Tuesday, February 9, 2010

THE SWAN THIEVES: REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

THE SWAN THIEVES
BY ELIZABETH KOSTOVA

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Psychiatrist Andrew Marlow, devoted to his profession and the painting hobby he loves, has a solitary but ordered life. When renowned painter Robert Oliver attacks a canvas in the National Gallery of Art and becomes his patient, Marlow finds that order destroyed. Desperate to understand the secret that torments the genius, he embarks on a journey that leads him into the lives of the women closest to Oliver and a tragedy at the heart of French Impressionism.

Kostova's masterful new novel travels from American cities to the coast of Normandy, from the late 19th century to the late 20th, from young love to last love. THE SWAN THIEVES is a story of obsession, history's losses, and the power of art to preserve human hope.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Elizabeth Kostova is the author of the international bestseller The Historian. She graduated from Yale and holds an MFA from the University of Michigan, where she won the Hopwood Award for the Novel-in-Progress.



REVIEW:


Once Robert Oliver, a well known artist, attacked a painting at the National Gallery of Art and is arrested, the life of psychiatrist Andrew Marlow changed forever. Marlow, whose hobby happens to be painting, is called to take over Robert's case. He finds out that Robert and his former wife, Kate, were recently divorced and on top of that, Robert has left his latest girlfriend as well. So Andrew Marlow tries to treat his new patient, but he finds that Robert refuses to speak.

Marlow must examine Robert's personal life to try and find a clue to Robert's act of violence as well as his refusal to speak. Marlow contacts people who are part of Robert's life to try and find answers. Much is discovered about who Robert is now, compared to who he was before, from these people and most of them are women. The case is puzzling and intriguing and Marlow becomes very involved with his new patient to the point that it takes over a good part of his own life. Dr. Marlow finds that Robert paints the same woman over and over again and this somewhat leads him to also find a long hidden secret. This secret involves a scandal in the world of 19th century art.

THE SWAN THIEVES is not just a mystery but also a love story. It is filled with interesting characters, whose own lives are a part of the story. It was so interesting to read the way Kostova told the story through not only different characters to add to Marlow's own tale, but also to learn from ancient letters and the past in the 19th century. All these parts come together to tell this unique story of THE SWAN THIEVES. If you want a really good mystery and trust the author who wrote THE HISTORIAN that so many readers have loved, then you will not be disappointed by this next book of Elizabeth Kostova. You will love pondering the questions that are meant to come up as Kostova planned. You will probably come to a point where you really wonder if Robert is mentally ill or is there something else going on? Why DID he slash that painting and who are all these women in his life? Is all this somehow related to the parts that come to light over the ancient letters?

This is indeed a long book but one that will wrap you around it binding and not let go as you want to find out what is going on. As mental illness is always a hard thing to deal with and read about but intertwined with the mystery, it transfixes the reader and thus shows what a fine writer Elizabeth Kostova truly is.


GIVEAWAY


THANKS TO MIRIAM AND THE HACHETTE
BOOK GROUP, I HAVE
5 COPIES OF THIS
EXCITING BOOK
TO GIVE AWAY. HERE IS
WHAT YOU
NEED TO DO TO WIN A COPY!

RULES:

***U.S. AND CANADIAN RESIDENTS ONLY
***NO P. O. BOXES
***INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS
IN CASE YOU WIN!
***ALL COMMENTS MUST BE SEPARATE TO
COUNT AS MORE THAN ONE!

HOW TO ENTER:

+1 ENTRY: COMMENT AND TELL ME WHY YOU WANT TO WIN/READ THIS BOOK

+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT ON ANOTHER GIVEAWAY OF MINE YOU HAVE ENTERED. IF YOU HAVEN'T, CHECK OUT THE LIST IN THE RIGHT HAND COLUMN AND SEE IF YOU DON'T WANT TO ENTER FOR ANOTHER GREAT BOOK WHILE YOU ARE HERE.

