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Stupovi od svjetla
U svom najnovijem povijesnom romanu Stupovi od svjetla (Pillars of Light, 2016.) autorica se ponovno vraća na Bliski istok, ovaj put u srednji vijek, u doba križarskih ratova. Glavni junak John Savage, siroče koje su odgojili redovnici u Cornwallu, kreće na put s tajanstvenim Maurom. Oni zajedno s kazališnom družinom obilaze Englesku novačeći ljude za križarske pohode u Svetu zemlju, a potom u Londonu sreću kralja Rikarda Lavljeg Srca i predaju mu lažni Excalibur.
Istovremeno u Aki, obalnom gradu koji je ključna točka na putu križara do Jeruzalema pratimo Zohru, mladu muslimanku koja se zaljubljuje u židovskog liječničkog pripravnika Natanaela. No Aki prijeti rat i dok s jedne strane u okolicu grada pristižu flote kršćanskih kraljeva, s druge se strane muslimanski vojskovođa Saladin priprema za obranu grada. S kršćanskom vojskom pristižu i John i njegova šarolikom družina gubitnika te ih zapada krajnje opasan zadatak da se uvuku u grad i ukradu relikviju Svetog Križa, dok u Aki tisuću nevolja prijeti mladim ljubavnicima… Brojni i raznovrsni likovi upleteni su u egzotičnu radnju s bezbroj obrata, a sve se to odvija na raskošnoj pozadini srednjovjekovnog sukoba civilizacija.
Jane Johnson vješto je spojila žestoku priču o zaraćenim nacijama sa senzualnim pripovijestima o zabranjenoj ljubavi. Genijalno dočaravajući svu složenost ljudske naravi bez obzira na rasu, religiju i kulturu, njezin talent da potakne osjetila omogućava nam da doživimo divote egzotičnih svjetova, moć alkemije i svu slatkoću ljubavničkih osjećaja.
Stupovi od svjetla su remek-djelo povijesnog žanra. Kroz jedinstveni stil i nenadmašno znanje, Jane Johnson opet je udahnula život u jedan ključni i zaboravljeni trenutak povijesti. Povijesni likovi i mjesta oživljavaju u svoj svojoj slavi i ružnoći, pa postajemo stanovnici svijeta koji je presječen popola zbog predrasuda i neznanja – svijeta koji se mora prihvatiti kao cjelina kako bi zacijelio. Stupovima od svjetla suđeno je da postanu klasik.
Istovremeno u Aki, obalnom gradu koji je ključna točka na putu križara do Jeruzalema pratimo Zohru, mladu muslimanku koja se zaljubljuje u židovskog liječničkog pripravnika Natanaela. No Aki prijeti rat i dok s jedne strane u okolicu grada pristižu flote kršćanskih kraljeva, s druge se strane muslimanski vojskovođa Saladin priprema za obranu grada. S kršćanskom vojskom pristižu i John i njegova šarolikom družina gubitnika te ih zapada krajnje opasan zadatak da se uvuku u grad i ukradu relikviju Svetog Križa, dok u Aki tisuću nevolja prijeti mladim ljubavnicima… Brojni i raznovrsni likovi upleteni su u egzotičnu radnju s bezbroj obrata, a sve se to odvija na raskošnoj pozadini srednjovjekovnog sukoba civilizacija.
Jane Johnson vješto je spojila žestoku priču o zaraćenim nacijama sa senzualnim pripovijestima o zabranjenoj ljubavi. Genijalno dočaravajući svu složenost ljudske naravi bez obzira na rasu, religiju i kulturu, njezin talent da potakne osjetila omogućava nam da doživimo divote egzotičnih svjetova, moć alkemije i svu slatkoću ljubavničkih osjećaja.
Stupovi od svjetla su remek-djelo povijesnog žanra. Kroz jedinstveni stil i nenadmašno znanje, Jane Johnson opet je udahnula život u jedan ključni i zaboravljeni trenutak povijesti. Povijesni likovi i mjesta oživljavaju u svoj svojoj slavi i ružnoći, pa postajemo stanovnici svijeta koji je presječen popola zbog predrasuda i neznanja – svijeta koji se mora prihvatiti kao cjelina kako bi zacijelio. Stupovima od svjetla suđeno je da postanu klasik.
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 5, 2016
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1687 people want to read
About the author
Jane Johnson
103 books552 followersJane Johnson is an English writer of books for adults and children and fiction book editor. As a writer she has used the pseudonyms Gabriel King, jointly with M. John Harrison, and Jude Fisher, as well as her real name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
July 15, 2025
Has a hardback release today with a new publisher!
On the back of this book it says "A powerful and seductive tale of love in a time of war." The front has gauzy material floating over sand dunes. All of it says ROMANCE.
It's true that there is a narrow, though powerful, thread of romance that links the many elements of the book together, a hidden affair between a young Muslim woman and a young Jewish man, both in a besieged city, and a rather chaste emotional romance between a young Englishman and an older Moorish man. However, the vast majority of the book is historical fiction, the account of the siege of Acre in the 12th century, told with a gritty realism that is much closer to George RR Martin's, A Game of Thrones, than to any romance.
It's a well-researched book that begins with threads in England and in the Middle-east in the time of the crusades. Historical detail on both the large and small scale is delivered painlessly, woven into the intriguing family life of one set of characters in what was then Syria, and into the tale of our young John Savage who begins on a life of fraud and fakery, separating the gullible from their coins as a miracle man dealing in holy relics.
