The Last Priest of Tintagel
This medieval tale begins at Oxford University in 1326, where Piran Chegwin, a Cornishman, is studying for his theology degree to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a priest. All goes well until he has the misfortune of running afoul of another student, Martinus de Villiers. From then on, nothing goes right. Piran fears expulsion until he is fortunate enough to meet Archdeacon de Grandison. From this event, the rest of the plot unfolds. Piran encounters life-threatening danger, accidents, murder, and great kindness and generosity.
Taylor weaves a fascinating, character-driven, tale of years-long vengeance that touches the key figures of the Avignon papacy, Bishop de Grandison of Exeter, the English royal family, the Black Death, Cornwall, and the castle and village of Tintagel, among other places. She recreates convincingly the lives of churchmen in medieval Europe and the people who surround them. Her author’s note provides valuable insight into the blend of historical, fictional, and mythical elements, which will satisfy readers curious about the accuracy of the content.
This absorbing story is full of rich characters and dramatic events. The depth of the hatred and vengeance, sparked for the most senseless of reasons, is both shocking and powerful. Set against the goodness, kindness, and deep spirituality of so many others, it becomes a timeless study of good and evil. The vivid medieval setting reminds us subliminally of the enduring need to guard against man’s inhumanity to man.
