Cryptogram

I must declare an interest in the genesis of this book, having had a few conversations with Michael about the Cathars and reincarnation, which forms the background of this intriguing and very well written novel where 'the past is never past.' The scenes alternate between northern Europe in 2050 under the shadow of an arms dealer Porphyrian and 13th century Languedoc, where the Inquisition was set up in 1233. The three central characters, who are also lovers, are Stephen, Suzanna and Rokas, and their current situation and relationships are inextricably bound – even by birthmarks in Suzanna's case - to their past lives 800 years before. This sets the scene for a complex interweaving of parallel lives, hidden motives and looping outcomes that refer backwards and forwards as the plot unfolds. In each era there are challenging moral dilemmas and decisions that affect the very lives of these characters. There is corruption within the Church, exemplified by a priest who takes advantage of young women, including Suzanna, but is burned at the stake, as she also is a little later on under the auspices of one of the other main characters. These are gruesome scenes, best not read late at night. The reader is drawn along by the vivid narratives and is able gradually to piece together the many connections between the two sets of lives, and the whole is enhanced by a series of short stories shedding further light on the dynamics of the plot. I don't want to give away any more in a short review, but I found myself wholly immersed in the parallel stories and stimulated by the issues raised as well as enjoying the sheer quality of the writing.