+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT IF YOU FOLLOW ANY WAY OTHER THAN GOOGLE FRIEND CONNECT TELL ME WHERE AND HOW

+1 MORE ENTRY: BLOG OR TWEET ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY AND LEAVE A LINK I CAN FOLLOW

ALL ENTRIES ARE DUE BY
6 PM, EST, FEBRUARY 23

GOOD LUCK TO ALL!

104 comments:

Icedream said...

I loved The Historian and I am also always intrigued by any novel that deals with human psychology so I'd love to win a copy.

waitmantwillie AT hotmail DOT com

Icedream said...

I entered to win I Am Ozzy! He's such a character that I'd love to read his memoir. (and my library doesn't carry it)

waitmantwillie AT hotmail DOT com

Icedream said...

Besides google fried I also follow on my google reader.

waitmantwillie AT hotmail DOT com

Bcteagirl said...

I love novels set in the 19th century, I am starting to get into art, and I am doing my PhD in psychology! I have a million and one reasons to want to read this book :)

teagirl1 at telus dot net

Bcteagirl said...

Twittered!
http://twitter.com/bcteagirl/status/8844819427

Kim said...

I would love to win a copy of this book because everyone seems to be reading it, and more importantly, loving it!
*smiles*
kimmery4(at)yahoo(dot)com

Kim said...

I would love to win a copy of this book because everyone seems to be reading it, and more importantly, loving it!
*smiles*
kimmery4(at)yahoo(dot)com

Marie said...

I love reading and is always looking for a new book to read this book sounds amazing, I really would love to have it as my own.
Mariescozycorner at hotmail dot com

Marie said...

a new follower here

scottsgal said...

This is very different from what I normally listen to or read - it has me intrigued
msboatgal at aol.com

scottsgal said...

I entered the Ozzy giveaway
msboatgal at aol.com

Margie said...

The mystery/art/psychology connection sounds fascinating. Thanks for the giveaway.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

I have entered your Reasons giveaway. (among many others..you have good books!)
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

I follow via google reader and email subscription.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

(Diane) Bibliophile By the Sea said...

I loved the Historian, and love stories about art. Please enter me in giveaway; thanks

bibliophilebythesea AT gmail DOT com

skkorman said...

I loved "The Historian" and would love to win a copy of this new book!

Sheila
skkorman AT bellsouth DOT net

skkorman said...

I entered the "Gator-A-G0-Go" giveaway and hope I win because I have never read any books by that author and would like to.

Sheila
skkorman AT bellsouth DOT net

rhapsodyinbooks said...

I love art, and so would love to read this book!

nbmars AT yahoo DOT com

rhapsodyinbooks said...

I follow via Google Connect but also via Google Reader.

nbmars AT yahoo DOT com

bermudaonion said...

Elizabeth Kostova has such a way with words, that I just got lost in this book and it didn't seem long at all. No need to enter me.

g.g. said...

I'd like to win as I read The Historian and really like it.

anjamie4 at gmail DOT com

g.g. said...

I entered to win the Ozzy book

anjamie4 at gmail DOT com

g.g. said...

I subscribe via email

anjamie4 at gmail DOT com

Sweet Vernal Zephyr said...

I love this cover... but I got hooked on this book from a Tuesday Teaser I read a few weeks back. The lyrical phrasing is beautiful!

mdwartistry at yahoo dot com

Edna said...

this book looks to be a great read, I like the front cover


please enter me into this great contest. I follow you on google

mamat2730(at)charter(dot)net

Edna said...

I follow you on google


please enter me into this great contest.

mamat2730(at)charter(dot)net

Edna said...

tweeted on mrsred49


mamat2730(at)charter(dot)net

Marjorie/cenya2 said...

I would like to win this book because I have never read a book
by this author.

cenya2 at hotmai dot com

Marjorie/cenya2 said...

I subscribe by email.


cenya2 at hotmail dot com

Marjorie/cenya2 said...

