Book Review: Scholarium

Reviewed By: Cheryl - RAM

Scholarium     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Claudia Gross
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Thriller   Historical   Religious Fiction
Toby Press, 2004

"Scholarium" was described to me as Fantasy [Historical Fiction]. It is certainly historical fiction; but any reader expecting magic and wizards will be disappointed. On the other hand, readers who want a mystery story with an authentic historical setting will be happy with this novel.

'Scholarium' is set in the university of Cologne in 1413. In many ways, of course, the university is quite unlike a modern one; however, the academic rivalries and the regulations about everything from fees and admissions to teaching style and content will be familiar to the modern reader!

The plot meanders, somewhat lacking a clear focus. Initially, the story describes young Laurien's arrival in Cologne to take up a place as a student in the scholarium of the title. Later, the focus shifts to other characters. And always, in both the city and the university - in an uneasy coexistance - there are secrets and rivalries. The scholars, divided amongst themselves over philosophical questions, suspicious of the rival claims of the Church, and attempting to protect their students from the raucous life of the city, must apply their philosophical skills to the murder of one of their own. Among the structures of their lives - philosophy, religion, power, trade, sex, family - people struggle as they do in any age to make sense of their lives, and when they must, do what is convenient or practical.

Readers who enjoy medieval mystery novels like those of Sharan Newman should also enjoy this book.

Cheryl - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Cheryl - RAM