The siege of Acre over two years is well documented in this book, on both sides of the walls. We're given very human insights into the hardships of hunger, disease, and warfare as they impact our characters, some of whom are placed to see the higher levels of command, including the machinations of Saladin and King Richard.
Johnson always does great work with characters, bringing real people to the page and capturing all the dynamics between them. Here she also does great work with the brutalities of battle, the privations of a siege, and the grinding pointlessness of such conflicts. I guess the romance elements are what keep us hoping. There is also, through the Moor, an air of mysticism and a somewhat philosophical narrative into the clash of religions and cultures.
The lasting legacy of all of this blood, death, hope and passion as two faiths and many sub-cultures grind against each other is rather wonderfully crystalised into the union of architectures that results in a great cathedral for one religion built using the ideas and brilliance nurtured in the world of the other.
The book's cover picture could equally well have been the light through high windows shining down from the vaulted heights of a cathedral, or a burning city surrounded by siege towers and trebuchets, or Saladin charging with his cavalry at the Christian ranks.
It's a big, diverse book with a lot to say. A great read!
(any historical inaccuracies in this review are my own)
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Join my 3-emails-a-year newsletter #prizes
...
On the back of this book it says "A powerful and seductive tale of love in a time of war." The front has gauzy material floating over sand dunes. All of it says ROMANCE.
It's true that there is a narrow, though powerful, thread of romance that links the many elements of the book together, a hidden affair between a young Muslim woman and a young Jewish man, both in a besieged city, and a rather chaste emotional romance between a young Englishman and an older Moorish man. However, the vast majority of the book is historical fiction, the account of the siege of Acre in the 12th century, told with a gritty realism that is much closer to George RR Martin's, A Game of Thrones, than to any romance.
It's a well-researched book that begins with threads in England and in the Middle-east in the time of the crusades. Historical detail on both the large and small scale is delivered painlessly, woven into the intriguing family life of one set of characters in what was then Syria, and into the tale of our young John Savage who begins on a life of fraud and fakery, separating the gullible from their coins as a miracle man dealing in holy relics.
The siege of Acre over two years is well documented in this book, on both sides of the walls. We're given very human insights into the hardships of hunger, disease, and warfare as they impact our characters, some of whom are placed to see the higher levels of command, including the machinations of Saladin and King Richard.
Johnson always does great work with characters, bringing real people to the page and capturing all the dynamics between them. Here she also does great work with the brutalities of battle, the privations of a siege, and the grinding pointlessness of such conflicts. I guess the romance elements are what keep us hoping. There is also, through the Moor, an air of mysticism and a somewhat philosophical narrative into the clash of religions and cultures.
The lasting legacy of all of this blood, death, hope and passion as two faiths and many sub-cultures grind against each other is rather wonderfully crystalised into the union of architectures that results in a great cathedral for one religion built using the ideas and brilliance nurtured in the world of the other.
The book's cover picture could equally well have been the light through high windows shining down from the vaulted heights of a cathedral, or a burning city surrounded by siege towers and trebuchets, or Saladin charging with his cavalry at the Christian ranks.
It's a big, diverse book with a lot to say. A great read!
(any historical inaccuracies in this review are my own)
Join my Patreon
Join my 3-emails-a-year newsletter #prizes
...
November 29, 2016
Ocjena 3,5
U svom najnovijem povijesnom romanu Stupovi od svjetla (Pillars of Light, 2016.) autorica se ponovno vraća na Bliski istok, ovaj put u srednji vijek, u doba križarskih ratova. Glavni junak John Savage, siroče koje su odgojili redovnici u Cornwallu, kreće na put s tajanstvenim Maurom. Oni zajedno s kazališnom družinom obilaze Englesku novačeći ljude za križarske pohode u Svetu zemlju, a potom u Londonu sreću kralja Rikarda Lavljeg Srca i predaju mu lažni Excalibur.
Istovremeno u Aki, obalnom gradu koji je ključna točka na putu križara do Jeruzalema pratimo Zohru, mladu muslimanku koja se zaljubljuje u židovskog liječničkog pripravnika Natanaela. No Aki prijeti rat i dok s jedne strane u okolicu grada pristižu flote kršćanskih kraljeva, s druge se strane muslimanski vojskovođa Saladin priprema za obranu grada. S kršćanskom vojskom pristižu i John i njegova šarolikom družina gubitnika te ih zapada krajnje opasan zadatak da se uvuku u grad i ukradu relikviju Svetog Križa, dok u Aki tisuću nevolja prijeti mladim ljubavnicima… Brojni i raznovrsni likovi upleteni su u egzotičnu radnju s bezbroj obrata, a sve se to odvija na raskošnoj pozadini srednjovjekovnog sukoba civilizacija.
Stvarno sam mislila da je ovo ljubavna priča pa sam prvo bila razočarana, jer iskreno govoreći previše je ratnih dešavanja u njoj. Čitanje 200 strana je trajalo 3 dana i onda sinoć za četiri ipo sata sam završila knjigu. Trebalo je vremena da sve dođe na svoje mjesto, da se upoznaju svi likovi koji na početku i nemaju ništa zajednično pa tek na polovini shvatamo kakva je njihova uloga u priči.
I opet me je zgrozila ljudska brutalnost, sirovost, pohlepa, mrznja... Konačna ocjena je 3,5 jer ne mogu dati 4 zbog zbrkanog i preopširnog uvoda u ono što je tek trebalo doći, mislim da bi i sa sto stranica manje priča bila sasvim dovoljna i ispričana podjednako dobro kao što je i sa ovih 400+.
