Helpful Score: 9
I have no doubt that Cry to Heaven is Anne Rice's greatest book. It is beautifully written, rich in detail and gives you a fascinating view of 18th century Italian castrati. There are some who disagree with me regarding this book, but I found the erotic scenes beautifully written. The story is well plotted, and nicely paced. Once more, Anne spins a wonderful yarn, with an ending that haunts you. It is one of the very few books beyond childhood that I've ever read twice.
Helpful Score: 7
DAZZLING IN ITS DARKNESS, February 25, 2000
Reviewer: A reader
In my opinion, Cry to Heaven is definitely Anne Rice's finest book. Beautifully written in the lush, gorgeous prose for which Rice is famous, Cry to Heaven is rich in detail and presents a fascinating look at the lives of Italy's 18th century castrati. The protagonist, Tonio is extremely well-drawn and memorable. His struggles to come to terms with both his life as a whole and his sexuality in particular are nothing less then soul-wrenching. I found the erotic scenes, criticized by some reviewers, to be beautifully written and central to the book's premise. I did think, though, that the character of Christina, a central figure in Tonio's struggles, could have been more fully drawn and introduced earlier. It seemed to me as though Rice, herself, was not completely acquainted with Christina and I think the book suffers slightly because of this. Cry to Heaven, which contains no witches, vampires or other preternatural beings, is well-plotted and well-paced, something which cannot be said for all of Rice's books. She controls this story masterfully and resists the urge to people the novel with extraneous characters, ultimately ending the story on a haunting but richly rewarding note. With Cry to Heaven, I can pay Anne Rice the highest compliment--this is the novel I wish I had written and I can say that about no other book.
Reviewer: A reader
In my opinion, Cry to Heaven is definitely Anne Rice's finest book. Beautifully written in the lush, gorgeous prose for which Rice is famous, Cry to Heaven is rich in detail and presents a fascinating look at the lives of Italy's 18th century castrati. The protagonist, Tonio is extremely well-drawn and memorable. His struggles to come to terms with both his life as a whole and his sexuality in particular are nothing less then soul-wrenching. I found the erotic scenes, criticized by some reviewers, to be beautifully written and central to the book's premise. I did think, though, that the character of Christina, a central figure in Tonio's struggles, could have been more fully drawn and introduced earlier. It seemed to me as though Rice, herself, was not completely acquainted with Christina and I think the book suffers slightly because of this. Cry to Heaven, which contains no witches, vampires or other preternatural beings, is well-plotted and well-paced, something which cannot be said for all of Rice's books. She controls this story masterfully and resists the urge to people the novel with extraneous characters, ultimately ending the story on a haunting but richly rewarding note. With Cry to Heaven, I can pay Anne Rice the highest compliment--this is the novel I wish I had written and I can say that about no other book.
Helpful Score: 3
This book talks of the otherworldy world of the eighteenth century castrati in Italy. Delicate and alluring male sopranos who have been groomed since childhood for the stage and opera singing. Very historical in the sense of Italian life. Warning:(Some intense sexual situations are involved in this book, both male and female.)
Helpful Score: 2
not the usual Rice horror. This one is set in 18th century Italy and tells the story of the castrati, those half-men who were idolized and adored for their powerful soprano voices. A fascinating glimpse of the decadence and shimmering beauty of the time . . . and the pain and suffering as well.
Helpful Score: 1
Not as good as the Vampire books, but still a good Ann Rice.
