La Cuadratura del Circulo

This book tells the story of the tragedy of a mistaken man, who recognizes his error when it is too late to undo the damagethat he has wrought. Violence, seduction, fury and regret unfurl their implacable logic in the framework of a confused time: the XIIth century. Pombo tells the story of the impossible goal of unifying religion and war, spirituality and politics, love and cruelty. The politics of Acardo, the protagonist, are assailed by contradictory messages: the attraction of war, a fascination for the charismatic San Bernardo de Claraval, the brilliance of the court of the Duke of Aquitania, troubadour and tyrant, the attraction and rejection of the monastic life, the seduction of Islamic culture, subtle and refined. Is it possible to justify this variety of desires, incitements, callings, or would it be like trying to square a circle?