U svom najnovijem povijesnom romanu Stupovi od svjetla (Pillars of Light, 2016.) autorica se ponovno vraća na Bliski istok, ovaj put u srednji vijek, u doba križarskih ratova. Glavni junak John Savage, siroče koje su odgojili redovnici u Cornwallu, kreće na put s tajanstvenim Maurom. Oni zajedno s kazališnom družinom obilaze Englesku novačeći ljude za križarske pohode u Svetu zemlju, a potom u Londonu sreću kralja Rikarda Lavljeg Srca i predaju mu lažni Excalibur.
Istovremeno u Aki, obalnom gradu koji je ključna točka na putu križara do Jeruzalema pratimo Zohru, mladu muslimanku koja se zaljubljuje u židovskog liječničkog pripravnika Natanaela. No Aki prijeti rat i dok s jedne strane u okolicu grada pristižu flote kršćanskih kraljeva, s druge se strane muslimanski vojskovođa Saladin priprema za obranu grada. S kršćanskom vojskom pristižu i John i njegova šarolikom družina gubitnika te ih zapada krajnje opasan zadatak da se uvuku u grad i ukradu relikviju Svetog Križa, dok u Aki tisuću nevolja prijeti mladim ljubavnicima… Brojni i raznovrsni likovi upleteni su u egzotičnu radnju s bezbroj obrata, a sve se to odvija na raskošnoj pozadini srednjovjekovnog sukoba civilizacija.
Stvarno sam mislila da je ovo ljubavna priča pa sam prvo bila razočarana, jer iskreno govoreći previše je ratnih dešavanja u njoj. Čitanje 200 strana je trajalo 3 dana i onda sinoć za četiri ipo sata sam završila knjigu. Trebalo je vremena da sve dođe na svoje mjesto, da se upoznaju svi likovi koji na početku i nemaju ništa zajednično pa tek na polovini shvatamo kakva je njihova uloga u priči.
I opet me je zgrozila ljudska brutalnost, sirovost, pohlepa, mrznja... Konačna ocjena je 3,5 jer ne mogu dati 4 zbog zbrkanog i preopširnog uvoda u ono što je tek trebalo doći, mislim da bi i sa sto stranica manje priča bila sasvim dovoljna i ispričana podjednako dobro kao što je i sa ovih 400+.
January 11, 2016
I went into this book thinking that it was a romance set within a historical fiction backdrop of a 12th century siege. What I got was an engrossing, vivid and human look at the impact of war on the people involved with some romance thrown in for good measure.
Initially the book feels like two stories in one. The plot is told via multiple story lines with one starring John Savage and his group of English misfits who are on their way to help Richard the Lionheart's crusade to take Akka. The other story line focuses on a Jewish and a Muslim family living in Akka and how they endure during the siege on their city. These two story lines ultimately converge and show not only the brutality of war but how it affected people.
This was the first time I've read a book by Jane Johnson and I was quickly engaged by her writing style which is wonderfully vivid and introduces her readers to an era and cultures that readers may not know much about. She does this in an engaging way without bogging down the plot's pace as she deftly includes information on Syria's history, religious architecture and the two year siege of Akka in the 12th century. Ultimately she shows what happens when humanity does its worst to each other, each group fighting for what they believe is right.
The common theme throughout the book was that we have more similarities than differences. This includes similarities in religion, family life, love and relationships with the author focusing on romantic relationships that were considered unorthodox at that time -- Jew and Muslim, Muslim and Christian and homosexual -- yet all had the same basis ... love.
"What did it matter that they each came from a different family, from a different culture? Jewish, Muslim and in Nima's case who-new-what? This was how the world should be -- people brought together by love." (pg 393)
"There is a savagery in all of us." (pg 426)
I found Johnson's way of writing about war very unique in that her readers get to see war from many different sides. She shows the Christian side as they try to take Akka, the human side of the war through the eyes of the people, both Jew and Muslim, who live within the walls of Akka, John Savage's group and the two armies' points of view. Throughout all of these different viewpoints, but especially through the citizens of Akka, Johnson brings the emotional side of war to the forefront as the reader sees the human toll of long battles - from starvation, disease, loss and brutality. The author holds nothing back. Johnson also gives her readers a glimpse into how this war affects people at various levels - from the commoner in Akka, to the soldiers on the battlefield to King Richard the Lionheart and Saladin.
Johnson describes war in a raw, vivid and brutal telling and shows the horror and often senselessness of war but she also brings to light the more human results of war. Readers, don't be afraid of this book's size! You will enjoy this intelligent, historical read (similar in feel to Ken Follett's style) and will quickly get caught up in the characters lives and the historical references.
My Rating: 4/5 stars
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to DoubleDay Canada for providing me with a paperback copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
**This book review can also be found on my blog, The Baking Bookworm (www.thebakingbookworm.blogspot.ca) where I share hundreds of book reviews and my favourite recipes. **
Initially the book feels like two stories in one. The plot is told via multiple story lines with one starring John Savage and his group of English misfits who are on their way to help Richard the Lionheart's crusade to take Akka. The other story line focuses on a Jewish and a Muslim family living in Akka and how they endure during the siege on their city. These two story lines ultimately converge and show not only the brutality of war but how it affected people.
This was the first time I've read a book by Jane Johnson and I was quickly engaged by her writing style which is wonderfully vivid and introduces her readers to an era and cultures that readers may not know much about. She does this in an engaging way without bogging down the plot's pace as she deftly includes information on Syria's history, religious architecture and the two year siege of Akka in the 12th century. Ultimately she shows what happens when humanity does its worst to each other, each group fighting for what they believe is right.
