Simon & Schuster The Secret Supper Paperback – International Edition, 8 March 2006

Good interesting plot.

Premetto che l'inquisizione rimane per me come per molti una macchia indelebile sulla "coscienza" cristiana. Lo scontro degli ingegni è stimolante per molti versi, ma mi deprime pensare a tanta erudizione investita nella contesa tra orotodossia e eresia. Speso in alttro modo, chissà dove avrebbe potuto portare... Come giallo - (cfr il nome della rosa) - lo trovo lento e macchinoso. Ero curiosa ma servirebbe maggior perseveranza e un gusto sviluppato per la scolastica.

... but perhaps an extention of the same line of thinking. This novel is more realistic and probably better grounded than Dan Brown's opus. It takes us through a bit of a thrill ride with murders, suspense and puzzles in a now familiar path.The first few chapters are not the smoothest stylistically, and I kept wondering what it would been like in the original Spanish, but somewhere around the third chapter, things start to kick in and the plot takes over.While I always thought that Brown was taking me for a joy-ride, I became convinced that Sierra actually was drawing on some historical foundation for his interpretation of the Last Supper. His depiction of Leonardo was particularly persuasive.A good summer read.

This book promises much, is obviously well-researched,but might have been better as an academic study rather than a novel. Story seems to be an excuse to demonstrate knowledge and speculation about Leonardo da Vinci and various other contemporary figures, as well as an uncovering of the hidden faults of the Churches and politicians.In spite of these criticisms, I found the book interesting and want to follow up some of the suggestions concerning the 'facts' that are stated.

An engaging read and explores a pivotal time in history with Leonardo as a key element in challenging beliefs and values.