Book Description
In this absorbing, suspenseful novel Julia Kristeva combines social satire, medieval history, philosophy, psychoanalytic theory, and autobiography within a gruesome murder mystery. Murder in Byzantium deftly moves from eleventh-century Europe, wracked by the turbulence of the First Crusade, to the sun-dappled, cultural wasteland of present-day Santa Varvara, threatened by religious cults, gangs, and a serial killer on the loose.
This killer is murdering members of a dubious religious sect, the New Pantheon, and leaving a mysterious figure eight drawn on their corpses. Meanwhile, Sebastian Chrest-Jones, a noted professor of human migrations, clandestinely writing a novel about the Byzantine princess-historian Anna Comnena, disappears on a quest to learn more about an ancestor who roamed across Europe to Byzantium during the First Crusade. Kristeva's recurring characters, detective Northrop Rilsky and the French journalist Stephanie Delacour, step in and desperately try to piece together the two-part mystery in the midst of their unexpected love affair.
In the tradition of Umberto Eco, Susan Sontag, and Ian McEwan, Kristeva skillfully weaves philosophical and critical ideas into her fiction. Peering into the mores, obsessions, and excesses of contemporary society, Kristeva offers an engrossing portrait of Santa Varvara, a paradoxical place of sunshine and pollution where skeletons lurk in the closets of politicians and oil company executives. Her descriptions of the First Crusade and the Byzantine Empire vividly evoke a distant past while speaking to such contemporary concerns as immigration, fundamentalism, terrorism, and the East-West divide. Murder in Byzantium is also the only work in which Kristeva explores her Bulgarian roots. In the midst of this rich, multilayered historical novel, Kristeva also presents three stunning, closely observed, and interlocking portraits of characters struggling with loss and emptiness in their personal histories and day-to-day lives.
Customer Reviews:
Misleading.......2006-03-26
The Publisher has done injustice to the reader and author by comparing this novel to Umberto Eco's The Name of the Rose. Whereas Eco's work is a rare jewel that seems to bet better with time, it cannot be compared to the current work. This author has her own voice and style that is much different than Eco. By making such claims, the reader familiar with the former work is naturally set up for a dissapointment and may miss what is good and notable in the present novel.
In particular, both authors have a great fund of knowlege of an area of history and have endeavored to create fiction using their historical and philosophical skills. The present author, unfortunately, creates diversions in her novel that distract the reader from becomming engrossed in the unique insights of the author. Such a novel should endeavor to educate and to entertain. The love affair between two of the main characters may serve as a basis for a subplot unpon which the main plot is built. In my opinion, however, it is an unwelcome distraction.
The author also attempts the difficult tast of moving back and forth between the remote past and the present, obviously an attempt to recreate the mindset of one of the murderers. This is necessary for the novel to work but either through translation or style it is awkward and sometimes difficult to follow. Faulkner was the master of this difficult genre and one shuns not the difficulty but admires the seamlessness.
Perhaps the most distracting and annoying part of the novel is the author's moralizing on current events in an attempt to create a thesis comparing 21st century American foreign policy to the Crusades. This is all well and good but the author here blurs the distinction between nonfiction and fiction. The art is in leading the reader to entertain such a thesis without stating it much less harping on it.
Finally, Eco's work is humble and patient in nature and despite his great intellect and grasp of his subject matter he never "talks down" to the reader. Here, one is annowed by the tone of the prose which is a bit snobbish and assumes a level of understanding and knowlege of facts, literature and events that few may have. In doing so, the author misses an opportunity to fully educate and share her deeper thoughts with a wider readership that will simply skim over the pedantic rantings to find out who done it. Tis a pity for the subject matter is rich and deserves better.
Nonetheless, the book is entertaining and worth reading. You would do better to approach it without the great expectations the publisher claims.
