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Cathedral of the Sea

(La catedral del mar #1)

Ildefonso Falcones

4.12 · Rating details · 41,733 ratings · 2,200 reviews

XIV century. The city of Barcelona is at its moment of greatest prosperity; has grown towards the Ribera, the humble neighborhood of fishermen, whose inhabitants decide to build, with the money of some and the effort of others, the largest Maria cathedral ever known.
A construction that moves parallel to the hazardous story of Arnau, son of a peasant serf, who flees from th ...more

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Capa dura, 611 pages

Published May 6th 2008 by Dutton (first published March 2006)

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May 06, 2013 Tea Jovanović rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: editor-of-serbian-edition

This is one of my favorite Spanish novels... And my precious acquisitions as editor... :) I've heard about this book, at that time just published in Spain, from his agent during Book Fair in Turin... called Laguna's big boss during first cigarette break, we agreed to give an offer... And by the time my plane landed in Belgrade Laguna had the rights... :) I was so thrilled with the book that I immediately sold it to Bulgaria, Croatia and Slovenia, and became fairy editor for Falcones' agent... I' ...more

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Apr 27, 2011 Chrissie rated it liked it · review of another edition

Recommended to Chrissie by: Laura and Janice

Shelves: religion, hf, 2012-read, kindle, sample-g, spain

It is very important to know when you start this book that it is in fact based on the Chronica of King Pedro III. Although historical fiction, it closely follows true events in Catalonia during the 1300s under King Pedro’s reign. There is tons of history incorporated into the novel. At the same time it has an engaging and fast moving plot. You will learn about Barcelona, the building of the cathedral Sant Maria de la Mar. You will be impressed by the cathedral’s history, its beauty and how it en It is very important to know when you start this book that it is in fact based on the Chronica of King Pedro III. Although historical fiction, it closely follows true events in Catalonia during the 1300s under King Pedro’s reign. There is tons of history incorporated into the novel. At the same time it has an engaging and fast moving plot. You will learn about Barcelona, the building of the cathedral Sant Maria de la Mar. You will be impressed by the cathedral’s history, its beauty and how it engaged the life of so many in Barcelona. It was built for and by the people of Barcelona. All its people. It was built at the site of an older church and underneath it is an ancient Roman cemetery. However the book and the plot covers many, many other actual events: wars, the bubonic plague, the Inquisition, guild practices, treatment of women and Jews, in fact all aspects of life in Barcelona during the 1300s. this book is a perfect example of how historical fiction can teach in a delightful, engrossing manner.

There is a author’s note, that clearly explains what is fiction and what is fact. The events that have been altered are pointed out. What is amazing is that what seems fiction is fact! I wish I had read it, in the middle of the novel rather than at the end.

So why only three stars? I know that for me to say I like the book feels more appropriate than to say I really liked it. This is because I never really attached my self to the characters. The book is more concerned with the unrolling of the plot than character analysis. Each character plays a significant role; there are none that could have been eliminated. Each character was rounded and well thought out, but maybe the fact that all was so well planned, that there were few bizarre elements, that it simply felt a bit boring. I do not mean the plot was boring;– that was rolling along at full speed continually. In fact it felt a bit cinematic.

So this book provides great history in an engaging story, but without much sparkle I am very glad I read it. I learned so very, very much. Did you know that the Inquisition began very early in Catalonia? Dis you know that people were trading and profiting from the buying and selling of different currencies in the 1300s? Did you know that when two serfs were married, the master had the right to sleep with the woman first, on the night of their marriage? You will not regret reading this book. ...more

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Apr 07, 2019 Negin rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Recommends it for: those who enjoy historical fiction, books that are similar to “Pillars of the Earth”

