lot about the Byzantine part of church history. By the end murders have abounded and sweet romances are completed !!
What do You think about The Sheen Of Silk (2000)?
I like all the history but it was taking too long to get to the point or plot of the story.
—oumaanz
Really enjoying this book so far...thanks Barb for the recommendation!
—yeshjedi1212
one and a half of the four stars are for Zoe Chrysaphes.
—Mw180504
