Customer Reviews

Zeno of Bruges

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For those who had trouble with the long digressions of Memoirs of Adrian but still enjoyed the depth of Yurcenar's thoughts, the precious polish of her simple calssical style and the times of powerful historical evocations, this night be a better choice. The discourse is still there going on in the hero's head until his last breath, but around him what a marvel! THe 16th century comes back to life in allthe glory of its arts and sciences and all the youthful ferocity of the Renaissance: this is the time before the boredom of classicism sets in, everything is to be re-discovered so everything becomes possible, the travails of the alchemists and the faith of the Reformers blow a wind of change on this world that is the beginning of ours.

A must read just for the evocation of Flanders in the 16th century, a place where Yourcenar had her deep aristocratic roots, and even deeper human ones.

I found this book superior to the more famous Memoirs of Hadrian.

There is poignancy of experience against the harsh environment of a Europe torn by plague and religious wars, an anvil against which the characters beliefs and dignity is forged with profound beauty. Life affirming, majestic and brave.

You can tell, I loved this book, and believe it is a treasure I hope others can discover.