This review was submitted by Angie, who is an avid reader, and was responsible for introducing me to Michael Connelly. Watch out for more from her!
I bought this book on special “3 for R99” and it was such a surprise when I finally got to read it. Despite being on special, it has apparently featured at bookclubs and seems to have been popular. I couldn’t put the book down and savoured every moment of the story.
This is a spell-binding saga set in Barcelona in the 1300’s and focuses on the life of Arnau Estanyol. When Arnau was just a baby his father managed to escape the cruel Feudal system in the outlying Spanish countryside for the safety of the City of Barcelona. At this time the Cathedral of Santa Maria had just started being built. As a young lad Arnau becomes friends with Joanu and the two of them spend much time with the Bastaixos – the strong men who carried the stones from the quarry to the new cathedral. A strong friendship is formed between the two boys and many long-lasting relationships are foraged with the Bastaixos during those times as the boys became part of the daily life near the cathedral. Arnau’s love for the Virgin Mary provides him with the inner strength to survive life in medieval Barcelona.
Arnau’s life takes on many twists and turns – he lives through famine, wars and the plague. He is denied love and despite this, his compassion and fairness prevail. For his time, he is a very forward thinking and generous man. King Pedro makes him a baron as a reward for an act of bravery during war, and at this point his fortunes change. During his life he has opportunities to change laws and make life easier for the poor people, who develop a strong admiration and support for him. On the other hand, he makes enemies of certain of the lords and noblemen of the time who would like to see his ruin.
The author blends story with fact and one learns about life in the fourteenth century. The cathedral is still there today and it is incredible how those stones were carried on the backs of the Bastaixos and through ingenuity were lifted and positioned to build the cathedral.
I couldn’t put this book down, and hope that you enjoy it as much as I did.
Thank you Angie for your review, we eagerly await your next one!
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