Purged by Fire: Heresy of the Cathars
The history of the Cathar heretics in 13th-century France is both fascinating and tragic, and they make attractive subjects for historical fiction because of their relatively enlightened views on women’s education and roles as spiritual leaders. This thoughtful, humane novel narrates the violent years of the Albigensian Crusade through the perspective of three characters—a gently-born lawyer and his chivalrous illegitimate son who both love Marsal, a brilliant “Good Christian” woman who loves the mountain beauty of the Languedoc region in which the story takes place. Both men strive in their own ways to keep Marsal safe from the Inquisition as well as free to make her own choice between them, and at times seem a bit modern in their emotions, but Bonavist clearly intends to present a morally nuanced portrait of the times, with most of the conflict internal rather than external. The exposition is occasionally labored, especially in the first few chapters, but the patient reader will be rewarded with a richly detailed depiction of everyday medieval life, of the generosity of Cathar theology, and of a memorable heroine whose fierce devotion brings her both tragedy and triumph.
