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Summary: Makes one think,the neatest,most interesting novel ever read
Review: Read twice, can read it many more times. Its that kind of book that one reads really quickly to find out what happens..then goes back to read it another time, to learn, experience and love the, and about the characters, the setting and time. Written extremely well. I must say, it is one of the best, if not the best, books I have ever read
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Summary: One of the Greatest pieces of Literature in the modern world
Review: The story that Anne rice has presented us with here is unusual. Unusual in the way that it is one of the best pieces of literature in the modern world. if anyone else were to try and compose a novel about this of this integrity, they wouldn't get their foot in the door. this has to be on of the most beautiful and lush novels on bookseller's shelves today. No other writer could lift a pen to Ms. Rice. She is truly one in a million
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Summary: Another great Anne Rice novel!
Review: Cry to Heaven is not necessarily what the average Anne Rice fan might expect. No vampires, no witches, only a great story line, beautiful setting, and amazing characters. The story, although slightly unusual, is beautifully written. The subject is not what a reader might expect from the average novel, but what Anne Rice story is average? I loved this book, and (excuse the cliche) I couldn't put it down. If you like this book, I'd also recommend Feast of All Saints, also by Anne Rice
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Summary: DISGUSTINGLY DELIGHTFUL
Review: THE WAY IT WAS WRITTEN IS SIMPLY SUPERB. A TRIUMPH FOR MRS. RIC
Rating: 
Summary: "Popular" but profound
Review: Whatever else may be the value of this novel, it dispels the notion that whatever is popular literature is inferior literature. Rice deftly immerses her readers in the culture, arts and history of the era of the Italian castrati. This novel "works" on a number of levels--for escapist entertainment, for cultural enlightenment, and for profound philosophical exploration of the nature of evil and the role of sexuality in being "human." By casting a eunich as the protagonist, Rice blurs the line between the sexes and explores the psychology of sexuality from a modern perspective. "Not to love what is beautiful and incomprehensible would be vanity, not virtue," the Cardinal professes after Tonio's grand performance. Rice suggests that sexuality is a form of salvation for humans; it is the ultimate act in which we create, foster and treasure intimacy with other human beings. This is a thought provoking premise, and the novel is a brilliant vehicle for its consideration
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Summary: Rice lures you back to 1715, where castrati sing to heaven.
Review: In this atypical topic for Anne Rice she enthralls the reader and lures you in through beautiful scenes and shocking intrigues. Set in 18th century Italy she unveils a truely foreign world where boys castrated at a young age to preserve their beautiful soprano voices are both adored
and shunned. Two men in love with music are at the center of this beautifully crafted novel. Tonio, from a noble Venetian family sneaks out at night to sing in the streets
night after night. His future should be marriage and family but a jealous rival has him kidnapped and castrated.
Guido, a peasant sold into the world of song at six, sails to
the top of the singers, and performs at the opera in Rome.
At age 18 he tragically looses his voice, tormented by the loss
plunges himself into composition and searches for another voice.
He finds Tonio and becomes his teacher.
This story rises and falls like the notes of a glorious song
from beauty to trechary. An unforgettable novel, hauntingly
beautiful, and painfully poignant.
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Summary: Absolutely gorgeous
Review: I admit that because of my obsession with vampires, I never thought I would like this book. But one day I decided to give it a chance, and man, I'm sure glad I did because i was rewarded with one of the best damned stories i've ever read. Now, I'm not an opera fan, and i usually can't stand anything historic; I'm a modern girl. But this beautiful set novel, set in 18th century Italy, about the castrati singers, is a harrowing, erotic, and ulimately sad tale of these misunderstood men, "worshipped as gods, yet shunned as half-men" PLEASE READ THIS BOOK IT RULES! Opium Poppy Field
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Summary: Magnificent chronicle, beautifully written!
Review: "And Guido perceived that when the woman is taken out of an entire realm of life that must need to imitate the world itself, then some substitute for that woman is inevitable. Something must rise to take the place of what is feminine. Something must rise to be feminine. And the castrati were not mere singers, players, anomalies; they had become woman herself." -Anne Rice Set in Venice, Naples, Rome, and Florence during the time of Vivaldi, this exquisitely written work is the story of Marc Antonio Treschi, a castrato. A Venetian nobleman, Tonio was blessed with many things -- a beautiful mother, a fine family, a gentlemanly upbringing, and not least of all, a beautiful singing voice. Tonio led a very sheltered early life, and as he begins the journey to manhood, he starts to discover some dark secrets of the House of Treschi. A word to the wise: This author does not shy away from taboo subjects. Music was the passion and preoccupation of many people in Europe during this time. In the name of producing great music, mutilations were routinely done during these times to little boys from poor families -- boys with voices which showed promise. How Tonio came to his experience with the knife will best be discovered by reading this wonderful book, and spoiling the experience by detailing the plot is something which will not be done in this review. This book is a compelling adventure, and it is written by a masterful writer. Anne Rice excels in transporting her reader to magical times & places, and introducing them to interesting people, who then spring to life. She takes her readers on a mystical journey, always choosing the perfect word. Simply, magically, elegantly, she weaves a tapestry of wonder, and through it all, holds one spellbound. She can describe a walk through a grand old square in Italy, and everything she has outlined can be envisioned, right down to the smells and sounds. Rice's characters are larger than life, they are compelling, and they are detailed down to their fingernails and the texture of their hair. Their thoughts are perfectly articulated, and they are set forth in extremely beautiful prose. If one contemplates a "Cry to Heaven," one could think of many things that could conjure up such a cry: Religion, Remorse, Regret, Angst, Guilt, Pain, Sorrow, Love, Rapture, Longing, Esctacy, and of course, Great Music! All of these are found in this work. Highly, Highly Recommended!!!
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Summary: A (not) very helpful review... :P
Review: I finished this book very quickly, as I could not seem to put it down. I have nothing much else to add as others have already said it. A book worth reading, but not if you can't handle reading about men loving men. There are those out there who would trash this book simply because of that and I find that sad.
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Summary: Completely Beautiful!
Review: "Cry To Heaven" is one of the most dynamic books I have read! Vivid in description, enigmatic and magical, reading it is like watching some dream play out before you! This book is totally brilliant! In "Cry To Heaven," Anne Rice captures that very same lush quality that makes "Interview With The Vampire" a masterpiece. And yet, this book is unlike anything else she has ever done... it is truly unique and thoroughly recommended! If only all books could be this good... I devoured it, and after 500 pages I was not disappointed by its conclusion - aaaahhh, such sweet satisfaction! If you are an Anne Rice fan but have yet to stray, like me, from her Vampires and Ghosts and Taltoses, take the plunge and pick up "Cry To Heaven!" You won't regret it.
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