People Of The Book

This book is structured as several short stories which fit into the overall arc of Hannah, the book conservator, finds various clues as to a manuscript's history. Each story gives us a deeper understanding of how the manuscript came to be from its binding to its painted pictures to its writing. The historical details feel like they are meticulously researched and, although she learns a lot about the manuscript, Hannah does not find out out as much as we do. But we all get an insight into the importance of the manuscript itself and what sacrifices people made to keep it from descruction.

In general, it was a good read. It held your attention - a real page turner. (Even Bruce liked it!) There were both pluses and minuses for the structure, of the story of the book going backwards as Hannah's enveloping tale moved forward. Same for the love story part of it. But it was well-researched and interesting, and gave you a good feel for the time period of each of the stories. (Although I'm still mad at Brooks for placing 15th century Seville under Muslim control.)