A masterful epic of love, war, treason, plague, famine, witchcraft, anti-Semitism and the Inquisition.
A masterful epic of love, war, treason, plague, famine, witchcraft, anti-Semitism and the Inquisition.
14th-century Spain, the medieval city of Barcelona is enjoying a golden age of prosperity. Its humblest inhabitants are building, stone by stone, a magnificent church to overlook their harbour. This is the Cathedral of the Sea: a church to be built for the people by the people.
In its shadow, Arnau, a young serf on the run from his feudal lord, struggles to earn his freedom. After famine, plague and thwarted love, Arnau’s fortunes begin to turn when King Pedro makes him a baron as a reward for his courage in battle. But he is also forced to marry Eleonor, a ward of the King whom he does not love. His newfound status excites jealousy from his friends who plot his downfall with devastating consequences. Arnau’s journey from slave to nobleman is the story of a struggle between good and evil that will turn Church against State and brother against brother ..
A powerful intricately plotted historical saga set in 14th century Barcelona that spans slavery, serfdom and anti-Semitism, friendship and thwarted love. The author draws convincing pictures of the architecture and culture, right down to the basics.
A thrilling passionate adventure novel capturing the very essence of medieval life and death along with all that goes between.
The Author
Ildefonso Falcones
Ildefonso Falcones is married with four children and lives in Barcelona where he works as a lawyer. Cathedral of the Sea is intended as a homage to a people who built one of the most beautiful churches on earth in only fifty-four years. This historical novel has become an extraordinary publishing success with both readers and critics. Translation rights have been sold in 32 countries to date. It has won many prizes, including the Euskadi de Plata 2006 for the best novel in Spanish, the Qué Leer 2007 Prize for the best book, and the prestigious Italian Giovanni Boccaccio 2007 award for best foreign author.
by Neil 22nd Aug 2009 15:28
Iidefines, should be congratulated on a piece of really classic writing, I could not put the book down, written with the same pace and enduring plot as a Dan Brown , This would make a l... Read More