The Divine Curse - Patricia Smith - Bog

This enthralling historical novel brings alive the dark world of medieval religion and hypocrisy. Innocence? No protection. No protection at all. There was a moment of total silence when even birds were hushed. Then we heard hooves. Into the square trotted a magnificent white palfrey with richly-embossed saddle, tossing its head in silent rebellion as the rider jerked at the reins. "I give you my blessing!" the man shouted. I tried not to flinch, hoping my look of horror hadn't given me away. That tight, clipped voice was horribly familiar; his long nose and fleshy chin could only belong to one man. The Inquisitor. In Toulouse. How I cursed my over-confidence. What a fool I'd been to ignore my doubts. Our most precious gift was beyond price and for it he'd chase us to the gates of Hell itself. But recriminations were useless. Perhaps the man wouldn't notice us. Or perhaps this was Fate. He dismounted, gave the reins to a soldier and strode like an oversized, hunched vulture straight towards where I stood. Anton, desperate for glory, is one of hundreds of Cathar heretics besieged in the doomed citadel of Montségur. Reluctantly he agrees to smuggle a small package to safety and leave the Citadel to its fate. Even more reluctantly he must accept a companion - Anna Marie, feisty, resourceful and able to charm leaves off the trees. Inside the package lies a secret that many will torture or kill to possess. Is it God's greatest gift which will redeem mankind forever, or 'the divine curse', destroyer of Christianity? But they have their own demons to face - and a relationship to forge. They flee across a divided, violent and fearful France, relentlessly pursued by the mysterious Inquisitor and seeking sanctuary which they never find. Dr.Valerie Levy (author of 'Midwyf') comments, "This is a gem - what a pleasure to read a well-written story set in such a fascinating period of history. I have read several books about the Cathars and medieval Europe; this has to be one of the most interesting." Janet Bettle (author of legal thrillers 'Unnatural Causes', 'The Confession', 'Dead Man's Shoes') says, "It took me into a totally different world, my guides being two young French people on the run from religious persecutors. The characters were interesting and developed over the course of the story; the plot was exciting and fast-moving. It managed to be entertaining and informative at the same time, introducing me into a world that I knew so little about."