THE BOOK FAIR
READ AND FULFILL YOUR LIFE
Ildefonso Falcones
CATHEDRAL
of the SEA
Author: Ildefonso Falcones
Published: 2006
Genre: Historical Fiction
Paperback
Pages: 603
Review:
Ildefonso Falcones’s historical novel vividly depicts the injustice of the feudal system for serfs and tenants, in fourteenth century Spain.
The saga stretches over two generations, and centers on the friendship between two boys who share their tragedies and dreams. Years later, the boys turned men, find their views of morality and justice so very different, that the paths of two men collide.
Well written, believable characters, realistic dialogue, interesting storyline.
THE
HAND OF
FATIMA
Author: Ildefonso Falcones
Published: 2001
Genre: Historical Novel
Paperback
Pages: 961
Review:
Ildefonso Falcones sets his second novel in Granada, during the latter half of the 1500’s. The Moriscos, descendents of the Spanish Muslims in Spain, who converted to Christianity, were never fully accepted by the Christians. The book centers on the relationships between Muslims and Christians in Spain.
Aisha, a young Moorish woman assaulted by a Catholic priest, months later, bears a son. Hernando Ruiz, Aisha’s son, called the Nazarene by Muslims, learns to survive in both the Christian and Muslim worlds.
The story centers on Hernando’s life-long battle with his father for the same woman, and what becomes Hernando’s life work: a book to promote healing between Moors and Christians.
Good battles evil in this lengthy saga of plots and subplots.