"Sculpted and fluid...the international bestseller appears now in an impressively graceful translation which captures beautifully the archaic and lyrical tone of the narrative...Its beauty lies in its vivd exposition of the complexities of a bygone society" Independent on Sunday "Falcones's intricately plotted novel rests on meticulous research...the ambitious yarn binds you into its thrall - a bold work of imagination, which pays homage to lives gone by as well as to the great church itself" Daily Express "Turns on legal and financial manoeuvres rarely found in a historical novel. Passionate in explaning 14th century Barcelona, [Falcones] draws convincing pictures of its architecture and culture, right down to the basics such as the sewage stream...an exciting, very readable adventure novel, enriched by realistic descriptions of medieval life, work, finance and politics" Independent "A powerful historical saga set in 14th century Barcelona that spans slavery, serfdom and anti-Semitism, friendship and thwarted love" Choice (Book of the Month)