[.ca] Lady And The Unicorn Unabridged (ISBN 0142800341)

Woven delights:
Boy, I wasn't ready for this one! Tracy Chevalier's tale of an artist and his dallying with the servants is a subtle study in power plays, moray of the past, and sexy and imaginative romps. First we have Nicholas who gets a commission to draw the sketches for tapestries. He's to do this for a nobleman and ends up falling in love with the nobelman's daughter. Then there's the housemaid who Nicholas can't keep his hands (and other body parts) off and out of. A compelling story with just enough spice, the excellent writing will remind you of "Girl with a Pearl Earring" or possibly some of McCrae's books (think "Bark of the Dogwood). If you liked "Girl" you'll love this one. This books makes for a great escape on a cold autumn night. Also recommended: Any of the other Chevalier books and the novel THE BARK OF THE DOGWOOD

Can't believe anyone would not like this excellent book!:
I read THE LADY AND THE UNICORN in one sitting, on a plane ride to Europe, and couldn't put it down. History has always fascinated me, and the story of Claude, nobleman's daughter. I found it amazing how Tracy Chevalier was able to take one tapestry and create an entire story about it. She builds upon what is already known to create a piece of fiction that seems almost real unto itself. I always marvel at Chevalier's works, as her language is descriptive to a fault, and doesn't assume an air of modernity which can be found in many historical novels written in the present time. I thought this was a well crafted book, the way McCrae's BARK OF THE DOGWOOD is, or perhaps the novel GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING. The writing is first-rate and right on the money. Do yourself a favor and buy this book.

Wonderful, but scandalous!:
This is a really well-written, beautifully descriptive, accurate, and exciting novel. Don't be put off by the fact that it's about a tapestry, because it's not a technical, boring book. It's all about the people that help create the tapestry. It takes place in 1490, in Paris, when a nobleman commissions Nicholas des Innocents to draw the designs for a tapestry. Nicholas is a bit of a womanizer; and after realizing on the 2nd page that the maid he slept with last time is pregnant, he turns around and falls in love with the nobleman's daughter, Claude. Claude can't marry him, so she is sent to a convent temporarily while Nicholas goes to Brussels to see the tapestry being made. Nicholas meets the weaver and his family, and falls in love with the weaver's blind daughter, Alienor. Although it sounds like a shallow love story, it is not. Each chapter is written by a different character; of course Nicholas, Claude, and Alienor have their chapters, but the weaver, the nobleman, and Claude's mother all have their own chapters that tell their stories and problems. Since Tracy Chevalier is such a skilled author, the chapters flow very well, even though the character voice shifts. The ending is spectacular; it ties up all of the loose ends very neatly, but doesn't give a cheesy, predictable ending. The descriptions in the book are gorgeous; you can immediately visualize the setting of late-medieval/early renaissance Europe. They are never too detailed that they slow the plot down. One word of caution: since the descriptions go into so much detail, that means that the love scenes are rather graphic. It seems like a fairly innocent book, but don't be fooled. It's definitely not porn or even close, but there are some scenes that can be a bit shocking if you're not expecting them. This shouldn't be a problem for most people, since this is an adult book, but in case you were thinking about it for a teen, you might want to choose a different book. It's a fabulous book, though, and I would recommend it to almost anyone, whether you like history or not.

Very good:
This story is set in medieval/Renaissance France A rich Paris merchant, commissions a young portrait artist better know for his womanizing to design dramatic tapestries to grace his ball room walls. Instead of battles the nobleman is talked into accepting designs based around the seduction of the Unicorn, which fits more the artist lustful view of life and women. The tension increases when the artist directs his libidinous appetite toward the daughters of his patrons. I loved this book, the author uses seven different narrative voices , all consistent and clear which makes a far more intense and emotional reading. The mysterious Unicorn tapestry certainly makes a rich and elaborate story.

THE LADY AND THE UNICORN:
Like a good deal of people I came to this book via "Girl With a Pearl Earring." Now I'm a dyed-in-the-wool fan of Chevalier. Her writing stands apart from other authors in that her imagery is absolutely poetic. With subjects like arranged marriages, the importance of Guilds, and the role the church played in these character's lives, she paints us a wonderful portrait of everything. Would also recommend "The Bark of the Dogwood" for another really entertaining read.