The common theme throughout the book was that we have more similarities than differences. This includes similarities in religion, family life, love and relationships with the author focusing on romantic relationships that were considered unorthodox at that time -- Jew and Muslim, Muslim and Christian and homosexual -- yet all had the same basis ... love.
"What did it matter that they each came from a different family, from a different culture? Jewish, Muslim and in Nima's case who-new-what? This was how the world should be -- people brought together by love." (pg 393)
"There is a savagery in all of us." (pg 426)
I found Johnson's way of writing about war very unique in that her readers get to see war from many different sides. She shows the Christian side as they try to take Akka, the human side of the war through the eyes of the people, both Jew and Muslim, who live within the walls of Akka, John Savage's group and the two armies' points of view. Throughout all of these different viewpoints, but especially through the citizens of Akka, Johnson brings the emotional side of war to the forefront as the reader sees the human toll of long battles - from starvation, disease, loss and brutality. The author holds nothing back. Johnson also gives her readers a glimpse into how this war affects people at various levels - from the commoner in Akka, to the soldiers on the battlefield to King Richard the Lionheart and Saladin.
Johnson describes war in a raw, vivid and brutal telling and shows the horror and often senselessness of war but she also brings to light the more human results of war. Readers, don't be afraid of this book's size! You will enjoy this intelligent, historical read (similar in feel to Ken Follett's style) and will quickly get caught up in the characters lives and the historical references.
My Rating: 4/5 stars
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to DoubleDay Canada for providing me with a paperback copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
**This book review can also be found on my blog, The Baking Bookworm (www.thebakingbookworm.blogspot.ca) where I share hundreds of book reviews and my favourite recipes. **
March 27, 2016
3.5 Stars
Pillars of Light is a very good book. I truly enjoyed it, but there was just too much war in it. It could have been a shorter book and told the same story. Although, I do have to say every time I became frustrated at the length of a war scene.... I was then drawn back into the story of the people.
The following is the synopsis given by Goodreads. I really could not say it better:
In the Syrian city of Akka, Nathanael, a young Jewish doctor, and a Muslim girl called Zohra are about to fall in love, unaware that Jerusalem has just been taken by Saladin's army and that their city will soon be engulfed by war.
Meanwhile in England, John Savage, a foundling boy, runs away from his cruel life in a priory with The Moor, a mysterious man driven by a dream of perfection.
John and The Moor become members of a band of conmen travelling through the English countryside faking religious miracles for cash, until they are recruited in Richard the Lionheart's drive to regain the Latin Kingdom from the infidel. Akka awaits. It will be the site of the greatest--and cruellest--siege of its time. But even in the midst of war, lovers find ways to make transactions of beauty.
Pillars of Light is a powerful and moving novel about the triumph of the human spirit against all the odds. It will delight fans of Philippa Gregory, Ken Follett and Diana Gabaldon.
The author, Jane Johnson did include some of the real people and what they contributed to this time in history. I believe her research is accurate.
I would recommend this book to those readers who fancy historical fiction.
Pillars of Light is a very good book. I truly enjoyed it, but there was just too much war in it. It could have been a shorter book and told the same story. Although, I do have to say every time I became frustrated at the length of a war scene.... I was then drawn back into the story of the people.
The following is the synopsis given by Goodreads. I really could not say it better:
In the Syrian city of Akka, Nathanael, a young Jewish doctor, and a Muslim girl called Zohra are about to fall in love, unaware that Jerusalem has just been taken by Saladin's army and that their city will soon be engulfed by war.
Meanwhile in England, John Savage, a foundling boy, runs away from his cruel life in a priory with The Moor, a mysterious man driven by a dream of perfection.
John and The Moor become members of a band of conmen travelling through the English countryside faking religious miracles for cash, until they are recruited in Richard the Lionheart's drive to regain the Latin Kingdom from the infidel. Akka awaits. It will be the site of the greatest--and cruellest--siege of its time. But even in the midst of war, lovers find ways to make transactions of beauty.
Pillars of Light is a powerful and moving novel about the triumph of the human spirit against all the odds. It will delight fans of Philippa Gregory, Ken Follett and Diana Gabaldon.
The author, Jane Johnson did include some of the real people and what they contributed to this time in history. I believe her research is accurate.
I would recommend this book to those readers who fancy historical fiction.
September 25, 2015
Once again Jane Johnson had created a stunning story of love and endurance against the vivid tapestry of pivotal moments in history. For anyone who relishes a big intelligent historical read.
July 12, 2016
Jane Johnson’s Pillars of Light has been compared to likes of Diana Gabaldon’s books. For what reason, I don’t really know. Perhaps it’s the historical setting, or the writing even. Whatever it is, I felt the same way about Gabaldon’s books as I did Johnson’s: a visceral disconnection with the events taking place, and the general lack of empathy towards the characters.
Pillars of Light is – essentially – a two books in one type of reads. Set in the time of the Crusades, it tells the story of a Jewish doctor and a Muslim woman’s forbidden love affair. Zorah’s loyalty was to her family first and foremost. And while Nathanael’s parents were of liberal beliefs, they worried that their son constantly flirted with danger every time they meet.
On the other side of the globe, a group of miscreants traveled through Europe, duping Christendom of their money by selling faux religious artifacts while recruiting crusaders along the way. All in the name of Christ. I was fully vested to see the stories through. I wanted to see how they would intersect. To my disappointment, however, I found that the thread was very long, very fragile and very thin.