Shelves: spain

I probably wouldn’t have even heard of this beautiful story, had it not been for a review that I saw on Trip Advisor of all places. I was looking at places to visit for our upcoming trip to Barcelona, deciding on whether or not to visit Santa Maria del Mar, a cathedral in Barcelona. One of the reviewers highly recommended reading this book first. I’m a sucker for reading travel-related books and I have to say that I’ve been hard-pressed to find much that truly interests me when it comes to books I probably wouldn’t have even heard of this beautiful story, had it not been for a review that I saw on Trip Advisor of all places. I was looking at places to visit for our upcoming trip to Barcelona, deciding on whether or not to visit Santa Maria del Mar, a cathedral in Barcelona. One of the reviewers highly recommended reading this book first. I’m a sucker for reading travel-related books and I have to say that I’ve been hard-pressed to find much that truly interests me when it comes to books that are set in Spain. I am becoming a bit more selective and no longer want to read a travel-related book just because we’re headed there. It has to be good also. Anyway, I am so grateful to that reviewer and I wrote and told him so.

The story, set in 14th century Barcelona, is well-written with some edge-of-the-seat turns. If you enjoy medieval fiction, such as “Pillars of the Earth”, you may like this one. I enjoyed “Pillars of the Earth” more, but this was lovely also. The story was compelling. Like most historical fiction, you love some of the characters and hate a few others also. There were some parts that bored me, but those are easy to skim through.

One word of warning for those who may be a bit on the conservative side, it does get a bit graphic at times, but not too often.

Finally, the book is thoroughly researched. I really enjoyed the final pages of the book, where the author explains the parts of the story that are true. I hope that we have time to visit this fascinating cathedral during our short stay in Barcelona.

Some of my favorite quotes:
"The past does not exist. There is nothing to be sorry for. Today is when we start to live. Look ... look at the sea. The sea has not past. It is just there. It will never ask us to explain. The stars, the moon are there to light our way, to shine for us. What do they care what might have happened in the past? They are accompanying us, and are happy with that; Can you see them shine? The stars are twinkling in the sky; would they do that if the past mattered? Would not there be a huge storm if God wanted to punish us? We are alone, you and I, with no past, no memories, no guilt, nothing that can stand in the way of ... our love. "

“From the beginning, Santa Maria de la Mar church was built by and for the common people.”

“Santa Maria de la Mar is without doubt one of the most beautiful churches to be found anywhere. It may lack the monumentality of others built at the same time or later, but its interior is filled with the spirit with which Berenguer de Montagut sought to infuse it: the people’s church, built by the people of Barcelona for Barcelona, is like an airy Catalan farmhouse. It is austere, protected, and protecting, and the light of the Mediterranean sets it apart from any other church in the world.”

“According to the experts, the great virtue of Santa Maria is that it was built over an uninterrupted period of fifty-five years. This means it benefits from a unified architectural style, with few elements added on, making it the leading example of Catalan Gothic.”

...more

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Jan 02, 2009 Karen rated it it was ok

Shelves: didn-t-finish

I gave up on this book at page 252 of 600. The very beginning was pretty interesting, and I found the character of a young man essentially raising his baby alone (with his remote wife) as a successful medieval serf in pastoral Spain very compelling. I liked the stuff through the pottery workshop, too, but after that? It felt to me like the story dropped off for the sake of cramming a historical setting with stock characters to represent different aspects of life in 14th Century Barcelona. There ...more

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Mar 08, 2014 Paul rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

Hefty historical novel set in fourteenth century Barcelona and revolving around the building of a cathedral (yes there are similarities to Ken Follett’s Pillars of the Earth). Unlike Follett’s novel this is very much woven around fact and an actual building and events and is based on a contemporary chronicle.
It is well plotted, but there is a certain predictability about it. The topics you would expect to come across are there; the inquisition, the plague, relationships with Jews and Moors, the ...more

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Dec 11, 2008 Sannie rated it it was ok · review of another edition

I read the book in English and perhaps it was not that good in translation. However, as a person who absolutely loved "The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett, I thought that this was just a poor copy of the epic novel. "Cathedral of the Sea" is worth a read if you like historical fiction, but that's pretty much about it. ...more

