There was a lot to love about this book. I especially enjoyed the breathtaking descriptions of European cities scattered throughout. Kostova's ability to make literary research into an exciting story warmed my scholar heart - it was really amazing how she was able to weave together the disparate narratives through the epistolary form, even if it stretched plausibility at some points. But I wished the male characters had more depth - they fell flat in comparison to the rich and compelling women described. For such a long book, I expected to understand, or at least know, the characters much better than I feel I do.