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carolhoggart's review
5.0
Wow. Wonderfully witty, both hilarious and sad, and, of course, deeply researched. The Notary is even better than its predecessor, The Inquisitor.
The Notary is an utterly convincing evocation of the up-and-down existence of a scribe living in Avignon soon after the Papacy took up residence there in the fourteenth century. The young man in question is a cheerful dissolute until he becomes employed by a Dominican friar as notary to investigate a death by sorcery.
At times, the story got a little bogged down in theological debate - especially during the marathon interrogation of the prideful priest, Antonio. I also got a little disheartened as Raymond (the notary) allowed himself to be transformed under the subtle influence of the friar.
Despite this, the story remained pacy, entertaining and thought provoking throughout. Finally - and startlingly - The Notary revealed itself as a disturbing and clever character study.
The Notary is an utterly convincing evocation of the up-and-down existence of a scribe living in Avignon soon after the Papacy took up residence there in the fourteenth century. The young man in question is a cheerful dissolute until he becomes employed by a Dominican friar as notary to investigate a death by sorcery.
At times, the story got a little bogged down in theological debate - especially during the marathon interrogation of the prideful priest, Antonio. I also got a little disheartened as Raymond (the notary) allowed himself to be transformed under the subtle influence of the friar.
Despite this, the story remained pacy, entertaining and thought provoking throughout. Finally - and startlingly - The Notary revealed itself as a disturbing and clever character study.
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