- Hardcover: 256 pages
- Publisher: Hamish Hamilton Ltd; First Edition edition (July 1985)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0241115302
- ISBN-13: 978-0241115305
- Product Dimensions: 23.6 x 16.3 x 2.8 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 963,762 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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More About the Author
Product Description
Review
No brief synopsis could suggest the sinuous intricacy of Stone Virgin or the adroitness with which Barry Unsworth manipulates the weighty mysteries of love, death, creation, faith, evil and the lure of history.--Amanda Heller
--This text refers to the
Paperback
edition.
Product Description
Passionate, erotic and haunting, this is a brilliant novel by one of Britain's most important novelists. Simon Rakes - a conservation expert - is restoring the Stone Virgin, a statue that cost the life of its creator in the 14th century. The statue is of great beauty but its past is soaked with a history of violence, sexual passion and human greed. As Simon's work continues and he meets Chiara, the enigmatic and beautiful wife of another sculptor, the past spills uncontrollably into the present.
--This text refers to the
Paperback
edition.
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First Sentence
He brings me writing materials without asking for money but he does not speak, I cannot be sure what his motives are, whether he has seen my worth and wishes sincerely to help me or whether he is merely acting on orders from his superiors or it is possible he has believed my promises to reward him when I get out of this hole but whatever the truth of it I take this chance of reaching you, noble lord, I beg you to find out who are my enemies and speak for me, I mean those behind my accusers. Read the first page Browse Sample Pages
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
He brings me writing materials without asking for money but he does not speak, I cannot be sure what his motives are, whether he has seen my worth and wishes sincerely to help me or whether he is merely acting on orders from his superiors or it is possible he has believed my promises to reward him when I get out of this hole but whatever the truth of it I take this chance of reaching you, noble lord, I beg you to find out who are my enemies and speak for me, I mean those behind my accusers. Read the first page Browse Sample Pages
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
23 of 24 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
The Stone Virgin is set in Venice and the surrounding islands and covers themes of history, death, beauty, love, lust, tragedy and mystery. It is difficult to think of a theme that wasn't covered in this book on some way. The story revolves around three different time periods which together chart the story of the Stone Virgin from her construction to restoration. The focus of the book is the men and women whose lives have been interwined with and significantly affected by her presence. Unsworth successfully presents both the facade that Venice presents to visitors and the lives that go on behind the scenes as a dramatic backdrop. If you have ever been to Venice you can see, in your mind's eye, this story taking place in front of you. If you haven't you will want to go there. The story keep you turning the pages as the main character tries to piece together the mystery of the Stone Virgin. As the book progresses Unsworth creates a rich story around an unusual subject which operates at many levels but is brought together in a readable way - challenging but not over complex. The story continues to develop right to the last page. The construction reminds me of Zadie Smith's White Teeth - another hugely enjoyable book. After reading the Stone Virgin the next book I read will definitely be a Barry Unsworth!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
An engaging, intelligent and well-crafted read. An unusual blend of historical/thiller/romance genres with a strong sensual theme running through it. He is a versatile author and always worth reading.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I rate Barry Unsworth highly, and have done so ever since he was recognised with the Booker Prize in 1992, for his book `Sacred Hunger' - a book I would recommend reading, together with much of his other works. This book, `Stone virgin', is brilliant, and I have just read it again for the third time, prompted by a holiday in Venice. I could understand the geography of Venice described in the book much better, with it fresh in my memory, and the pocket map of the city from my hotel beside me. Unsworth obviously knows the place, its people, its history and its culture very well, and can convey the atmosphere skilfully.
The stone virgin referred to in the title is a statue of the Madonna, which seems to shine with a mysterious light and affects the people around it. The figure was carved in the fifteenth century, and the circumstances of its modelling form the first story thread, including love, sex and a death. The book shifts to the twentieth century, telling the multi-layered story of it being restored, also including love, adultery and a death. An `interlude' from the eighteenth century is inserted, which is highly comic, telling a story of seduction and adultery, which explains how the statue came to be placed on the front of a particular church, ending in the death of its narrator.
Time and history are complexly layered, with almost occult influences across the years. Each of the three main stories echoes and reflects the others. Phrases and human actions are repeated down the centuries. The past invades and even seems to control the present. "All things are in threes", as it says on the final page. For instance much of the narrative is carried by first-person accounts by the three main protagonists, in their different centuries, one writing letters of appeal against his unjust condemnation to death, one writing his Casanova-style memoirs and one writing a diary. There is much food for philosophical thought in this complex book, but lightened with the author's sense of humour and sensitivity to beauty.
However the most dominant impression of this book is its sensuality. It dwells on bodies, mainly female, made of stone and of flesh. There is a pervading sense of arousal and sexuality in all three ages, with ardent, but strangely false, physical passion, vividly described. There is betrayal and intrigue in all the love stories, but I should not give away the surprising twists and turns of the stories. Unsworth has written here one of the most erotic books I have read, but elevated to a high literary plane by his rich, intelligent, sophisticated sensibility.
The stone virgin referred to in the title is a statue of the Madonna, which seems to shine with a mysterious light and affects the people around it. The figure was carved in the fifteenth century, and the circumstances of its modelling form the first story thread, including love, sex and a death. The book shifts to the twentieth century, telling the multi-layered story of it being restored, also including love, adultery and a death. An `interlude' from the eighteenth century is inserted, which is highly comic, telling a story of seduction and adultery, which explains how the statue came to be placed on the front of a particular church, ending in the death of its narrator.
Time and history are complexly layered, with almost occult influences across the years. Each of the three main stories echoes and reflects the others. Phrases and human actions are repeated down the centuries. The past invades and even seems to control the present. "All things are in threes", as it says on the final page. For instance much of the narrative is carried by first-person accounts by the three main protagonists, in their different centuries, one writing letters of appeal against his unjust condemnation to death, one writing his Casanova-style memoirs and one writing a diary. There is much food for philosophical thought in this complex book, but lightened with the author's sense of humour and sensitivity to beauty.
However the most dominant impression of this book is its sensuality. It dwells on bodies, mainly female, made of stone and of flesh. There is a pervading sense of arousal and sexuality in all three ages, with ardent, but strangely false, physical passion, vividly described. There is betrayal and intrigue in all the love stories, but I should not give away the surprising twists and turns of the stories. Unsworth has written here one of the most erotic books I have read, but elevated to a high literary plane by his rich, intelligent, sophisticated sensibility.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Wonderful, Beautiful Sensuous Novel
Thi is a gorgeous and very sensitively rendered book in which a compelling story is told over three different time periods, each bringing a convincing version of Venice. Read more
Published 23 months ago by Tabula Rasa
Misogynistic rubbish
I don't think I've read such a misogynistic book in ages. It starts out assuredly enough, with an engaging style and very good descriptions of Venice (I agree with the other... Read more
Published on 22 Jun 2006 by SY NO MORE
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