Jane Johnson wrote the struggle, the hunger, the disease brought by warfare with efficacy. For that, she was a wiz. She also showed how dangerous a relationship between Muslim and a Jew could be with every clandestine meeting Zorah and Nat ever had. In the meantime, John Savage and The Moor of the Traveling Crooks had an implied love affair that was barely explored. I must admit that both stories could’ve been better explored, better represented. It was always on the cusp of being great but sadly fell short. It lacked the emotions necessary for a reader to feel the connection – to the characters, to the stories.
However, if you are familiar with the history of Crusades, you might recognize some events that took place. Unfortunately, my knowledge of this war was relegated to Ridley Scott’s Kingdom of Heaven. I did find it very helpful because the movie depicted a Sultan who forgave the invaders and allowed them to leave Jerusalem on their free will, as it did in the beginning of the book.
All in all, even though I didn’t fully appreciate Jane Johnson’s relative interpretation of particular events in the Crusades, I saw how important it is to her to give such a barbaric event a human perspective. The romance helped a bit, but I missed the connection between Zorah and Nat’s romance and the story of the Traveling Crooks. As a reader, I know I’m at fault when I focused more on the romance rather than the opportunity to learn more about a part of the History which, arguably, began the difficult relationship between Muslims and the world as we know it. And for that, I feel the need to apologize.
Pillars of Light is – essentially – a two books in one type of reads. Set in the time of the Crusades, it tells the story of a Jewish doctor and a Muslim woman’s forbidden love affair. Zorah’s loyalty was to her family first and foremost. And while Nathanael’s parents were of liberal beliefs, they worried that their son constantly flirted with danger every time they meet.
On the other side of the globe, a group of miscreants traveled through Europe, duping Christendom of their money by selling faux religious artifacts while recruiting crusaders along the way. All in the name of Christ. I was fully vested to see the stories through. I wanted to see how they would intersect. To my disappointment, however, I found that the thread was very long, very fragile and very thin.
Jane Johnson wrote the struggle, the hunger, the disease brought by warfare with efficacy. For that, she was a wiz. She also showed how dangerous a relationship between Muslim and a Jew could be with every clandestine meeting Zorah and Nat ever had. In the meantime, John Savage and The Moor of the Traveling Crooks had an implied love affair that was barely explored. I must admit that both stories could’ve been better explored, better represented. It was always on the cusp of being great but sadly fell short. It lacked the emotions necessary for a reader to feel the connection – to the characters, to the stories.
However, if you are familiar with the history of Crusades, you might recognize some events that took place. Unfortunately, my knowledge of this war was relegated to Ridley Scott’s Kingdom of Heaven. I did find it very helpful because the movie depicted a Sultan who forgave the invaders and allowed them to leave Jerusalem on their free will, as it did in the beginning of the book.
All in all, even though I didn’t fully appreciate Jane Johnson’s relative interpretation of particular events in the Crusades, I saw how important it is to her to give such a barbaric event a human perspective. The romance helped a bit, but I missed the connection between Zorah and Nat’s romance and the story of the Traveling Crooks. As a reader, I know I’m at fault when I focused more on the romance rather than the opportunity to learn more about a part of the History which, arguably, began the difficult relationship between Muslims and the world as we know it. And for that, I feel the need to apologize.
August 6, 2020
At first I didn’t like the book as much as I like it now. Nathanael's and Zohr's story immediately intrigued me, but the story of John, Maur and their company wasn't very interesting to me, in fact it was surplus and didn't make sense to me, but due to the development of events, everything eventually nicely fit together. This book shows the tragedies and ugliness of war, but also the beauty and strength of love. I like the appearance of forbidden and unexpected loves. Nathanael and Zohra are my favorite characters, apart from their love story I love their personalities (care, sacrifice and persistence). Maur is a character that intrigued me 'cause he is very mysterious throughout the book, and I'm always attracted to the mysterious characters in the books. I like the author's approach to the book because it has an educational point - the book contains interesting information about the Crusades while pointing out that we need to learn from the past to have a better future. I'd love to read other books by Jane Johnson.
December 1, 2015
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
This is an historical fiction novel set in the late 12th century, specifically after the Christians lost the city of Jerusalem to the Muslims. The Christians also had lost a major city called Acre or Akka. This is where the majority of the book takes place. The Christian armies siege this city to take it back from the Muslims.
There are many different perspectives that we see from. We see from people on the Christian side of things, we see people, both Muslim and Jew, that live within the city, and we also see the Saracen army point of view.
There are also other subplots within the book, mostly pertaining to relationships and love. These relationships are mostly unorthodox ones, considering the time. Jew and Muslim, Christian and Muslim, homosexual relationships. But this I think is the main them throghout the book. Whatever we may look like, or whatever we may belive, or whatever has happened to us in the pst, we are all humans. We all face similar issues. We all love. So it basically a contrast to what was a bloody two years of battle.
This is an historical fiction novel set in the late 12th century, specifically after the Christians lost the city of Jerusalem to the Muslims. The Christians also had lost a major city called Acre or Akka. This is where the majority of the book takes place. The Christian armies siege this city to take it back from the Muslims.
There are many different perspectives that we see from. We see from people on the Christian side of things, we see people, both Muslim and Jew, that live within the city, and we also see the Saracen army point of view.
There are also other subplots within the book, mostly pertaining to relationships and love. These relationships are mostly unorthodox ones, considering the time. Jew and Muslim, Christian and Muslim, homosexual relationships. But this I think is the main them throghout the book. Whatever we may look like, or whatever we may belive, or whatever has happened to us in the pst, we are all humans. We all face similar issues. We all love. So it basically a contrast to what was a bloody two years of battle.
