Review of Elgin Lost his Marbles

[Eriny Youssef]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Elgin Lost his Marbles" by Colin Robert Dodd.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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The infamous 'Elgin Marbles' are named after Lord Elgin who first removed them from their home at the Parthenon in 1801. He kept them in his house at first, but later sold them and shipped them by sea to Britain when he needed the money. Back and forth, between Greece and Britain, we follow those precious marbles as they repeatedly face a new fate. Years after their removal, the marbles are now being negotiated over.

As implied by the book's title, the author took this event that marked history and developed a story about the long-awaited return of the sculptures. We follow three main storylines. The first one is about Shanks, Nicholson, and Elgin. It tells the past story of the removal of the marbles. The second one is about Astrid and Daphne. They work for the Netty Museum, and they're trying to make copies of those marbles. Finally, we follow the story of the man who is working to get those marbles back. Professor Spridon Aristotelidis has been working all his life to see that day: the day the marbles return home to Greece. Can the dream finally be realized?

What I loved the most were the jumps between the past and the present. These changes in the time and setting of the narrative were accompanied by corresponding speech styles that reflected distinctive atmospheres. This alternation renewed the reading process and kept an engaging pace. The author successfully diversified the characters' nuances to help the readers recognize the storyline they're about to read about.

I didn't appreciate the fact that there were too many unnecessary details. This was sometimes particularly disengaging when the details were included during the unraveling of important events. It was clear in the chapters where Astrid and Daphne were in Europe. While I get that the author wanted to disclose valuable information about Europe's most beautiful artworks, some of them seemed forced. They took up space and weren't relevant to the plot.

I give Elgin Lost his Marbles by Colin Robert Dodd 3 out of 4 stars. The rating is based on the previously mentioned points. The editing of the text didn't affect the reading process either negatively or positively. I found errors, but they weren't ones to compromise the text's clarity.

This book should appeal to readers who enjoy the history and art of the ancient Greeks. Lovers of sculpture, in particular, will enjoy this read immensely. The author shows a great deal of knowledge about the topic handled. With a good cup of coffee and the right music, this read can teleport you to another time and place where art is deeply appreciated.

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Elgin Lost his Marbles
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[Astral Magi]

Sounds like a fascinating read. Where will the Elgin Marbles go to next? Thanks for a lovely review.

[Poojitha Borra]

Having read your review, I quite like the idea of having different writing styles for past and present. I found the plot to be simple yet clever. I will definitely give it a try. Great work on the review.

[marta baglioni]

I understand how a writer who knows very well the artistic field might be tempted to include a lot of details in his book. I really hope Elgin marbles will return eventually home, in the next years. Thank you for the review!

[Hyacinth Bella]

Oh, how can a plot be centered on a piece of artwork and history? It must be an amazing story to tell about the past and the present. I will give this a try and hope that it is engaging as your review. Thank you so much!

[Amy Luman]

I am also overwhelmed by too many details. Some set the stage, but I don’t like too many. Thanks for the review.

[Eriny Youssef]

Sounds like a fascinating read. Where will the Elgin Marbles go to next? Thanks for a lovely review.

Thank you for reading it

[Eriny Youssef]

Having read your review, I quite like the idea of having different writing styles for past and present. I found the plot to be simple yet clever. I will definitely give it a try. Great work on the review.

Your words are on point. It's definitely simple yet clever.
And thank you!

[Eriny Youssef]

I understand how a writer who knows very well the artistic field might be tempted to include a lot of details in his book. I really hope Elgin marbles will return eventually home, in the next years. Thank you for the review!

I hope they return home too! It's about time.
Thank you for reading it

[Eriny Youssef]

Oh, how can a plot be centered on a piece of artwork and history? It must be an amazing story to tell about the past and the present. I will give this a try and hope that it is engaging as your review. Thank you so much!

Oh, thank you! I'm grateful for you taking the time to read the review and leave a comment

[Eriny Youssef]

I am also overwhelmed by too many details. Some set the stage, but I don’t like too many. Thanks for the review.

Yes, they can very distracting at times.
Thank you for reading it