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Oct 30, 2017 Natasa rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: spain, from-book-to-film-tv-show, favorites

A story of treachery, battle, destitution, sickness, death, love, betrayal, hardship; all life circumstances in an era filled with mystery and intrigue. From the moment you read the first chapter to the end ; you will endure the life of a peasant, a baron, a nobleman or noblewoman, a prostitute, a warrior, a witch, a friar, an inquisitor and a king. Full review on my blog: https://poetryofreading.blogspot.com/... ...more

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Aug 26, 2013 Jovana rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: books-in-2018

Great book, couldn't put it down... ...more

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Mar 31, 2016 Gary rated it it was amazing

I picked up this well crafted historical epic masterpiece at a charity shop and am so thrilled that I did. It is passionate and beautiful, inspiring , uplifting and heartbreaking, with a strong feel for 14th century Catalonia at the height of the Inquisition

Arnau Estanyol is the son of a fugitive serf who acquires freedom, wealth and a high status through the help of his Jewish benefactor Hasdai Crescas and the Moorish slave he is given to him, Guillem, after the rescues Hasdai's three young chi I picked up this well crafted historical epic masterpiece at a charity shop and am so thrilled that I did. It is passionate and beautiful, inspiring , uplifting and heartbreaking, with a strong feel for 14th century Catalonia at the height of the Inquisition

Arnau Estanyol is the son of a fugitive serf who acquires freedom, wealth and a high status through the help of his Jewish benefactor Hasdai Crescas and the Moorish slave he is given to him, Guillem, after the rescues Hasdai's three young children and the slave from a mob which has attacked the Jewry in Barcelona in a bloodthirsty pogrom caused by a blood libel. He achieves great military success against the attacking ships of the enemy king of Castille, and is elevated to the nobility while being forced marry the ward of the King, Eleanor who he does not love, as his heart belongs to the enchanting girl he adopted after the death of her parents, the attractive and lively Mar.

Arnau is betrayed by his adopted brother Joan, who has become a cruel and narrow-minded inquisitor , who together with the evil Eleanor plan and execute the kidnap, rape and forced marriage of Mar. Arnau falls foul of the inquisition, and the author gives a great insight into the machinations of the Spanish Inquisition, and it's purge of Jews and 'Heretics'

Meanwhile two women who have been earlier in their lives forced into prostitution, Arnau's mother (unbeknown to him) Francesca and Arnau's first love the alluring and goodhearted Aledis. I like his sympathetic portrayal of the prostitutes, and his reminder to us that often it is many whores who's hearts are much bigger than those of the the saints. The book is lingeringly erotic in parts SPOILER WARNING

Together with Mar and Guillem they rescue Arnau from death at the hands of the inquisition

This book is not only a real page turner, of which the last 150 pages are particularly enthralling but an analysis of historical events including the Inquistion and anti-Semitism, society and human nature.
Highly recommended.
...more

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Oct 16, 2009 DROPPING OUT rated it did not like it

I could not bring myself to give this two stars, meaning it was merely OK.

The book was a best seller in Spain, with proclaiming Falcones Spain's answer to Dan Brown. (He is not that good - and not that bad either.) I can see why the book was so popular, for the author, A Catalan, wrote a historical novel of his city, Barcelona. This is something totally unthinkable 50 years ago, when the Franco regime forbade Catalan culture and language.

Perhaps another reason for he book's popularity was its la ...more

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Jan 04, 2012 Susana rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: espanhóis, emprestados, ficção-histórica

(review in English below)

As 3 estrelas são, na verdade, só 2 e meia arredondadas para cima.

Muita maldade para o meu gosto... E não senti qualquer empatia com os protagonistas...

O livro está bastante bem escrito e tem muita informação histórica sobre a Catalunha medieval, especialmente sobre Barcelona, mas só comecei a sentir-me interessada na história quando já ia a meio.