December 19, 2020
Another superb read from the pen of a worthy successor to Dorothy Dunnett!
A disparate group making the trip from Cornwall via Somerset to the Cinque posts and thence to the Holy Land and the untrammelled savagery of the Seige of Acre. John Savage, a foundling, but with an eye and a talent for drawing, Ezra, a girl using a boys identity, the enigmatic Moor and a crew of mummers and rogues find themselves despatched to Palestine for Richard the Lionheart's Crusade. A Palestine where Saladin has conquered Jerusalem, but who finds himself unable to relieve the Seige of Acre - an Acre where a young Jewish Doctor and a Muslim girl find themselves caught up in the terrible events of the siege.
Jane Johnson has a superb eye for detail and the gift of impeccable research. A wide-ranging tale packed with emotions and events, with love and with savagery. Highly recommended by me.
My own peripatetic existence has seen me spend a long time in the Levant. The author shows a wonderful feeling of "place" that I recognised instantly.
A disparate group making the trip from Cornwall via Somerset to the Cinque posts and thence to the Holy Land and the untrammelled savagery of the Seige of Acre. John Savage, a foundling, but with an eye and a talent for drawing, Ezra, a girl using a boys identity, the enigmatic Moor and a crew of mummers and rogues find themselves despatched to Palestine for Richard the Lionheart's Crusade. A Palestine where Saladin has conquered Jerusalem, but who finds himself unable to relieve the Seige of Acre - an Acre where a young Jewish Doctor and a Muslim girl find themselves caught up in the terrible events of the siege.
Jane Johnson has a superb eye for detail and the gift of impeccable research. A wide-ranging tale packed with emotions and events, with love and with savagery. Highly recommended by me.
My own peripatetic existence has seen me spend a long time in the Levant. The author shows a wonderful feeling of "place" that I recognised instantly.
July 30, 2022
Malo mi je falilo da odustanem negdje na polovici knjige.
Srećom, druga polovica je zanimljivija i uz sve nedostatke u fabuli, lijepo napisana.
Srećom, druga polovica je zanimljivija i uz sve nedostatke u fabuli, lijepo napisana.
May 29, 2018
I loved the descriptive writing, the setting and the characters of this historical novel, but, as with anything involving wars, sieges, feuds etc I tended to get lost trying to follow what was going on. I think that's just me though - don't be put off :)
September 12, 2024
once you start reading you want to continue to see what happens. Good historical fiction.
February 17, 2016
The horrors of war, the intolerance among religions for each other and the hope of a better future are all themes in this retelling of the siege of Acre during the Third Crusade in the 12th century. The crusaders including King Richard, the Lionhearted are determined to take Acre on their way to reclaim Jerusalem. Saladin is equally determined to stop them. The population of Acre is caught in the middle. Wonderful fictional characters including John Savage, a foundling who becomes a con man; The Moor, whose ultimately rescues him; Zohra, a Muslim girl in love with Nathanael, a young Jewish doctor and more make these events come alive. Sadly the fighting in Syria today, sees many of the events told here still happening today
September 6, 2016
1% historical. Johnson, who is married for Muslim, tried to put up a story where everyone is equally to be blamed without knowing any facts how and why The Crusades started - because of Muslims who were attacking Christians on their pilgrimage to Holly Land. Before writing such a book every author should know that history is not black and white but thousands shades of gray.
May 5, 2022
Glavni junak John Savage, siroče koje su odgojili redovnici u Cornwallu, kreće na put s tajanstvenim Maurom. Oni zajedno s kazališnom družinom (Brzoprstićem, Mary, Crvenim Willom, Čekićem, Pilom i Malim Nedom) obilaze Englesku novačeći ljude za križarske pohode u Svetu zemlju, a potom u Londonu sreću kralja Rikarda Lavljeg Srca i predaju mu lažni Excalibur. Istovremeno u Aki, obalnom gradu koji je ključna točka na putu križara do Jeruzalema pratimo Zohru, mladu muslimanku koja se zaljubljuje u židovskog liječničkog pripravnika Natanaela. No Aki prijeti rat i dok s jedne strane u okolicu grada pristižu flote kršćanskih kraljeva, s druge se strane muslimanski vojskovođa Saladin priprema za obranu grada. S kršćanskom vojskom pristižu i John i njegova šarolikom družina gubitnika te ih zapada krajnje opasan zadatak da se uvuku u grad i ukradu relikviju Svetog Križa, dok u Aki tisuću nevolja prijeti mladim ljubavnicima. Johna je napustio Maur, ali su usput spasili Rosamund nakon silovanja Geoffreya de Glanvilla i njegovog brat Ranulfa, te se ona pridružila njihovoj družni kao Ezra. Natanael i Zohra su ljubovali, dok nije umrla Zohrina majka Nima. Otada je Zohra izbjegavala Natanaela misleći da je kažnjena za grijeh. Kad je brat Malek došao u posjet obitelji, udao ju za bratića Tarika kojeg Zohra nije mogla smisliti i koji je bio okrutan. Svijet im se počeo rušiti, tata joj je bio ozlijeđen, Kamal za kojeg su sumnjali da je ubio majku je nestao, Aiša je postao glasnik plivač, dok se nije utopio, i Sorgan, koji je bio malouman, je trebao pažnju. U bujici rata, Natanael je uspio pribavljati jelo, koje je kradomice donosio i Zohri. Kad je Sorgan ubio Tarika, nakon par dana je ranjen Natanael. Kamal je pridruživši se hašašinima dobio zadatak da ubije Salah ad-Dina, ali je pomogavši John Savagu i družini da uđu u Akru, odlučio ubiti Karakuša i time ranio Natanaela koji je njegovao Karakuša. Zohra je uspjela