Violin : A Novel

Rating:
Summary: I'm very disappointed with this effort by Anne Rice
Review: First of all, let me start by saying that I am an Anne Rice fan. I loved her Vampire Lestat series, Sleeping Beauty series, and the Mayfair Witches series, as well as her other writings. Having said that I must say that I am very disappointed with Violin. I found the tale depressing, and the character of Triana impossible to identify with. If this had been the first Anne Rice novel I had picked up, I don't know if I would have explored further. She has done an excellent job in the past. I hope she will continue to write novels along the lines of her past successes, and not continue on a downward spiral inspired by Violin.

Rating:
Summary: Rice indulges self; readers pay the price
Review: I was not at all surprised to read in the above review that this is an emotionally autobiographical book; it had all the hallmarks of an excersize in authorial self-indulgence. I'm a writer myself and no slouch when it comes to reading "hard" books, but I can't stand the tricksy, overbearing attitude of the first few chapters (all I could bring myself to read.) It was as though Rice was thinking that every random sensory impression that came into her head was of compelling interest. I suspect that Rice has become a victim of her own success; if you want to see a more fair representation of what she is capable of, read _Interview With the Vampire_ instead.

Rating:
Summary: A bit lighter than other Anne works
Review: After reading "Violin," I was content with the material and pleased at the entire story, from beginning to end. Although, this story was not as heart-stopping and in-depth as "The Witching Hour" trilogy, I enjoyed the breath of fresh air and lightness that Anne seems to give to this novel.

Rating:
Summary: What is wrong with you people???
Review: I cannot believe how action oriented you people are! True this isnt an action movie, there arn't huge explosions or unbelievable saves. What there is a richly detailed world in which we explore the psyche and character of the human condition. It is a sad commentary on the TV culture of today that is book is booed by you simply because it lack the kind of brain candy you are used to . Read it again--god forbid it might make you think!!

Rating:
Summary: She won't turn around.
Review: Anne Rice is totally written out. She shouldn't be dumping that crap on her readers, but frankly, I don't blame her in the least for continuing to pump it out and collect her money, which she will continue to do as long as people think she's somehow going to turn around - so they keep reading. She won't turn around. She's pretty pathetic.

Rating:
Summary: it was ehh...
Review: I haven't read much of Anne Rice's other works, but this one neither impressed nor depressed me. The musical message appealed to me, but the beginning was slow. Keep reading and it will get better.

Rating:
Summary: Where have all the editors gone?
Review: This book is a fine example of what happens when a best-selling writer gets so big that her editor has no control over anything, anymore! Did anyone at Knopf actually read this pile of ?#%@ before it went to the printer? I noticed other people actually read 100 pages or finished the book. I think I made it through 35 pages before literally throwing the book across the room. Not only is this one of the worst books Anne Rice has ever written, it may be one of the worst books I've ever tried to read - by ANYONE!!! Don't waste your precious time OR money on this piece of trash.

Rating:
Summary: Quite interesting......
Review: I haven't even read the book and now can't wait to go get my own copy. I read through all 94 previous reviews of this book and found it so interesting. Everyone either thought it was her finest work, or a "What was she thinking.." I'm a psychology major, so this is really interesting, how her flowery prose and wordy writing can almost offend some people, but pleasure the next. I am giving this 5-star rating as my rating of how insightful this review system is!

Rating:
Summary: BORING!
Review: Well, I was glad to read the other reviews to learn that this was NOT Anne Rice at her best. It was her first book I ever read and was NOT impressed. I originally picked up the book because one of my children is an avid violinist and the title caught my eye. I knew Anne wrote thrillers and figured I'd give it a go. I was about halfway through the book and found it terribly boring, but was determined to finish it. I thought perhaps it would get better. It didn't. My advice, don't read it. There are better books out there and it is shear torture!

Rating:
Summary: Read it for yourself...I loved it.
Review: I have read everything from the Vampire books to the Mayfair Witches,the Witching Hour of course is the best to date. Violin reads simular to Cry to Heaven. And like The Witching Hour it takes you to the center of New Orleans, haunting and beautiful. I think a lot of people missed the nuance of this book...you can hear the music and feel the emotion. I couldn't put it down.