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Although not yet a household name in the United States, Javier Sierra is extremely well-known in other countries. This is due in part to three nonfiction books and four European bestsellers, of which THE SECRET SUPPER is the latest. Its publication is benefiting from some well-deserved word-of-mouth publicity and will no doubt receive additional scrutiny as the result of the controversy surrounding the release of the so-called "Judas Bible."
THE SECRET SUPPER is characterized by its foundation, which consists of Sierra's careful, almost obsessive, research concerning the painting of The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. There have been many works of fiction over the past few years that have had as their basis --- in whole or in part --- the works of da Vinci. Unlike most of them, however, THE SECRET SUPPER takes place entirely in the past, specifically in the late 15th century, and features da Vinci as a central --- if enigmatic --- character of the piece.
The narrative is set forth primarily from the viewpoint of Friar Agostino Leyre of the Order of St. Dominic and an instrument of the Spanish Inquisition. Leyre is dispatched to Milan after Church officials receive a number of enigmatic messages from a mysterious individual calling himself "The Soothsayer," who reports that the painting of The Last Supper being created by da Vinci contains symbols and clues that have special meaning to a group of heretics previously thought to have been exterminated. Leyre is confronted with several mysteries upon his arrival in Milan, including the identity of The Soothsayer and determining if da Vinci is actually purporting heresy or having a bit of fun at the expense of the Church --- or both.
A series of murders in Milan that seem to center on the painting have Leyre perplexed as well. Motivations are always suspect and trust is a fragile thing, as he attempts to divine the secrets of the painting. Meanwhile, his own faith --- along with all that it represents --- is being called into question.
THE SECRET SUPPER is written very much in the European style, with Sierra's unhurried narrative taking its time, soaking up historical ambience, atmosphere and mystery, and slowly spooning it out to the reading audience.
While Sierra is aware and respectful of history's role, he does not get bogged down in it, and as a result his descriptions (both implicit and explicit) of his surroundings are first-rate. Additionally, Sierra provides a Cast of Characters at the end of the book, an invaluable aid to the reader in keeping track of who's who.
With a novel as good as THE SECRET SUPPER, readers will be wanting second portions. Any chance of those other Sierra novels being published on these shores?
--- Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub
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