Enfim, nem todos podem ser o Ken Follett...

It's really 2.5 stars rounded up.

Too muck wickedness for my taste... And I didn' ...more

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Aug 04, 2012 Juniper rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

During a pleasant stay at a small hostel at the top of a steep hill, or possibly a small mountain in Sorrento, a young woman once discovered a bookshelf. At the top of this very low and wide bookshelf a sign was positioned. It said "Grab one and leave another behind". The young woman got curious, and stepped a bit closer. She let her eyes wander over the shelf, and it truly held books of all sizes and shapes. Some were small and dusty, abandoned rather than left for someone else's joy, others we During a pleasant stay at a small hostel at the top of a steep hill, or possibly a small mountain in Sorrento, a young woman once discovered a bookshelf. At the top of this very low and wide bookshelf a sign was positioned. It said "Grab one and leave another behind". The young woman got curious, and stepped a bit closer. She let her eyes wander over the shelf, and it truly held books of all sizes and shapes. Some were small and dusty, abandoned rather than left for someone else's joy, others were tall and sparkling new, clearly left behind because the owner had had to free up space in his or her backpack (it was a backpacker's hostel). Some were in Italian, or Portuguese. A few were in German, but as it often is on these bookshelves, most were in English. Imagine her surprise when she came upon a torn, sad paperback that was in Swedish. How unusual, exotic almost! What on earth was that sad thing doing there? It was after all a small hostel, not ideally located there, far above the rest of the city, although the view was to die for. It is true sometimes, you know, what they say: no pain, no gain.

As this particular novel was written in the unusual language 'Swedish', she had to pick it up. What did her fellow countryman, adventurous like her, enjoy to read? They had this hostel in common. Could they have more in common? Such as, their taste in books? So, she picked the sad little thing up. It had a few scars, but it wasn't sad, as she had thought at first. More like, well cared for during a harsh journey. The previous owner had taken good care of it. She read what was written about it on it's back and love was in the air; it sounded perfect. It also felt very good in her hand. If it feels like a book sort of belongs in your hand, you know you're in for good ride.

She read the book a little here, a little there, a little everywhere. On the Circumvesuviana from Sorrento to Napoli, and on the train from Napoli to Roma. On the beach. In the bed at night. Sitting at the windowsill, enjoying that amazing view across the city and the turquoise sea that stretched out at its bottom. On the bus to Positano, although, just for a short while because that bus ride was devilishly nasty. Speeding heavily at narrow, winding mountain roads she felt as if they were going to fly for a bit in the sky before crashing into the mountain at just about every turn. She also felt like throwing up for most of the ride.

She loved the book so much she didn't have a heart to leave it behind for somebody else to read when she left the next hostel. Instead she brought it along on her journey, and later, home with her. She lent it to her father, who had quit reading because he was too tired all the time. She thought it might encourage him to read again as it was of a historical nature, about a cathedral that existed for real in Barcelona. It painted an awfully beautiful and fascinating picture of then-Barcelona, and he loved all kinds of history.

He loved the book, too. ...more

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Dec 19, 2013 Jane rated it liked it

Shelves: reviewed, middle-ages, catalonia, library

I enjoyed this book, a doorstopper but a page-turner. The setting was 14th century Catalonia and backdrop was the construction of a cathedral [Santa Maria del Mar] by the workingmen of Barcelona over a period of decades. The cathedral still exists today in the Ribera district of Barcelona: http://catholicbarcelona.com/2013/11/... and is a gorgeous example of the Gothic style. This church serves as framework for the main plot, concerning the Estanyol family.

To escape brutal serfdom, the father, I enjoyed this book, a doorstopper but a page-turner. The setting was 14th century Catalonia and backdrop was the construction of a cathedral [Santa Maria del Mar] by the workingmen of Barcelona over a period of decades. The cathedral still exists today in the Ribera district of Barcelona: http://catholicbarcelona.com/2013/11/... and is a gorgeous example of the Gothic style. This church serves as framework for the main plot, concerning the Estanyol family.