I follow by google reader.

cenya2 at hotmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I would love to read this book because Elizabeth Kostova is a new author to me and because the book looks incredible!
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

would really like to read this book because I loved Elizabeth Kostova's writing in The Historian. Additionally, I am very intrigued by how our brain works and how we deal with issues and pain from our past and the way in which our past can effect our lives and our ability to function many, many years later. I also thoroughly enjoy a good mystery and a true love story!

Thank you for a wonderful giveaway!

Aimala127 AT gmail DOT com

Unknown said...

I entered to win "Beyond Blue". I always find wonderful giveaways on Bookin' with Bingo. Thank you!


Aimala127 AT gmail DOT com

Unknown said...

I follow your blog on Blogger Dashboard and on Google Reader.

Thank you for this great giveaway!

Aimala127 AT gmail DOT com

Unknown said...

I tweeted this giveaway here:
Swan Thieves Giveaway


Aimala127 AT gmail DOT com

doreen lamoureux said...

I want to win this book because it is a long 19th century love story. Winters here are long. This is just what the doctor ordered.

dorcontest at gmail dot com

doreen lamoureux said...

I follow on networked blogs...you can see my pic. Doreen

dorcontest at gmail dot com

doreen lamoureux said...

I entered Marriage and other Acts. hmmmm

dorcontest at gmail dot com

enyl said...

I read excerpts from the Historian to my students, they indicated that the would be intrested in reading other works by the author. They don't seem to mind reading about history, art, and culture when there is some suspense or intrigue involved. they also enjoy searching for historical inaccuracies.
enyl(at)inbox(dot)com

enyl said...

Commented on te Career GPS giveaway.
enyl(at)inbox(dot)com

enyl said...

Following on Facebook.
enyl(at)inbox(dot)com

Reading said...

I would love to win this. I loved the Historian and this looks so interesting.

lizzi0915 at aol dot com

Reading said...

I entered the I am Ozzy giveaway.

lizzi0915 at aol dot com

traveler said...

Historical novels set during this era interest me greatly. Thanks for this wonderful giveaway. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered Gato-A-Go-Go. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I am an e-mail subscriber. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

Hot Off the Shelves said...

I fell in love with The Historian and would love to try another of Kostova's books.

jasmyn9[at]hotmail[dot]com

Hot Off the Shelves said...

I follow through bloggers dashboard.

jasmyn9[at]hotmail[dot]com

holdenj said...

Add me to the chorus of people who loved The Historian. That alone would make me want to read the book, plus the art history angle seems interesting.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I have also entered The Gator A Go Go contest!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

In addition to google friend connect, you are on my google reader.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

Charleydog said...

Please enter my name in the giveaway. Thanks!

I would like to win this book because I cannot afford to buyit.

pboylecharley AT hotmail DOT com

Linda Kish said...

The story sounds interesting and I like the mystery aspect.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

rss subscriber

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

I entered the 8th Confession giveaway

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Sue said...

I love a good mystery and this looks fantastic! Thanks for the giveaway.

s.mickelson at gmail dot com

Sue said...

I entered The Crazy School giveaway as well.

s.mickelson at gmail dot com

bison61 said...

I like that it is a mystery and a love story

tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

Caroline said...

As an artist myself I love reading stories that include artist and art related themes.

design4less@yahoo.com

Beth said...

I want to read it because I'm interested in French Impressionism.

Jaime said...

I love the era it takes place in
would love to read
copperllama at yahoo dot com

Jaime said...

email subscriber follower
copperllama at yahoo dot com

Pam said...

I loved the Historian and have been eagerly awaiting a sophomore effort.

melacan at hotmail dot com

Pam said...

I follow on my google reader

melacan at hotmail dot com

Pam said...

I entered the Crazy School giveaway

melacan at hotmail dot com

Aik said...

I want to read this book because I've heard so many great things about this book.

aikychien at yahoo dot com

Aik said...

