"Montsgur entirely escapes the mould. Congratulations. I read it in one sitting, so pleased was I by the inexorable forward movement of the plot and by the clever framing of the narrative... Deathbed Esme and William Belibaste was an inspired idea... Also inspired: the story-stones possessed by Esme and her pals. It was a wholly believable slice of the supernatural. I wondered how de Courcy would deal with Montsegur, March 1244-after all, we all know what happened. Imagine my surprise when presented with a bravura plot! Truly very good, novelistic stuff. Catherine de Coucy escaped retelling and made the story her own. Great read!"
-Stephen O'Shea, author of The Perfect Heresy
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A beautiful story of that captures the essence of the Cathar community on Montsgur before and during the siege of 1243-44.
Set in Southern France from 1236 to 1244, Esme, a young woman living in a mountain village, is caught up in the early days of the Inquisition, which was established in 1233 to eliminate the Cathars. Her beloved foster brother, Raimond, is taken into service by the inquisitor, Friar Pierre Tiqu. Determined not to lose Raimond, Esme follows them. Her tortuous journey takes her to Carcassonne, Foix and eventually to Montsgur.
Shattered by her experiences, the elders quietly draw her into their simple life on top of the mountain. As she learns more about the community's ways and practices, she develops a deep appreciation of their view of the world. She also discovers their surprising connection to the bloodline of Jesus and Mary Magdalene. When the armies of the Roman church surround Montsgur in 1243, Esme draws on the community's wisdom and strength as the intentions of the besiegers become clear.
Based on six years of research by author and historian, Catherine de Courcy, Montsgur reveals sacred practices of the Christians on Montsgur and shines a light on the personal stone carried by all believers. It suggests a new angle on events including what happened at Avignonet in 1242, and it identifies the real treasure taken off by the four men during the truce prior to the final surrender.
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