Book Description
Haramis - the White Lady - has lived several lifetimes as Archimage and Guardian of a land now abloom as Archimage and guardian of a land now abloom with the once rare, mystical Black Trillium. But now Haramis is plagued by disturbing dreams. Dreams that will drive her to seek a successor. And far away, in the Citadel of Ruwenda, a magical destiny awaits the young Princess Mikayla. She knows nothing of her kinship with Haramis and her life is about to be drastically changed as a result of it.
The challenges ahead will be more difficult than either Haramis or Mikayla could ever imagine. And soon Haramis will find that selecting, training and installing her successor may be the most difficult fight she's ever had to face.
Customer Reviews:
A Decent Read.......2005-04-23
Back before I knew what fantasy was, my mother got me this book from a second hand store--so this review is based on this book alone and not what came before it.
It starts out well and is actually quite interesting, but the book rapidly goes downhill from there. The plot focuses on how the Archmage Haramis prepares the young Mikayla as her future successor. Mikayla is an unwilling candidate, one who would much rather explore technology rather than learn spells, and her bond with her cousin Fiolon is a problematic one.
The book, unfortunately, is way too short to deal with anything other than the main scenes, resulting in a 'tell, not show' scenario. What makes it worse is the fact that each chapter literally skips years without the reader knowing...heck, each cut off skips years. One moment you'd be reading about a basically pointless scene and then the next you just catch a glimpse of, "But she's eighteen already!" when a couple of pages back she was only seventeen. It just feels so rushed that as much as I liked the character of Mikayla and especially Fiolon at first, I started to hate it.
I guess if you read the first few books this would be an okay wrap-up of Haramis and what happens to her afterwards, but the writing itself is bad. As a stand-alone, I wouldn't really recommend it, unless you were like me and had nothing else to do.
Interesting tangent.......2005-04-23
I think what must have happened here is that Marion Bradley and Julian May had different ideas when it came to a sequel for Black Trillum.
And this IS a sequel to 'Black Trillium, not to the other two books in the series, Blood Trillium and Sky Trillium.
In terms of the direction the series takes I much prefer the direction taken in May's sequels rather that this one.
This book focuses on Haramis needing a replacement archimage, being old, and near the end of her days. She finds some of what she is looking for in a decsendant of Anigel, however she finds her work to be cut out for her in that Mikhayla has other ideas than becoming an traditional archimage.
This is a good book, well written, but the reason why I rated it 3 stars is because the other sequels written by May fit the original story more suitably and are, I think, better.
This is a good book to read if you are a fan of Bradley's work.
Captivating, though quick, read.......2002-11-04
Having not read any of the Trillium series, I was a bit skeptical about being able to get something out of this book. However, as a fan of MZB, I took the chance and was not disappointed. Of particular fascination was the relationship between Mikayla and Fiolon, who share a special psychic bond with each other, and the struggle of each of them to assume their respective magical responsibilities. Definitely worth a read!
Mikayla begins her unwanted life ..........2000-09-05
Mikayla begins her unwanted life as an Archimage when Haramis says that she's the next Archimage. Mikayla doesn't want it though ... she wants the life that she's had planned. To marry her best friend, Fiolon and live her life as a royal princess.
Mikayla's resistance makes Haramis' life harder. She wonders why Mikayla isn't glad for the training she is receiving; Haramis would have killed for a chance like what she's giving Mikayla.
Mikayla finally sees that Haramis is doing something good ... but now Mikayla's life is in danger. Will Haramis arrive in time and will Fiolon remain as loyal and loving as he ever has?
This is the first of the Trillium series I have read I enjoyed it very much. Even though a lot of reviews have not enjoyed this book I think it's worthwhile and a very good read!!!
Mikayla begins her unwanted life ..........2000-09-05
Mikayla begins her unwanted life as an Archimage when Haramis says that she's the next Archimage. Mikayla doesn't want it though ... she wants the life that she's had planned. To marry her best friend, Fiolon and live her life as a royal princess.