spasiti Natanela i otad ga je njegovala, a u svoju kuću je dovela i njegovu majku Saru i djevojčicu Nimu, za koju se Natanael počeo brinuti kad joj je majka ubijena. Johna Savaga i družinu, nakon što su se domogli blaga su uhvatili mještani Ake, koji su Willa i Neda bacili iz katapulta, a kad su htjeli baciti i Johna, pojavila se zelena konjica, te su John i Brzoprstić pobjegli, ali im se pridružio i Čekić. Uspjeli su uzmaknuti od potjere na brod koji je pogođen grčkom vatrom i zapaljen pa se John bacio u more sa dijelom Svetog Križa na leđima. No, spasio ga je Maur i odveo do Salaha ad-Dina koji mu je dao zadatak da nacrta Sveti Križ. Jer je to bio jedan od uvjeta predaje koja je dogovorena između muslimana i kršćana. Kršćani su zahtijevali ogromne novce i Sveti Križ, a za to su zarobili dio stanovništva dok se to ne ostvari. Kako nije znao gdje je nestao Sveti Križ, John ga je nacrtao po sjećanju i onda su ga alkemičari napravili i posvijetljivali metal kako bi izgledao kao zlato kad kršćani dođu po njega. Kršćani su poslali Savarica koji je Salahu iznio uvijete koje kralj traži, da odmah dobiju novce i Sveti Križ inače će početi ubijati narod. Dok su Natanael i Zohra uživali u zajedničkim trenutcima, vidjeli su kako su iz Akre pušteni zatočenici, no kako su se ljudi približavali, vidjeli su da su povezani užetom. Vojnici su doveli ljude pred muslimanski tabor i počeli ih klati. Tako su pobijeni svi oni koji su ostali u Akri kao taoci. Nasreću, Sara i Baltazar su nagovorili svoju djecu da odu iz grada. Njih i Sorgana su pobili. Kad je rat završen, ljudi su krenuli prema Damasku i John s Maurom se sprijateljio sa Natanaelom, Zohrom i Nimom s kojima su proveli neko vrijeme u Damasku, nakon što su se smjestili. Pa su Maur i John krenuli dalje do Svetog grada, Jeruzalema. John se sjetio i da kad se probudio na obali mora, da je vidio Maura s Svetim Križem i čavlom iz Traversa kojeg je John nosio kao dar od Maura i kako čavao pristaje Križu. Shvatio je da je Sveti Križ kod Maura. Puno godina nakon što se završila katedrala u Wellsu, John se prisjetio svega i kako su na kraju gradnje, on i Maur pokopali Sveti Križ u središte katedrale.
January 11, 2020
Pillars of Light centers around the siege and eventual fall of Akka in the Holy Land during the Third Crusade in the 12th century. One storyline follows the secret love affair between Zorha, a Muslim girl who has been betrothed to a hated cousin, and Nathanael, a Jewish doctor/doctor's son, both of whom live in Akka. Another follows John Savage, an abused foundling from Cornwall, England who was raised in a monastery and who takes up with a mysterious Moor and a band of shysters to fake religious miracles to raise money for the English war effort in Akka. Yet another storyline follows Malek, Zohra's brother, in his role as bodyguard to the cultured Muslim leader Salah ad-Din (known to the English as Saladin).
All of these stories intertwine to deliver an epic tale of that portrays the siege in its increasingly devastating horror over the two years it lasted, including famine, violence, disease, squalor, and death among both the besieging Europeans and Akka's defenders. It's story of endurance through adversity, and the understanding and acceptance between people who are different that often arises as a result of this. Although I found the instalove origins of Zohra and Nathanael’s cross-cultural relationship unbelievable, their love matured, deepened, and was tested over the course of the siege in ways that felt realistic and inevitable. So too was John's love for the Moor a compelling, changing, yearning that grows into a transcendent spiritual bond. A highly enjoyable story of war, religion, hardship, and heart. I look forward to reading more of Jane Johnson's books.
All of these stories intertwine to deliver an epic tale of that portrays the siege in its increasingly devastating horror over the two years it lasted, including famine, violence, disease, squalor, and death among both the besieging Europeans and Akka's defenders. It's story of endurance through adversity, and the understanding and acceptance between people who are different that often arises as a result of this. Although I found the instalove origins of Zohra and Nathanael’s cross-cultural relationship unbelievable, their love matured, deepened, and was tested over the course of the siege in ways that felt realistic and inevitable. So too was John's love for the Moor a compelling, changing, yearning that grows into a transcendent spiritual bond. A highly enjoyable story of war, religion, hardship, and heart. I look forward to reading more of Jane Johnson's books.
November 5, 2017
I like historical fiction but I admit that I didn't know much about the Crusades until this novel. I soon became immersed in the era because of the vivid, authentic and well-written descriptions. Despite this book being very detailed, it didn't take me that long to read. Once I got into the story, I did not want to stop reading.
I liked how the narrative was split to show different perspectives of the conflicts. Plus, I was able to read about several interesting characters. The cast of characters was impressive if at times a tiny bit confusing due to the number and that some went by more than one name but thankfully there was a useful dramatis personae at the front which I could refer back to.
All in all, a very good piece of historical fiction. It was clear that Jane Johnson has put a lot of time and research into this and comparisons with Philippa Gregory are justified. I could also see hints of George R R Martin due to the depictions of war that were not sugarcoated. I will definitely be looking at more of this author's work.
