The Book of Unholy Mischief: A Novel [Paperback]

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. It certainly took me a while to get into it. The first few chapters where Luciano's story was told did certainly help the pace quicken a bit but I noticed while reading this, it's a very relaxing slow read. It's not a book where you're not quite immediately thrown into the whirlwind. What does help is if the reader is interested in cooking, and in history, then this book won't be a big issue. Those not interested in those two subjects might have trouble getting interested in the plot.

The intrigue is fed to you in little morsels (as if it's food). Food and the underlying intrigue go hand in hand in this novel but you'll encounter rich descriptions on food and its smells, taste, and texture. I don't mind these descriptions, in fact not only does it succeed in making me hungry, it's so well written you can actually taste the food being described. I only wish there were recipes handy to go along with the book!

Now, about intrigue. It's well done, even though you don't get much of it until near the end of the book. However when it is presented it's done so it still manages to get your attention and it packs a punch at the end. The last half of the novel really flew by for me as I was really caught up by the action and mystery. I also thought the use of food and having certain political sympathies really did go well hand in hand, and perhaps it's a very interesting twist on a job as a Chef in a political household. The ending provided a good sense of satisfaction. I would call it bittersweet because some of the outcome of the characters wasn't what I hoped to be.

As for the characters, Luciano was fun to read. He has his dumb moments where you feel like smacking him in the face, but I really like his loyalty. It was an admirable trait and although difficult to maintain, he really stuck by it. As to Marco, I thought his outcome was a little harsh for his actions, and although I thought he was a little weasel, I'm not sure he entirely deserved what he got. I thought Francesca was a greedy ambitious tart, but I liked her ending. It was certainly well deserved and well suited for her. Also, of course, I loved Bernardo and Luciano's relationship. Who says cats can't be faithful companions?

I wouldn't recommend this book to those that are not into a slow relaxing pace, it's certainly a book that's meant to be slowly savoured and enjoyed a little at a time. However those that want something to do with the art of cooking with a bit of history and intrigue on the side would certainly love this beautifully descriptive novel.

I got sucked into this book from page one. I liked the whole concept of the mysterious book that everybody hunted, the time setting and the boy's situation. I love books that focus on cooking and food preparation. Looking forward to Elle Newmark's next book.

The title and cover art are what first drew me to this book. After reading the teaser, I knew this would be a book for me. The novel takes place at the turn of the 16th century. Having visited Venice years ago, I was drawn in by Elle's descriptions of the places as they may had been in that time period.

The Book of Unholy Mischief follows Luciano, as the street urchin falls into an apprenticeship with the Chef of the Doge's Palace. The apprenticeship turns into more than Luciano could ever have hoped, as the Chef is part of a brotherhood that guard what is sacred. We get a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of the palace and the sinister nature of those associated with it. Seeing it through the eyes of a servant gives the novel a very interesting perspective.

Venice appears raptured by a book that is said to hold the secrets of alchemy, including the secret of immortality. When the Doge, the Council of Ten in Venice and even the Pope offer handsome rewards for the book's recovery, people from all walks of life hope to prosper from the book and the search is on!

I found the first part of the book a bit repetitive, making it hard to get into. However, I soon saw the purpose of the repetition, and could not tear myself away. We needed to see how Luciano found his place in the kitchen at the palace. The descriptions of the food and the speculations of how certain ingredients, such as love apples, appeared in the Old World, and how certain recipes came to be, brought delicious qualities to the novel. It made cooking seem magical. Recipes are more than they appear. We also saw how food affected the characters in the novel.

I loved the chapter titles. Each one was named after another book, such as The Book of Bones. Each chapter title ties in beautifully with the chapter contents, and add yet another dimension to the novel.

Although many liberties are taken, the places where the novel ventures from reality really do add to the plot. If you're looking for a work of fiction that parallels the reality of that time, perhaps this is not the best book for you. However, if you love a tall tale that puts much into question and gives you much "food" for thought, give it a try! It will leave you satiated.