Mikayla's resistance makes Haramis' life harder. She wonders why Mikayla isn't glad for the training she is receiving; Haramis would have killed for a chance like what she's giving Mikayla.
Mikayla finally sees that Haramis is doing something good ... but now Mikayla's life is in danger. Will Haramis arrive in time and will Fiolon remain as loyal and loving as he ever has?
This is the first of the Trillium series I have read I enjoyed it very much. Even though a lot of reviews have not enjoyed this book I think it's worthwhile and a very good read!!!
Average customer rating:
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Lady of the Trillium
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000HKJEKK |
Book Description
Since the publication of Self Matters, I have talked to many of you about the journey to uncovering your Authentic Self. I have heard about the challenges that journey has presented, but also about the joy regained from stripping away the years of fear, failing, and judgment. You cannot effectively communicate what you need if you do not know what those needs are, so find out RIGHT NOW. The Self Matters Companion was created to bring you further along in that process and is a book that I hope will challenge you to stop living the life that the world had assigned you and to start living by design. Enjoy the journey!
-- DR. PHILLIP C. McGRAW
Customer Reviews:
RECOMMEND IT TO MY THERAPY CLIENTS.......2007-04-11
This workbook is especially useful to use alongside Self Matters. I find it helpful in my work with clients and they enjoy discussing the insights they get from it. Pamela D. Blair, Author The Next Fifty Years: A Guide for Women at Mid-Life And Beyond
Amazon.com
Essentially a complementary workbook to Dr. Phil McGraw's bestseller Self Matters, The Self Matters Companion offers exercises for readers of McGraw's earlier books, allowing them to put their personal issues to the test of McGraw's own commonsense approach to life. It's not quite the same as being a guest on McGraw's nationally syndicated TV talk show, but the chances of personal enrichment are about equal--without the threat of public embarrassment or Dr. Phil's withering gaze. --David Bombeck
Book Description
The #1 New York Times bestselling Self Matters laid the groundwork for a new way of thinking and talking about ourselves. Now, with this unique companion readers can continue their journey toward the "authentic self."
Dr. Phil McGraw grabbed the attention of the entire country with his phenomenal #1 bestseller Self Matters. In that groundbreaking work, Phil's no-nonsense style forced us to ask those questions we had avoided for too long: Who are we really? Where do the fears, insecurities, and doubts come from that prevent us from becoming who we want to be? And most important, how do we let go of those burdens to rediscover our "authentic self"? With more than 1.5 million copies sold, Self Matters is one of the most powerful works available directing us to the answers. With The Self Matters Companion, readers will have the chance to dig deeper into the questions, concepts, and exercises that empowered them in Self Matters.
Self Matters created a new language and a new way of thinking. Now, The Self Matters Companion takes self-awareness to the next level with a variety of interactive exercises, focusing on such issues as:
• Identifying the content of your Personal Truth
• Reprogramming your life pattern so you can create the future you want
• Identifying key areas of conflict between Fictional vs. Authentic living
Much more than a workbook or journal, this guide is a real companion. It provides the perfect tools, for finding the life you deserve.
Customer Reviews:
The self matters companion.......2004-08-31
This book arrived in about 5 days and in excellent condition. I was a bit leary because of the low price, but it all worked out fine.
Thank you.
A COMPANION, not a replacement.......2003-03-25
As the title plainly states, this is a COMPANION book and is NOT meant to be used as a replacement for the Self Matters book. This helps greatly with organizing the written exercises in the book itself. While, yes, you can just as easily purchase an empty journal, I enjoy the ordered format of this workbook. It kept me more inclined to do the exercises as they are asked of you, rather than reading the whole book first as I had done the first time, I just skipped over the exercises altogether. If you're not as disciplined, having this workbook encourages you to work out and actually DO the written work, which is a vital step in reaping the benefits of Self Matters. I highly recommend it.