I entered Searching for Tina Turner giveaway.

aikychien at yahoo dot com

Carol M said...

I enjoyed The Historian and would love to read this, too!
mittens0831 at aol dot com

Carol M said...

I entered the Last Snow drawing. I've heard his books are good and I would love to read one of them.
mittens0831 at aol dot com

Carol M said...

I subscribe by email.
mittens0831 at aol dot com

Carol M said...

Tweet
http://twitter.com/CarolAnnM/status/9065243959
mittens0831 at aol dot com

Benita said...

I want to win because I love mysteries and I love love stories.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Benita said...

I follow via GFC and I subscribe by email.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Benita said...

I entered Racing Hearts Giveaway.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Susan O'Bryant said...

I would like to read this book because of the many wonderful reviews I've read.

susanaudrey316 at gmail dot com

Susan O'Bryant said...

I'm a follower! And you are in my blogroll.

susanaudrey316 at gmail dot com

Susan O'Bryant said...

And I posted a link to this giveaway on my blog!

susanaudrey316 at gmail dot com

Sarah Osborne said...

I want to win because I love a good mystery!

sarahosborne12(at)gmail(dot)com

Sarah Osborne said...

I also follow via Google Reader!

sarahosborne12(at)gmail(dot)com

Sarah Osborne said...

I entered to win "Not My Daughter."

sarahosborne12(at)gmail(dot)com

Sarah Osborne said...

I blogged!
http://myfavoritegiveaways.blogspot.com/2010/02/swan-thieves.html

sarahosborne12(at)gmail(dot)com

409cope said...

I would love this book as it looks very interesting and informative. cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com

409cope said...

I entered the I am Ozzy giveaway. cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com

409cope said...

I follow through google friend. cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com

Charleydog said...

I am interested in how people develop obsessions - not strong likes - but full blown obsessions. Please enter my name in the giveaway for the book. Thanks!

pboylecharley AT hotmail DOT com

KR said...

The cover grabbed me.

mj.coward[at]gmail.com

KR said...

I follow on Google

mj.coward[at]gmail.com

Misusedinnocence said...

It sounds like a great read and I've just finished a couple this week and need to expand my to be read pile. ;)

misusedinnocence@aol.com

Misusedinnocence said...

I entered the Ozzy giveaways. :)

misusedinnocence@aol.com

Misusedinnocence said...

I follow on google friend connect.

misusedinnocence@aol.com

Terri Dell said...

I love a good mystery. I like to try solving it before the end of the book but can't always do so.

Terri Dell said...

I entered the Ozzy audiobook giveaway

Anonymous said...

I love a good book! Mystery with a slant of art history--sounds amazing. Thanks for the chance!
june_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com

rubynreba said...

I want to read this because I have read very good reviews on it.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

rubynreba said...

I entered Not My Daughter giveaway
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

Carol W. said...

I'd like to read the Swan Thieves because of the high regard this author earned with The Historian.

wolfcarol451(at)gmail(dot)com

Carol W. said...

I entered A Wife's Tale giveaway.

wolfcarol451(at)gmail(dot)com

Carol W. said...

I follow with Google Reader.

wolfcarol451(at)gmail(dot)com

Karin said...

It sounds like a compelling mystery that I need to know the answer to and that's why I'd like to read it.

karin56381 (at) gmail.com

Karin said...

Entered the Last Snow giveaway.

karin56381 (at) gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

Hello!
I read the Historian and LOVED IT! I cannot wait to read this new novel. I haven't entered any of your other giveaways but will make sure to do so. Thank you for the opportunity!
candc320@gmail.com

Angie said...

I loved the Historian so I'm sure I would love this one too. Even though her novels are long, they don't read that way at all.

aksimmo at brainerd dot net

Angie said...

I also entered to win Crazy School

aksimmo at brainerd dot net

Angie said...

I'm an email subscriber

aksimmo at brainerd dot net

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