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
A Psycho-horror thriller with the strong character development Anne Rice is known for. This one revolves around the desperate lives of the young castrati boys of the 18th century European music scene.
Helpful Score: 1
Not as good as the Vampire books, but still a good Ann Rice.
Great book, if you like Anne Rice. Combines a fascinating time period- 18th Century Italy- and her usual, melodic storytelling. Mix in some nobility and some castrated choir boys, and you've got yourself a great read.
This was a lovely read. Anne Rice's descriptive writing allow you to be immersed in the ancient times of Venice, Rome, etc.
I have read many books by Anne Rice and enjoyed them, but this one I could not get interested in, even though it deals with the history of opera and I am an opera singer. This tale of the castrati was just not my cup of tea. As usual, Rice meticulously researches her subject and gives great detail about the historical era and locations. Her books are always somewhat intellectual,and she can't be faulted for that. This book just didn't appeal to me.
Amazing book. The whole world of castrated singers and their loves and lives is brought to life.
A mand does not stand for what has been done to him
Tonio Treschi suddenly' at the verge of manhood, is plunged into a nightmare,trapped in a murderous family olot, drugged, kidnapped, castrated...
Guido Maffeo is too young to consent, too young to fight, is ruthlessly sold to the maestros, and "cut" at the age of six.
They were castrati! Those male sopranos whose glorious voices brought them adulation through Europe. The lived and loved as idols' secretly sought out by both men and woman. Yet they were shunned and despised as "monsters" And Tonio's only thought was revenge...
Tonio Treschi suddenly' at the verge of manhood, is plunged into a nightmare,trapped in a murderous family olot, drugged, kidnapped, castrated...
Guido Maffeo is too young to consent, too young to fight, is ruthlessly sold to the maestros, and "cut" at the age of six.
They were castrati! Those male sopranos whose glorious voices brought them adulation through Europe. The lived and loved as idols' secretly sought out by both men and woman. Yet they were shunned and despised as "monsters" And Tonio's only thought was revenge...
Beautiful voices. Male sopranos. Glorious voices loved throughtout Europe.
Overlooked title by Rice who wrote the Vampire Chronicles & Mayfair Witches epic...18th Century castrati, decadent Venice & Naples society...
I love all of Anne Rice's books. This one's Great!
One of my two favorite Anne Rice books.
in this mesmerizing novel the author makes real for you the exquisite and otherworldly society of the 18 century castri.
This is the first Anne Rice book I have read, and it was pretty good. It is about the life and struggles and family drama surrounding a young castrati (castrated opera singer) in 18th century Italy. It deals a lot with the music and art of the day and has a lot of descriptive gay sex, so don't order it if that offends you. It is an interesting departure from her usual vampire themed books. Its an easy read, if the subject matter interests you then you will enjoy it.
This story revolves around the otherworldly society of the eighteenth-century castrati, the delicate and alluring male sopranos whose graceful bodies and glorious voices brought them the adulation of the royal courts and grand opera houses of Europe. Even though the ending was predictable and the sex scenes were a bit graphic for my personal taste the overall story was good.
My daughter recomends this book if you are a fan of Anne Rice.
Great historical fiction. I love the way Rice writes. it is a total story, no vampires or witches but still a wonderful read. I have read it twice
This is by far my favorite Anne Rice book. The seduction of the main character is similar to the vampire seductions. The way Europe and the time period was described was like being right there with the eunichs. Great read.
Depressing... I couldn't finish reading it...
Anne Rice is always a very good read.
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