Once again, an exciting and influential story, presented by Reverte in his descriptive and detailed language. One unconsciously transports oneself to the streets of Seville and can smell the scent of orange trees, feel the heat on one's skin, and the refreshing coolness of the shade next to the fountains in the inner courtyards of the rich houses. Many interesting themes are raised, such as the reasons for the priestly and monastic vow, the shock after personal realization. The attitude of modern people towards the church and its role in their lives.
This is only the second book by the author that I have come across, but I already see a pattern - the women, in the main role, are fatal and artfully beautiful, intriguing. The men are also handsome, brave, and principled. All the secondary heroes are generally ordinary in appearance, even unattractive at times, and subject to quite a few weaknesses in character and appearance. It slightly reminds me of the ancient Greek works, where beauty is equivalent to virtue.
I don't know why, but the story of the priest and the temptations he faces seemed a bit clichéd to me. Throughout the whole time, I couldn't stop making a parallel with "Birds Die Alone" and "Damned Souls", although I haven't read either of them. I sense the author's desire to have no extreme villains and unprincipled characters, or if there are such, they should get what they deserve.
And what is your favorite story with a priest as the main hero?