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Title: A beautiful book
Review: With the success of "The Name of the Rose" there followed an overabundance of mystery novels set in Medieval times, often featuring a Monk as protagonist. I have not found any to be more than "entertainments" with the exception of this book, which I believe to be a first-rate work.Here is what I like about it. It is short and succinct. So many books written today could benefit from a serious-minded editor with a sharp pair of scissors. In this book there is hardly a wasted word.The descriptions of theatrical rehearsal and performance are absolutely breathtaking. Unsworth deeply understands not just the mechanics of theater but the spirit, too - how theater can transform a player and an audience. Actors could benefit from reading this.The love interest between the actor and accused murderer is very cleverly and skillfully portrayed.It is commonplace to describe a song, poem or painting as "beautiful", but not so often a book. This is a beautiful novel.
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