A Rip-Off.......2002-12-16
The book of the same title is relatively good, but the companion workbook is a waste of money! It requires you to have the original book to work along with it.
Get the REAL book which also includes the exact SAME exercises that are featured in the companion, with the exception being the companion includes loads of empty space for you to be write in.
So, get the REAL book and get a cheap journal to write in those exercises (instead of this costly, redundant workbook), and leave this companion on the shelf.
This Book Made Me A Published Author!.......2002-10-25
I can honestly say that this book changed my life. I followed the exercises and within 4 months, I had tripled my authenticity score. This book, and it's journal companion, helped me set goals and achieve them. "Waiting for You: An Heirloom Adoption Journal for My Future Child" is now my dream come true. THANK YOU DR. PHIL! :)
Book Description
Fast Entrées by Hugh Carpenter and Teri Sandison
In the third installment of their Fast series, Hugh Carpenter and Teri Sandison have taken up that perennial challenge—how to develop a repertoire of quick work-night dinners. At the end of a long day, few of us have time to pore over long, complicated recipes. Hugh and Teri offer the perfect antidote—recipes with short ingredient lists and concise instructions that don't sacrifice flavor in the pursuit of efficiency. Drawing on culinary influences from around the globe, FAST ENTRÉES features mouthwatering recipes for fish, shellfish, poultry, pork, beef, pasta, and wraps. Indulge yourself with Roast Salmon with Thai Coconut Sauce, Spicy Mussels with Roasted Red Peppers, Chicken with Herb-Mustard Marinade, Pasta with Orange and Toasted Sesame Seeds, or Spicy Beef Chili in Pita Bread. With such an array of flavors to choose from, FAST ENTRÉES will equip you with meals tailored to the seasons and your tastes, all brought to the table in the flash of a pan.
Customer Reviews:
like other book by same authors.......2007-09-15
so far we really like this cookbook. Love "Hot Chicken" which is by same people.
Fine for beginners, Not overwhelming. Good meal ideas........2005-12-13
I looked at lots of cookbooks for beginners, and planned to get Rachel Rays, but found this one and bought it instead for my son and nephew (along with Cooks Illustrated). It has food they like, ingredients that aren't too complicated, pictures to see what they might like to make, and isn't so big as to overwhelm them. Side dishes to complement the entrees are offered at the end of the book. I think this is a good choice for new cooks.
Delicious, easy recipes.......2003-11-13
I've cooked about half a dozen or more recipes from this cookbook, and all have been simple and fabulous. Each recipe is divided up into "advance preparation" and "last-minute cooking", which means you can do alot of the prep work earlier in the day. Directions are easy to follow, ingredients are not to obscure, and suggestions for salads and side dishes allow you to complete the meal easily. A must-buy for anyone who likes gourmet food but doesn't have a lot of time to cook.
Average customer rating:
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Comfort Food Fast: Easy and Elegant Food that Soothes the Soul
Anne Gardon
Manufacturer: Firefly Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General
| Cooking, Food & Wine
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Quick & Easy
| Cooking, Food & Wine
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Special Occasions
| Cooking, Food & Wine
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 1552095959 |
Book Description
In Provence, where Anne Gardon grew up, comfort food means hearty dishes, thick, chunky soups and stews and old-fashioned desserts. For most of us, it also means those tastes we crave when we need a little creature comfort, the best-loved dishes of our childhood, the familiar flavors and smells that conjure up warm memories and good times. Gardon is a strong believer that comfort also means not being a slave to the stove while friends are relaxing in the dining room.
In
Comfort Food Fast, rather than feature recipes for an unpredictable souffle or a treacherous hollandaise sauce, Gardon includes recipes for one-pot meals which can be served informally at the table, where family and friends can relax and enjoy the comfortable ambience that comes from a simple and tasty meal. Main-course dishes such as Cannelloni With Ricotta and Summer Savory Filling, Pasta Timbale, Roast Chicken With Herb and Cheese Stuffing, Chicken Cacciatore, Pork Tenderloin Stuffed With Apples, Lamb Stew (Moroccan-Style) and desserts like Apple Bread Pudding, Viennese Shortbread, Iced Chocolate Mousse and Chocolate and Raspberry Clafoutis are guaranteed to satisfy our deepest cravings.
