Description
The Abbot of the Fools
Book Summary
A historical novel that immerses the reader in the besieged Barcelona of 1714 and the dark secrets of a rural village. When an explosion reveals the incorrupt body of a woman in a convent, the protagonist, Galcerán de Viladrau, must testify about this supernatural event. The plot flashes back thirty years to reveal how his encounter with an eccentric uncle, named "abbot of the fools," and the echoes of ancient witchcraft trials spark a conflict between faith, superstition, and the thirst for power.
What is it about?
In September 1714, on the eve of the fall of Barcelona, a cannonball strikes the convent of Santa María de Junqueras, unearthing the incorrupt body of a woman. The discovery forces the protagonist, Galcerán de Viladrau, to prepare his testimony for the ecclesiastical authorities. The narrative then shifts back thirty years to explain the origins of this story. Galcerán, the son of Catalans who emigrated to the south of France during the wars over Roussillon, travels to Rupit to receive the inheritance of his uncle, a bachelor who was festively appointed "abbot of the fools." In that rural enclave, marked by past witchcraft trials, the appearance of a woman with alleged stigmata reignites old tensions. Called a saint by some and a witch by others, her case threatens the village's social harmony while others seek to profit from the alleged miracle.
Main Themes
- Conflict between faith, superstition, and reason in 18th-century Catalonia.
- The manipulation of supernatural phenomena for financial and power-driven ends.
- The weight of family heritage and the return to one's roots in a context of war.
- The persistence of witch hunts and inquisitorial processes in rural areas.
- The "intrahistory" of the War of the Spanish Succession and its social consequences.
Who is it recommended for?
For readers of historical fiction looking for plots set during the War of the Spanish Succession and 18th-century Catalonia. Also for those who enjoy stories that combine mystery, supernatural elements, and social conflicts in a rural setting, with a narrative style that alternates between the present and the protagonist's past.
What this book offers
- A detailed immersion into a little-known historical episode, such as the fall of Barcelona in 1714 and its immediate aftermath.
- A reflection on how communities interpret and exploit inexplicable phenomena.
- A plot that weaves the personal story of a man with the great events of his time.
- A rich setting of the Catalan rural world, with its traditions, tensions, and folk beliefs.
Technical Details
- Author: Rico Góngora, Montserrat
- Publisher: Editorial Dieresis, S.L.
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: Historical Fiction
- Collection: Historical Novel
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication Date: September 2024
- Number of pages: 208
- Weight: 550 g
Editorial Review
A novel that offers an original perspective by situating its plot in the days leading up to a key historical event, combining the mystery of a supernatural occurrence with the reconstruction of life in a village marked by superstition. The narrative structure, which jumps between the present of 1714 and the protagonist's past, maintains interest and allows for an exploration of the roots of the conflict. Recommended for those looking for a historical read that goes beyond grand war narratives to delve into the beliefs and tensions of the era.