The heaven tree - Edith Pargeter

 

 

Since I loved Pillars of the Earth I thought I'd have a read of an earlier cathedral building book.The downside of a 1993 edition is that we appeared to be much more paper conscious so the print is dense and the book is small.

The upside of a 1993 edition is that we appeared to be much more paper conscious!

In the reign of King John I the class structure included serfs and lords of the manor with jurisdiction over them. Punishment could be swift, effective and cruel.

With all of the social awareness of Robin Hood helping the poor the hero of the book quickly gets himself into trouble with the local lord defying current rules.

A rather unlikely escape from the area sees the two main characters overseas plying their trade as masons.

Excellent descriptions of design techniques and workmanship throughout the book makes it a very atmospheric read even 20 years after first publication.

Publisher - Warner books

The Untelling - Tayari Jones

Based in deep south America this is the tale of a girl down on her luck but still trying to keep her home

together. She works but only earns enough to just about make it work. So no flash clothes and no flash lifestyle and living in an environment you can only try and work your way out of.

She's not got a high opinion of herself and when she gets a boyfriend she really wants to keep hold of him. Whether or not he's a great catch. He's not a bad boy but there's nothing to write home about.

When she thinks she's pregnant it's a secret not to be shared. After a visit to the doctors however it's not as straightforward as pregnancy and she is left with how to deal with another possible life blow.

Written in Tayari Jones' easy style this is a poignant tale dealing with an issue that's rarely spoken about.

Not quite up there with her "Silver Sparrow" but still a good read.

Publisher - Warner Books (now Hachette)