The Crusader by Michael Eisner

The Crusader

Michael Eisner

Not too many novels have given me a nightmare - but this one did. I found the writing so realistic that I couldn't fail to be moved by the idealism of the young hero - and scornful of the motives of most of his colleagues. There's blackly ironic humour which I savoured - even whilst doubting my own moral judgement. All in all not a book I'll easily forget.

Extract
Francisco would have done well to consult a priest about his brother's 'message'. The ways of the devil are infinitely complex and wicked. I suspect it was Satan who assumed the guise of his brother Sergio to lure Francisco to the Levant. Satan undoubtedly viewed the Montcada heir as a great prize and would do anything to woo him into that dark fold .... Thus the paradox that makes me shudder as I realize the cunning, nefarious methods of Satan - Francisco joined God's army and journeyed to the Holy Land at the behest of the devil.
Parallels
  • The World is not Enough by Zoe Oldenbourg
  • The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco
  • The Pope's Rhinoceros by Lawrence Norfolk