The Secret Supper

The Secret Supper by Javier Sierra
Historical Fiction

From the Publisher
Milan, 1497: Leonardo is completing The Last Supper. Pope Alexander VI is determined to execute him after realizing that the painting contains clues to a baffling and blasphemous message that he is driven to decode. The Holy Grail and the Eucharistic Bread are missing, there is no meat on the table, and the apostles, shockingly, are portraits of well-known heretics and none of them are depicted with halos. And why has the artist painted himself into the scene with his back turned toward Jesus? The clues to Leonardo's greatest puzzle are right before your eyes....


This book is about Da Vinci and his painting of The Last Supper. I found the prose rich and full of wonderful descriptions especially when you consider this is a translation. The story is a mystery based on an Inquisitor who is sent to confirm allegations that Da Vinci has put in hidden heretical messages in his painting. As befits the times there are alliances and lots of intrique. The historical aspects of the story are fascinating as is the discussion of the Cathars, a Christian sect. I found the book very interesting and wonder if only half this is true why the painting was allowed to exist

Rating:

(4.0/5)