To escape brutal serfdom, the father, Bernat, flees his cruel lord. With his small son, Arnau, he reaches Barcelona and stays with his sister and her family until, after a year and a day, father and son are free. The novel recounts their fortunes. Arnau befriends a lonely boy, Joan. Bernat 'adopts' Joan as his son and the two boys become as close as brothers. After Bernat dies, Arnau becomes one of the bastaixos, who load and unload merchant ships. More importantly, they carry heavy stones on their backs to build the church. Years pass in which Arnau falls into lust, is married [twice; first wife dies of plague], rises from humble beginnings to nobility and public office. He even fights in war to defend Catalonia. This war is known in Spanish history as the 'War of the Two Peters' [Guerra de los Dos Pedros]. Out of Arnau's deep friendships with a Jew and a Moor, he becomes a well-known moneylender. Then he is denounced to the Inquisition. What will be the attitude of Joan, who has become a Dominican friar and an inquisitor himself, towards Arnau? Joan is torn between his religious duty and his love for his brother.

I enjoyed the novel and could hardly put it down. I don't know if this was just the translation: but the writing seemed quite ordinary, nothing outstanding. It seemed like there was too much coincidence and sometimes the story fell into melodrama. Arnau was engaging, but he did seem too good to be true. All classes of people were represented. Battle scenes were well done. King Pedro the Cruel of Castille did actually try to invade Barcelona, as written in Pedro IV of Aragón aka Pedro III of Catalonia's Crónica. The sea battle was also described there. I learned something about that period of history and the socioeconomic conditions, when Spain consisted of individual kingdoms. In the author's note, he states the laws he used in the novel came from actual legal treatises of that time. ...more

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Sep 08, 2008 Laura rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: hf-medieval-europe, historical-fiction, read-2008

Great epic book by Ildefonso Falcones providing a historical picture of medieval life, including the beginning of the Inquisition in Spain. No comparison should be made with The Pillars of the Earth as many reviewers are erroneously doing. ...more

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Sep 16, 2014 Mark rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Recommends it for: fans of historical fiction

Shelves: 2014, historical-fiction

Historical fiction based in the fourteenth century Barcelona and surroundings as it follows the life Arnau in his fall from grace and the return to it. The book has this soapy quality which I enjoyed as a casual read. The historical background was more interesting. I have always had more fascination with the Moorish occupation of the Iberian peninsula and have never visited Barcelona even if this is a rather popular place to go to when you are Dutch. Which I think has a lot to do with the footba ...more

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Dec 22, 2010 Janice rated it it was amazing

Shelves: z-read-in-2011, audiobooks, historical-fiction, 5-star-books

It has been awhile since I have thoroughly enjoyed a book the way I enjoyed this one.

The story follows the life of Arnau Estanyol who is brought to Barcelona as an infant by his father, a runaway serf. As a young boy, Arnau goes in search of the Virgin Mother and finds her at the Cathedral Santa Maria de la Mar. The Cathedral looms largely in the center of his life, first as a boy seeking solace, then as a labourer carrying huge blocks of stone on his back for her construction. As the course of ...more

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Feb 06, 2020 Maureen rated it it was amazing

Shelves: spain, 14th-century

This is a wonderful historical tale set in 14th century Barcelona. It involves around the building of the Santa Maria cathedral. This beautiful cathedral took 54 years to complete.
This story is based on the Cronica written by King PedroIII. Some of the details of how people were treated were brutal, but these were their customs at the time.
We meet Arnau Estanyo who has just arrived in Barcelona with his young son. They are trying to make a better life for themselves. Arnau becomes a bastaitos, ...more

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Dec 28, 2018 Alex rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I read this one back in 2011-2012 (don't remember exactly) and it made a huge impression on me. it
is one of those novel you will never forget. And now as I watched the 8 episodes series on Netflix (which are catalan-spanish production and not hollywood)i decided to give this book the well deserved 5 stars and write a short review here.
The series is also fantastic. ...more

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Feb 24, 2018 Allison Westervelt rated it did not like it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This book is awful. For the record, I didn't finish it, but I did listen to 17 hours of the 23 hour audiobook so I feel informed enough to write a review.

