BOOK REVIEW: The Cloisters by Katy Hays
Nothing, I knew, was as powerful as curiosity. I had always considered it more powerful than lust. After all, wasn't that why Adam bit into the apple? Because he was curious? Because he needed to know? For -research-.
I've seen The Cloisters all over Bookstagram, and I even had it in my Barnes and Noble cart when I saw someone had it for sale in their stories. I immediately snatched it up and actually even read it within like two months of receiving it (and we all know how difficult it is to actually get to a newer book on your TBR)!
In case you haven't heard what The Cloisters is about, I'd sum it up as a mystery filled dark academia novel. Ann Stilwell is set to work at the Met for the summer, but when she arrives, she learns there is no longer a place for her. Fate intervenes, and she's nabbed by another curator to work at The Cloisters, a gothic museum and garden where researchers are currently studying the history of divination. Ann eagerly dives into the research, attempting to escape her painful past. But when Ann discovers a 15th-century deck of tarot cards, curiosity quickly turns into obsession. And when someone ends up dead, Ann begins to search for answers...
To be honest, I really just wanted to read this book because of the hype surrounding it, and I thought the idea of a dark academia book sounded interesting. I was kind of in a funk with fantasy and romance, so I figured I'd pick up The Cloisters. While it's pretty different from what I typically read, I really enjoyed it! While not necessarily a long book, it did take me a couple days to read it as it was a little slower paced.
But the relationships that are built in this book are just top notch. They are so interwoven and while I had inklings about how the characters were all connected, I was still shocked when all the details were revealed at the end. I'm still left wondering what all was truth and what all was set into motion before any of us caught on. And there's another piece of the book I want to talk about, but I just don't want to give it away. Argh!!! If you've read this book, or pick up because of this review, DM us so we can talk about it - and you'll know what I'm talking about when you get to it!
I also didn't know that The Cloisters is a real place in New York City, and I would love to visit one day. While reading the book, I could imagine myself walking through the museum and spending time in the gardens. I also loved Ann's realization of what it would be like to visit a museum and only having the one day to visit rather than working in a museum and becoming so familiar with each piece. It made me realize how often I've spent a day in a museum, but could keep going back again and again and would probably find new details in each piece.
Overall, I gave The Cloisters four stars. It's not something I'd typically read, but I'd still suggest it if you enjoy mysteries. It also reminds me of a historical fiction novel with the things we learn about tarot cards (which I have no idea if it's true, but interesting nonetheless). So mixing together the mystery aspect and the historical fiction vibes, it's a real good combination, in my opinion.
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