Weem Whitaker

Set in England and then to the further reaches by ship of Rome and across Europe, at first this book intrigued me. The writing is very good, and the descriptions of the class and political system were expressed in depth.

This is a story of gems, of which I knew so little about. And, the author opened the door to describe the qualities of the gems that young Richard Densay, a merchant who traveled far and wide in search of the lure of the perfect stone, led me to want to know more. When young Richard believes the Henry VIII has found a new love with whom he is obsessed, not knowing the name of Anne Boleyn, he vows to come to glory by finding a perfect stone for Henry to give to his new lady love.

Traveling in difficult circumstances, the reader is taken to back streets of Venice when the trade is wide and in depth. Learning as he travels, he finds a gem that will not let him go. Obsessed with owning this, he risks life and limb.

The political world is filled with danger, travel among various merchants and jewelers leads to much danger.

Finding a love of his own, he too becomes obsessed, like Henry, in obtaining what appears to be elusively out of touch.

Then, 3/4 of the way, the book spun out of control. Much like a diamond, that shatters if the facets are not cut properly, young Richard attempts to risk all to obtain love and an elusive diamond originally produced from the deep bowels of India mines.

In the end, as Europe is pulled out of control by Henry's obsession, and the Catholic church is dismantled, Richard finds himself in the bowels of Rome where danger abounds and sides are chosen with hope, then regret.

There were far too many pages of swashbuckling and fights and flights of escape. Enough, I said as I countined on, feeling betrayed at what started as interestingly fact filled, to page after page of warring, killing and danger. Thus so much of this book could have been chopped off..just like Anne Boleyn's eventual demise and the loss of her pretty little head.… (meer)