Like the other critical reviewers have said, the only value this book offers is the glimpse it gives into life in 14th century Barcelona. But honestly, from what I got out of this book I would have rather read a ten page chapter in a high school history textbook than slog through 23 hours of the dullest book of all time. I felt that the author This book is awful. For the record, I didn't finish it, but I did listen to 17 hours of the 23 hour audiobook so I feel informed enough to write a review.

Like the other critical reviewers have said, the only value this book offers is the glimpse it gives into life in 14th century Barcelona. But honestly, from what I got out of this book I would have rather read a ten page chapter in a high school history textbook than slog through 23 hours of the dullest book of all time. I felt that the author didn't care about the story at all but only about including monotonous historical anecdotes. I fell asleep while listening to this on a plane when the narrator was talking about what it was like to be a money changer and when I woke up FORTY MINUTES LATER the author was still droning on about it. Edit yourself man.

More on the characters. They sucked. I was confused when Bernat, who is supposedly of superior moral character for first ten hours of the book, did a complete 180 and did something that was in stark contrast to everything he had said and done prior. That does NOT happen in life! What really made me lose my mind, though, was the authors disgusting portrayal or women. I get it - women were not treated well in the Middle Ages. But in this book, they were all absolute wretches, with the exception of Arnau's wife who was a perfect angel until she was killed 20 minutes later by the plague. The first hour of this book describes in detail the brutal rape of Bernat's wife, which obviously fucks her up beyond belief, and then her husband, who the author portrays as being of good moral character, blames her for being fucked up. Huh? Even worse is the author's portrayal of Aledis, an evil sex fiend. So, Aledis is raped every night by her husband and then goes downstairs and masturbates while spying on young, hot men. NO. THAT IS NOT HOW THAT WORKS. This author must have a sick fetish or something because the detail he would go into with rape was too much.

So, in summary, this book is possibly the longest, most boring history book of all time while simultaneously being the most offensive piece of serious literature I have ever read. ...more

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Apr 27, 2015 Liza Perrat rated it really liked it

Set in 14th century Barcelona, around the building of the magnificent Santa Maria del Mar––Cathedral of the Sea––in the Ribera district, I really enjoyed this book.
The main character, Arnau Estanyol is the son of a fugitive peasant who starts out as a lowly porter, carrying stones for the building of this cathedral. Arnau’s luck turns when King Pedro makes him a baron as a reward for his courage in battle. But the king also forces him to marry Eleonor, one of his wards, with who Arnau is not in ...more

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Aug 20, 2017 David rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: español, spanish-lit

Bien.

I was curious about this book for two reasons. First, after seeing the book cover online reminded me of being in this beautiful cathedral a few years ago. The tall columns flowing up to the high ceiling as the light cascading inside gave it an ethereal feeling. And then a gypsy woman tried to get money off us seeking us flowers and the peaceful feeling quickly dissipated. Then a high praise from a fellow GR friend made me read the book.

Since I can say I was in this Cathedral, I wanted to kn Bien.

I was curious about this book for two reasons. First, after seeing the book cover online reminded me of being in this beautiful cathedral a few years ago. The tall columns flowing up to the high ceiling as the light cascading inside gave it an ethereal feeling. And then a gypsy woman tried to get money off us seeking us flowers and the peaceful feeling quickly dissipated. Then a high praise from a fellow GR friend made me read the book.

