Cathedral of the Sea by Ildefonso Falcones

The book starts with a story of a boy (main character) and his father, who flee their lands from cruel and abusive landlords and arrive in Barcelona, which offers freedom to those who live there for a year and one day.

The story continues with the main character, Arnau Estanyol, and his adopted brother. Arnau joins the guild of stoneworkers and takes part in building the Cathedral of the Sea. The adopted brother travels to Bologna to continue his education in theology. Meanwhile, Arnau befriends a Jewish family, who helps him become a rich man. When the adopted brother returns, the Inquisition imprisons Arnau and puts him on trial.

The book is heavily based on the Cronica written by King Pedro the Third, thus giving a very vivid picture of the early 14th century life in Barcelona. It includes the abusive use of power of the nobles, the meager lives of the poor, the conflict between Christians and Jewry. It is interesting and at the same time painful to read about such rights as a feudal lord had the right to lie with the bride of any of his serf on her wedding night. In medieval Catalonia rapists could marry their victims, even if the abduction had been a violent one. It’s not easy to read about those abusive and violent rights, but this once was part of the history and is part of this book.

Overall, this book is a true gem. One of those very rare books, well-written and rich in historical facts. Sometimes, it’s very painful to read history, nevertheless this is a page-turner.

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