Gardon's personal recipe for happiness at the table is what she calls C.H.E.F.s "Cuisine: Cheap, Healthy, Easy and Fun." Her goal here is to teach us how to get the most out of the best ingredients plus how to put some away for a rainy (or snowy) day. She counsels preparing favorite comfort foods in volume and provides advice on portioning and freezing for those times when creating even a simple dinner can pose a challenge. And what could be more comforting at the end of a long, hard day than to know that something delicious and soul-soothing is already prepared, just waiting to be eaten?
Gardon's latest cookbook is illustrated throughout with the author's own sumptuous full-color photographs.
Customer Reviews:
Simply elegant.......2006-06-10
This is simply the most wonderful and useful cookbook I have ever came across. I have made almost every one of the recipes in it and my family has enjoyed every one of them. The recipes are very simple and only require minimal ingredient which I love because I have two babies and I don't have much time! I feel like I have made a gormet meal every time I use a recipes in this book. I also love how everything is so natural and healthy in this book. I just love it. I wish I would have came across this book years ago.
Average customer rating:
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Microwaving Fast and Easy Main Dishes
BARBARA METHVEN
Manufacturer: PRENTice Hall Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Baking
| Cooking, Food & Wine
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Cooking, Food & Wine
| Subjects
| Books
Microwave Cookery
| Quick & Easy
| Cooking, Food & Wine
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0865735204 |
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Frozen Food Age, published by Cygnus Business Media on February 1, 2004. The length of the article is 1365 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: Fridge fresh: refrigerated dinners, entrees, and sandwiches are a fast-growing business that gives grocers another weapon in the battle against restaurant takeout.(Refrigerated Meals)
Author: Howard Riell
Publication:
Frozen Food Age (Magazine/Journal)
Date: February 1, 2004
Publisher: Cygnus Business Media
Volume: 52
Issue: 7
Page: 60(1)
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Quick Frozen Foods International, published by E.W. Williams Publications, Inc. on April 1, 1990. The length of the article is 843 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: Wawa's refrigerated entree onslaught: fast food ready to go, or to stay. (Wawa Food Market) (Frozen Foods in North America)
Publication:
Quick Frozen Foods International (Magazine/Journal)
Date: April 1, 1990
Publisher: E.W. Williams Publications, Inc.
Volume: v31
Issue: n4
Page: p142(1)
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Books:
- Murder of a Snake in the Grass (Scumble River Mysteries, Book 4)
- Murder on Gramercy Park (Gaslight Mysteries)
- Murder On The Flying Scotsman (Daisy Dalrymple Mysteries)
- Murder, She Meowed (Mrs. Murphy Mysteries)
- Not a Girl Detective : A Cece Caruso Mystery
- Object of Virtue: A Novel
- Omerta
- Plunder Of The Sun (Hard Case Crime)
- Robert Ludlum's The Cassandra Compact: A Covert-One Novel (Covert-One)
- Rosemary Remembered (China Bayles Mystery)
Books Index
Books Home
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- A Perfect Bride
- The New York Times Book of the Brain: Revised and Expanded
- THE WILD EDGE LIFE AND LORE OF THE GREAT ATLANTIC BEACHES
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- Water Touching Stone
- New Minimalist Houses
- Ultimate Lighting Design
- Lemon Meringue Pie Murder
The Feminine and the Sacred (European Perspectives: A Series in Social Thought and Cultural Criticism)
Colette (European Perspectives: A Series in Social Thought and Cultural Criticism)
The Old Man and the Wolves: A Novel
Black Sun
Possessions