Since I can say I was in this Cathedral, I wanted to know more. This story describes its construction back in the fourteenth century. This is what shines for me. I have read the historical books and this book really gave me a feeling of what it was like to be living in this time. Ildefonso Falcones presents a believable setting. Times were tough for most people and you had to contend with the occasional war, religious intolerance, the Inquisition, disease outbreaks and of course, just getting enough to get through the day. And through all this, guided by their religious fervency, they would build these massive structures. Along with this was the description of the Catalan people who were different than their Castilian counterparts. This part I really enjoyed.

However what perplexed me were the characters. In some ways, they had a very modern aspect to them which I found at times hard to believe. Not always, just at times. The very disturbing wedding with Arnau's father to his mother Francesca and the interruption by the knights seemed very plausible (and disturbing); the hot little tart Aledis flirting with the guys in the workshop, perhaps not.

But to be fair, if you are going to write a story set six centuries ago, you have to entice the reader with something we the modern reader knows. I don't often read super popular books that sell millions, partly because they have a formula and often have an ending that is typically predictable. This book falls into this category.

Yet the funny thing is that I did like many of the characters, such as Arnau, his fanatic step brother Joan, the rejected woman Elionor and Arnau's father Brenat. The story line, which at times was hard to believe, moves along at a very good pace (that's that popular aspect at work).

Now the very funny thing about the story was reading the notes provided by the author at the back of the book. Some things that I found hard to read or believe actually were actually true. The sad Catalan law that allowed a man who raped a woman to become his wife was true. The weird story of the king's naval ship was blocked coming into the harbour by a small ship was true. The first auto de fe or inquisition started in Catalunya. Falcones had some good sources.

So you could say I was hooked into the story. So if you like history you will like this book. If you like the fast paced page turner like a John Grisham or Ken Follet, you will like this book. Overall this was an enjoyable summer reading.

...more

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Apr 16, 2015 Emma Iadanza rated it liked it

I'm really disappointed to say that I expected a lot more from this book, and it didn't provide as I wanted it to. The writing was not fantastic, and, while it was interesting, the plot was just a bit annoying to me after a while.

As an author, I do think that doing bad things to characters is interesting. But as a novel --- constantly hurting your characters is a bit much. Arnau, the main character, has suffered way more than any person ever should, as have many of the other characters. (view sp I'm really disappointed to say that I expected a lot more from this book, and it didn't provide as I wanted it to. The writing was not fantastic, and, while it was interesting, the plot was just a bit annoying to me after a while.

As an author, I do think that doing bad things to characters is interesting. But as a novel --- constantly hurting your characters is a bit much. Arnau, the main character, has suffered way more than any person ever should, as have many of the other characters. (view spoiler) ...more

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Jun 18, 2015 Annette rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, profound-read, spanish-heritage, historical-fiction-1300s, top-10

The book starts with a story of a boy (main character) and his father, who flee their lands from cruel and abusive landlords and arrive in Barcelona, which offers freedom to those who live there for a year and one day.

The story continues with the main character, Arnau Estanyol, and his adopted brother. Arnau joins the guild of stoneworkers and takes part in building the Cathedral of the Sea. The adopted brother travels to Bologna to continue his education in theology. Meanwhile, Arnau befriends ...more

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Jul 05, 2012 Shari rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

I know very little about the history of Barcelona. Thus, when I saw this book I eagerly bought it. The book didn't disappoint in telling about the history of the place. It was fascinating to know the economy, culture and people of the setting in the 14th century. The author clearly did a lot of research to present a story that involves almost all the levels of a medieval society - the nobility, the peasants, the merchants and the outcasts. It all revolves around Arnau Estanyol, the son of a serf ...more

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Jul 01, 2007 Marcelo rated it really liked it · review of another edition