Thank you to UCLAN Publishing for giving me a free proof copy. As requested, I have also posted this review on Amazon.
I liked how the narrative was split to show different perspectives of the conflicts. Plus, I was able to read about several interesting characters. The cast of characters was impressive if at times a tiny bit confusing due to the number and that some went by more than one name but thankfully there was a useful dramatis personae at the front which I could refer back to.
All in all, a very good piece of historical fiction. It was clear that Jane Johnson has put a lot of time and research into this and comparisons with Philippa Gregory are justified. I could also see hints of George R R Martin due to the depictions of war that were not sugarcoated. I will definitely be looking at more of this author's work.
Thank you to UCLAN Publishing for giving me a free proof copy. As requested, I have also posted this review on Amazon.
December 27, 2024
4.5 stars
John Savage and his motley crew of forgers and fakers head off from Somerset in England to help fight in the crusades in Syria in the 1100s. Part of the gang split off to visit religious buildings in the hope of finding a way to build a magnificent cathedral in Wells that has high arches and huge windows.
Meanwhile in Syria, Zohra and Nathanael are having a forbidden romance when the war begins and they are split up, living each day as it comes, through famine and terror. Zohra loses her brothers and mother, leaving her to run the household and be married to her awful cousin, Tariq.
What a journey these guys have! I found this novel gripping, despite not knowing anything about the crusades beforehand and I thought the cathedral storyline was really interesting, especially as I shall be visiting Wells cathedral soon.
John Savage and his motley crew of forgers and fakers head off from Somerset in England to help fight in the crusades in Syria in the 1100s. Part of the gang split off to visit religious buildings in the hope of finding a way to build a magnificent cathedral in Wells that has high arches and huge windows.
Meanwhile in Syria, Zohra and Nathanael are having a forbidden romance when the war begins and they are split up, living each day as it comes, through famine and terror. Zohra loses her brothers and mother, leaving her to run the household and be married to her awful cousin, Tariq.
What a journey these guys have! I found this novel gripping, despite not knowing anything about the crusades beforehand and I thought the cathedral storyline was really interesting, especially as I shall be visiting Wells cathedral soon.
May 7, 2024
I so enjoyed this story of two opposing sides in the crusades, spanning from Cornwall to Syria, and written so perfectly that you are totally invested in both stories and reading on in dread awaiting the inevitable clash when the two parties meet! It's also a beautiful tale of love surpassing the conventions we feel bound by, written with real heart - something the world, in all its clashing and sermonising, could certainly do with more of. As with all of Jane's works that I've read, I heartily recommend it.
August 31, 2025
I'd love to give this one a 5 - but - in the early pages - it started to feel a bit like melodrama...
And then - in a historical novel, we're in the 12th century - nearly 300 years before Columbus - and people in the levant are cultivating chilli and capsicum? Eh? So it dropped down to 3 stars...
Lazy...
But - but - those reservations aside - I loved the last 1/3 of the novel and loved the ending...
Jane - if you left out the chilli and capsicum references - it would be 5 stars!
Another of my favourite historical writers, Bernard Cornwell, would never have been so sloppy!
And then - in a historical novel, we're in the 12th century - nearly 300 years before Columbus - and people in the levant are cultivating chilli and capsicum? Eh? So it dropped down to 3 stars...
Lazy...
But - but - those reservations aside - I loved the last 1/3 of the novel and loved the ending...
Jane - if you left out the chilli and capsicum references - it would be 5 stars!
Another of my favourite historical writers, Bernard Cornwell, would never have been so sloppy!
October 19, 2017
Rated 3.5. This is quite a long story about the siege of Acra, Syria during the 3rd crusade in the late 12th century. It is told from the point of view of the European foot soldier and the Muslim residents of Acra under siege. It is an interesting book that gives a totally different viewpoint of the "holy wars" and the fight for Jerusalem. The love matches the author ends the book on is a bit of a stretch especially for those times.
June 12, 2017
This is probably closer to a 4, but when a book is this long, it needs to be riveting. My preference would have been to follow the more interesting characters more and less focus on the minor ones. That being said, she did an excellent job of weaving it together and presenting both sides of one of the Holy Wars. What a travesty- for all of this to be in the name of God.
April 8, 2021
I loved this book and I found plot to be really interesting but the war scenes were boring. I wish the love stories were explored more (Zohra and Nathanael, John and the Moor) because that's why I started reading this in the first place. Also, John really annoyed me for some reason but fortunately I changed my opinion by the end.
I wouldn't mind reading it again though!
I wouldn't mind reading it again though!
August 12, 2025
I think this had a strong start and a good cast of characters, however at times it felt like a slog. I think the most interesting story to me was that of Zohra and I was disappointed that she didn't play a bigger part. I enjoyed most of John's story but it became repetitive towards the end.
Not a bad novel, just one that needed to be edited better.
Not a bad novel, just one that needed to be edited better.
May 23, 2021
Fantastic historical fiction. Moving from 12th century England to the Middle East and the Third Crusade. Love stories, war and relic hunting. An absolutely riveting book which I can thoroughly recommend.
May 7, 2017
Not my kind of a book.. Neznam kad sam ovoliko dugo neku knjigu čitala :/
July 25, 2017
Didn't finish it.
November 26, 2017
My Book Club Book. Did not hold my interest but I did finish it. Looking forward to the discussion this novel will bring at the book club meeting.
December 31, 2017
Another fascinating historical novel about the conflict between medeaval Islam/Christian differences. This time set in Akka during the crusader siege of this city. Well written !
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