Maria Menico SifniadesArchangel

Get ready to be entertained by an archeological suspense story. The author has entered the world of cultural theft with a clever use of balancing the current timelines with flashbacks putting perspective exactly where it pushes the plot.After the Turkish invasion of Cyprus centuries old Byzantine mosaics looted from a Cypriot town - Lythrangomi, find their way - suspiciously and perhaps with UN help - to a fuzzy "art collector" in Switzerland. The emotional involvement of an art gallery dealer affected by the mystic effect of one of the mosaic slabs - the Archangel - suggests the spiritual emptiness many live with today.As I read this novel the suspense of finding out what will happen to the mosaics interwoven with the intrigue of the worldwide illegal antique market reminded me of the current problems in antiquities now in museums which may or may not be the honest places to be exhibited.The craft of mosaics is fascinatingly woven into the narrative. Revisiting the nightmare many Cypriots experienced when the invasion took place was heartbreaking but necessary to understand what motivates the characters - all too real - to start the suspenseful journey.Georgia Z. Post

This book is exquisite, congratulations!!! I really enjoyed it.I like reading very much but this is the only book I have read referring to the turkish invasion of 1974.I loved chapter 4and the description of the massacre of the villagers,very vivid.It brings out very sorrowful memories.Moreover, Ilike the way the writer connects the main characters of the book (a ball of light and the Archangel appearing within it...).Also, I like the fact that there is something sacredabout the icons but not thriscolipto.People ,like me, who are not into religion,respect it very much and adore it.In addition,I like the fact that the writer brings up the problem of smuggling antiquites ,The Parthenon Marbles,and the importance for a Peoples background and history.Last but not least,I like that the writer is putting in this book the greek way of thinking, a greek way of sayng and describing things being understandable by everyone around the world.A book about a greek theme that is how it should be.It should pass on to the reader the vibration of ones culture. Thanks for bringing me up all those memories and keeping me company with this exquisite book.

This is an interesting story beginning on the island of Cyprus, and concerning its history and artifacts. I think of it as a historical fiction novel, which, for me, created an awareness of a part of real history. The first half of the book is fast-paced, and, at times, very emotional. The second half moves much more slowly, but it builds up to an important revelation by the main character.This book has many facets: travel, history, romance, mysticism, art and archeology. The descriptions of the couture and fashion are beautifully detailed. The same colorful detail is used in describing the art and artifacts, as well as different locations, throughout the book. The detail paints vivid pictures and will appeal to those who appreciate such things.It is clear that the main character, Juliana, is ambitious and has a passion for her chosen career. But, she is not infallible. My favorite characters, however, are two secondary, yet important, figures in the story: George, whose history generates much sympathy and empathy for him, and Evelyn, who is genuine, confident, sincere, and a bit fun.

Archangel is a lovely book. It traces the fortunes of four mosaics—the archangel of the title among them---originally adorning the apse of a Byzantine church on Cyprus. A struggling art dealer has a chance to buy them and, though she suspects they may be stolen, enters the shady world of looted antiquities. She becomes enmeshed in the conflicting claims of her need for money, the Orthodox Church’s demand for their return, and her own profound response to the mosaics, particularly the archangel. The novel is itself something of a mosaic, each sentence of its thirty-four chapters set as precisely as a tessera. Though it vividly describes the horrors of war and the corruptions of money, it radiates a kind of goodness in its conscientious craftsmanship and obvious love of its subject. In the clarity and simplicity of its conception, the novel’s final effect is like that of a folk tale or saint’s legend with the archangel shining at its center.

I began reading Archangel on Sunday and finished it by Thursday morning. I found the story riveting, the characters well drawn and likable, and the historical context quite interesting. I knew nothing about Cyprus, but the author managed to include a lot of factual details without overshadowing the dramatic situations in which the characters find themselves. I also enjoyed how the novel depicted the inside workings of the art world.

The author paints a picture of the time when Cyprus was invaded and the aftermath of that invasion.. Her characters come to life vividly and we are able to feel what they feel. For me, this was also informative, for although I was aware of the Turkish invasion in the 70's, I never really understood its impact. The death and destruction of war, the stolen treasures of a society, and the refugees, all became a reality as I read this novel. Highly recommend it.

I found this book to be so artfully crafted that it had me guessing what would happen next. It is sensitively written and draws the reader into the characters' minds and emotions. It carries the reader into a relatively unknown part of our world, combining a present-day timeframe with actual events in the not-so-distant past. I can easily see this book being made into a movie. I look forward to this author's next book!

Laced with historical facts, Archangel was an intriguing read. Loved the beautiful cover. A great first book for Ms. Sifniades. I’m hoping #2 is in progress.

A breathtaking story, an emotional essay which focuses on the today's most despicable cultural crimes. A must read for the summer. Looking forward to the follow up.

An amasing novel by Maria Menico, kept me reading in all in a couple of days. Very well done Maria!