A review by candacesiegle_greedyreader
Cathedral by Ben Hopkins

3.0

"It's a story he likes to tell, how he first came to Hagenburg, how he bought his freedom, how he started as a stonecutters' apprentice, working at the Cathedral." I loved the first line of this novel, which not only fills you in on who is building this cathedral in 1229 Germany, but how they did it. Being involved in cathedral construction was a boon to the workers involved because it would take centuries and could guarantee employment for several generations.

"Cathedral" will make you grateful that you did not live in the 13th century, where life was "nasty, brutish, and short," to quote Thomas Hobbes. But people didn't realize that, as they find amazement in the soaring arches of the growing building, joy in the glory of God, happiness in some good grog and warmth with loved ones. If they are very very lucky, they will avoid getting tangled in the many political plots and dark plans of their betters.

I find Ben Hopkins a better writer than Ken Follett and his characters seem more genuine to their period. But Cathedral is a lot of book and requires attention and patience. If you are in a medieval frame of mind, this novel is perfect.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for digital access to this compelling title.