La cuadratura del círculo

This book tells the tragedy of a misguided man who recognizes his error only when it is too late to undo what has been done. Violence, seduction, fury, and remorse unfold their relentless logic within the confusing context of the 12th century. Pombo narrates the impossible endeavor to reconcile religion and war, spirituality and politics, love and cruelty. The politics of Acardo, the protagonist, are shaken by contradictory messages: the allure of war, the fascination with the influential Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, the brilliance of the court of the Duke of Aquitaine, a troubadour and tyrant, the attraction and repulsion toward monastic life, and the seduction of subtle, refined Islamic culture. Is it possible to unify this array of calls, incitements, and desires, or would it be an attempt to square the circle? The result is this exceptional novel, winner of the Fastenrath Prize from the Royal Spanish Academy.