I was looking forward to reading this as I thought it sounded so interesting and was a bit of a change of pace from my typical reading. I just didn't get it. It is based on true events and real people but the mix of fantasy was just way too much for me to accept and I found it way to confusing. It was a real struggle for me to finish and if the book just focused on the two main characters instead of straying with the fantasy I might have enjoyed it more. The cover is gorgeous and the pictures were nice but that is about all I can say about that. ( )

I could not get past page 70 in this one - the story did not make any sense to me as it bounces between and aging beauty who is trying to stay beautiful, her husband who is an alchemist, and some bizarre magical/supernatural vibes from the future (as in , our time) that will help with this beauty problem. I guess it is an interesting take on the historical novel, and if you are into the 17th century, you may want to give this one a try. ( )

This is a *weird* book - mostly historical fiction about Venetia, Lady Digby, wife of Sir Kenelm Digby, an alchemist of the court of King Charles I. But it reaches the level of experimental fiction (I can't quite say historical fantasy) in the way it takes Kenelm's alchemy seriously and rewards him with visions of the future, flashes of insight from modern times, scattered anachronisms throughout the text. And yet it never quite becomes one of those books where you feel like you know less about history because of the anachronisms: the narrator's voice is strong enough for that, at least. This is definitely not a book for everyone, but I found I enjoyed it quite a lot. ( )

I loved this - it's brilliant and funny and well researched and just a little off-putting. It reminds me of one of my very favorite novels Orlando in that it is a historical novel but told with a contemporary twist. Eyre really has fun with our addicition to lasting beauty. There are a few misteps, but it didn't matter to me. I like this kind of ambitious novel that really takes chances.

Great, great novel. ( )

I was very intrigued by this book at first because I love historical fiction. Viper Wine is set in the 1600’s yet is written with anachronistic verse. Basically, it’s post-modern historical fiction. On top of that, the cover is so alluring, and aesthetically the book is beautiful.

Starting the novel, I noticed I got bored quickly. It was hard to focus on what was going on and the author jumps from time periods a lot. She also includes several quotes throughout the book, which aren’t all relevant to the scene. Despite this, Eyres’ writing is elegant and kept me going through the book.

The plot is about Venetia Stanley and how she wants to chase her youth. She used to be the belle in the community, yet as she ages, she feels she has lost the only thing going good for her. She becomes obsessed with looking youthful, and seeks out viper wine.

The story is clearly backed up by a lot of research and it’s an interesting read, although not exactly a pleasure read. I’m sure there are people out there who would like this kind of book so I’d mention it, but I wouldn’t recommend it. It was kind of a tease for those who are anticipating a good historical fiction. ( )