Fascinating
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I bought this novel in 2005 in Valencia where I was on holiday - it had just been published. However, the copy I acquired had several pages missing and so I was, at the time, unable to finish it. Recently, upon complaining, the publishers sent me a complete new copy free of charge.
I found the story to be fascinating - the accounts of the feudal times in Barcelona, particularly, and Cataluña, generally, are very imaginatively done and are breathtaking.
The stages of the construction of the Cathedral and the part it plays in Arnau's life are very well described.
Also, the intervention of the Inquisition in the latter part of the story shows what an insidious organization it was.
A very good read but I don't think that Falconés should give up his day job!
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Intoxicating, beautifull story of medieval Barcelona.
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I have just been lent the Cathedral of the Sea (La catedral del mar) by Ildefonso Falcones, and I haven't been able to put it down since. Magnificent, intoxicating - although simple in style the story is simply captivating. From the very first chapter you are brutally introduced to the ways of medieval Barcelona and Catalunya. You follow a tale of father and son as they struggle from slavery through diseases, war and noblemen conspiracies never loosing hope. Fate, love, money and Inquisition fight each other for power, while in the background the Santa Maria del Mar Cathedral is slowly built by the 'people' of Barcelona.
This book is a keeper.
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Never delivered
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I ordered this book on three seperate occasions,each time amazon failed to deliver it, insated telling me they "would inform me bye e-mail when it had finally been dispatched."
great book, terrible service!
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Informative ...
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I'm up to where Arnau is about to be married to Elionor. I'm fascinated by the environment and history. I have to say, though, that I think that social history is Falcones' main focus. The characters are rather cardboardy. I don't mind this, as I am caught up in events. Enjoy! I hope the translation is good, shame I don't get to do it.
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Be prepared to be transported.....breathtaking
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I've just read this in Spanish and can't wait for it to be released in English so that everyone I know can read this truly sublime book. Falcones takes the reader deep into the heart of the dark ages to follow the story of a father and son who capture your imagination and draw you into their world in which you too want them to succeed. The writing is beautiful, the descriptions of Barcelona and Catalunya captivating, although the characters are set during this poverty stricken, violent, disease ridden era there is a tremendous sense of hope and joy.
Make sure you pre order this book now....you will re-read it many times. It's a bookshelf treasure.
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