My parents gave me this Spanish-language book for my birthday, and I have to hand it to them for gifting me such a great combination of two of my favorite interests: fiction and history. The novel is set in 14th century Catalunia, in Barcelona in particular, and though driven by strong characters and a twisting plot that quickly drew me in, the history of the Catalans and their premier city on the sea plays a great role in this work. The author, obviously a Catalan proud of his people's history ...more

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Jul 23, 2011 Kristine rated it it was ok · review of another edition

When the sales person at the local book store recommended Cathedral of the Sea to me, I was reluctant to give in to her high praise. Since one of my favorite books is historical fiction novel, The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett which, like Cathedral of the Sea, is about the building of a cathedral during Medieval times, I thought it would be impossible not to compare the two, and that no book would ever be able to outshine the brilliance of Follett's masterpiece. Well, I should learn to alw ...more

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Aug 14, 2011 Jasminka rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011

I could not put it down... Even if the writing style of Ildefonso Falcones is not according to my taste, it grab me from the beginning! It is deeply moving historical novel with accurate history plot that spreads several decades of 14th century. Captivating, gripping story about friendship, freedom, passion, jealousy, greed, envy, feudal opression, religious persecution, pogroms against Jews, inquisition, war, plague, famine, prejudice, betrayal, revenge, about the pain of forbidden love, loyalt ...more

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Jun 03, 2018 Kim rated it really liked it

For anyone heading to Spain, or even more so Barcelona, this historical fiction novel is a must. It teaches you so much about Catalan history and the spirit of the Catalans themselves through the compelling story of the main protagonist. I finished the book on a Wed night and sat in a mass at the Cathedral by the Sea that Sunday. A very special and memorable experience because the book had taught me how very special this cathedral is to the city and its working class people whose ancestors built ...more

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Jun 15, 2013 Siri Baastad rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Great storyteller but a terrible translation to Norwegian. But it made my husband read a book for once, so I am happy.

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Feb 23, 2012 Tanja (Tanychy) rated it liked it

This book is one of the results of my long wandering around the library. Ever since I've read The Shadow of the Wind and then other Zafon's books I wonder around Spanish corner to find something like those books. (No, I haven't succeed yet, but I won't give up.) During that time I somehow started to dream about Barcelona. Spain was never my "dreamland" (that has always been Brazil), but after reading all those beautiful descriptions of Barcelona I have to say If I could choose where to live one ...more

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About Ildefonso Falcones

Ildefonso Falcones

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lldefonso Falcones de Sierra, married and the father of four children, is a lawyer who lives and works in Barcelona. The cathedral of the sea is his homage to a people capable of building, in the then unusual span of fifty-four years, what is undoubtedly one of the most lovely churches in the world.

A historical novel that has become an unprecedented bestseller, recognized by both readers and criti ...more

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Quotes from Cathedral of the Sea

“The past doesn't exist. There is nothing to be sorry for. Today is when we start to live. Look... look at the sea. The sea has no past. It is just there. It will never ask us to explain. The stars, the moon are there to light our way, to shine for us. What do they care what might have happened in the past? They are accompanying us, and are happy with that; can you see them shine? The stars are twinkling in the sky; would they do that if the past mattered? Wouldn't there be a huge storm if God wanted to punish us? We are alone, you and I, with no past, no memories, no guilt, nothing that can stand in the way of... our love.” — 72 likes

“Nunca te fíes de los que dicen servir a Dios. Te hablará con serenidad y buenas palabras, tan cultas que no alcanzarás a entenderlas. Tratarán de convencerte con argumentos que sólo ellos saben hilvanar hasta adueñares de tu razón y tu conciencia. Se presentarán a ti como hombres bondadosos que dirán querer salvarnos del mal y de la tentación, pero en realidad su opinión sobre nosotros está escrita y todos ellos, como soldados de Cristo que se llaman, siguen con fidelidad aquello que está escrito en los libros. Sus palabras son excusas y sus razones, idénticas a las que tú podrías darle a un mocoso.” — 18 likes

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Cathedral of the Sea

(La catedral del mar #1)

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