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Title: The Astronomer
Subtitle: A Novel of Suspense
Author: Lawrence Goldstone
Narrator: Robert Vaughn
Format: Unabridged
Length: 10 hrs and 49 mins
Language: English
Release date: 05-12-10
Publisher: Audible Studios
Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 114 votes
Genres: Fiction, Historical
Publisher's Summary:
Paris, 1534. A student at the Catholic Collge de Montaigu, serving as a courier for the Inquisition, is murdered by members of an extreme Lutheran sect for the packet of letters he is carrying. His friend and fellow classmate, Amaury de Faverges, the illegitimate son of the Duke of Savoy and an expert in astronomy and natural science, is recruited as his replacement and promised a decree of legitimacy if he can uncover the secret that threatens to overturn Catholicism and the reign of Franois I.
Working undercover, Amaury journeys south to the liberal court of the king's sister, Marguerite of Navarre, the alleged heart of the conspiracy. The deeper he probes, the more Amaury is forced to confront his own religious doubts. And when he discovers a copy of Copernicus's shocking manuscript showing the sun at the center of the universe, he knows the path he must follow.
Replete with characters and events from history, from the iconoclastic Rabelais to the burning of heretics in Paris to preacher John Calvin and Copernicus himself, The Astronomer is a powerful novel of love and betrayal, and a thrilling portrait of what might well have happened at a hinge point in history when science and ancient religious belief collided.
Critic Reviews:
"Goldstone brings the sights, sounds, and furious politics of 16th-century France to vivid life." (Publishers Weekly)
Members Reviews:
At the edge of change
The author's descriptions of the action occasionally kept me more engaged than the action itself in this historic thriller that puts a human face on what can happen when science runs afoul of dogma. The plot and characterizations sometimes charge forward with more enthusiasm that purpose, and not always in the same direction, leaving me to wonder if the author changed his mind about who the heroes and villains of the piece were. The story came together where it needed to go and covered a lot of historical and scientific ground getting there, so I'm looking forward to hearing more of Goldstone's work.
Robert Vaughn did a good job with narration -- I had no trouble understanding him, and he certainly puts fire into the action sequences.
Fascinating Inquisition Adventure
Beautifully written. After the first few minutes the hiss of what appeared to be the reader's dentures disappeared and I appreciated the drama he gave to the reading. Couldn't stop listening. Only drawback: I wish the author had gone into more detail because what he did cover was so fascinating, I would have loved to heard more of his exquisite portrayal of the medieval world.
Ripened "man from uncle" voice
Robert Vaughn's voice, disparaged by some other listeners, may be the best reason to listen to this investigative procedural set in the reformation. The reading is sinuous, knowing and beautifully paced, a very mature, sexy voice. I recommend it highly.
Narrator was completely unsuitable
Narrator was well-suited to the role of a mature older man, but his aged diction and peculiar pronunciation of certain consonants were completely unsuitable for anyone younger than 65, particularly female characters. Frankly, it was ludicrous.
Good Book, Not So Good Narration
This book has an interesting premise (Copernicus' great discovery against a backdrop of religious ferment) and attractive or suitably villainous protagonists.
