gradynbell.com

Superbly written and obviously extremely well researched. The parallels with the modern world are quite alarming and show how devastating religious intolerance can be. For any who doubt the resolve of the Muslim fanatics that now threaten our world, a look at the 12th and 13th Century should provide a “wake up call” to what may be in store. Although a novel, it is based upon real events and demonstrates real attitudes that people who believed themselves to be good once held, and the brutality that ordinary people can inflict upon their neighbours if hypocrisy and extremism is left unchecked. A compelling read, with lessons about tolerance and a warning that society should heed as a matter of urgency. I look forward to the next instalment.

Anonymous Reader

THE DOVE AND THE DEVIL

Gradyn Bell, Trafford Publishing, 2006, $26.09, pb, 379pp, 1412070163

This novel takes place in the 13th century and centers on the family of Simon de Montfort, father of the famous de Montfort of English history. The story is set in southern France, in the region known as Occitania or the Occitane, where the marvelous troubadours of musical fame sing and develop their unique style in the langue d’Oc. But there is a more serious threat lying in this region, one that the Pope in Rome hopes to abolish: the Cathar heresy. Simon has been asked to lead the effort to eradicate this heresy, a Christian one within a Christian country. In the midst of this destruction, a number of dramas develop. One is the first Inquisition. Another is the story of Domingo da Guzman, who eventually becomes St. Dominic, founder of the Dominican order. And, finally, a major drama develops between Guy de Montfort, Simon’s youngest son, and Maurina, a young Cathar woman in the south of France whose brother and father are members of the Cathar church.

This book is the first of a trilogy that will eventually follow the de Montfort family to its eventual destruction at the Battle of Evesham in England in 1265. In this first volume, the reader sees how Simon the elder gets his nickname of the Devil (and the Wolf). His relentless and merciless pursuit of those who practice the Cathar religion is brought out in this novel, with the backdrop of love and mercy between Guy and Maurina as they try to survive and help others without the knowledge of Simon’s father. At the same time, Maurina carries a parcel that may contain a valuable wanted by both sides of the conflict.

I found the line between fiction and historical content in this novel quite interesting, and the drama keeps the reader interested. — Brad Eden

http://www.historicalnovelsociety.org/hnr-online.htm