Arfie
5.0 out of 5 stars: Wonderful Sense of History
July 15, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
Amazon
In general, I avoid historical novels. There is usually a strong sense of artificiality about them. However, Loretta Goldberg’s The Reversible Mask” is a tour de force. I came to it through my interest in the Middle Ages, and I was delighted to see how well Goldberg wove an incredible amount of research into a compelling and fascination narrative. Her sense of detail rings true. Her characters show a complexity that is convincing. I try to avoid the term “Epic Sweep,” but this novel genuinely has it. Her principal character, Sir Edward Latham, is conflicted between several loyalties, and the choices that he makes along the way make for an intriguing narrative. Well done!
Diana Martin
4 out of 5 stars
July 14, 2019
NetGalley
Immediately upon reading the description I knew I couldn’t wait to read the book. I am fascinated by the period in which the book is set, at the cusp of the scientific revolution, marked by political change and scientific discoveries. I also enjoy well researched books, with a slower pace, that don’t succumb to the current trend of developing twists for twists sake and unrealistic character developments. What we have is an erudite novel, with an eye to the nuances of the historical context, that does not use history as a pretext for the plot.
