The Heaven Tree

The Heaven Tree is set along the England-Wales border during the reign of Bad King John. Harry Talvace, son of a gentleman, runs away to Paris with his foster-brother, Adam, to take up work as a mason. To say Harry’s behaviour is unusual for the period is to put the case mildly. He is also highly attuned to the distinction between the law and justice, and is not shy about letting people know when he thinks that distinction ought to be made. The bulk of the story tells of Harry’s building a cathedral for another lord, Ralf Isambard, and the clash of personalities between forward-thinking Harry and more-of-his-time Isambard.

Overall, I liked this story. It’s set during a period of English and Welsh history that I’m only just show more beginning to explore, so it had my interest for that reason. It took me a little bit to get into, because I’m not much of an architectural buff and skimmed over the descriptions of the cathedral, and also I was second-guessing some of the historical accuracy (“people didn’t have clocks in the 1200s, did they? Would they measure time in hours?”). But to be fair, this book was first published in 1960—we’ve learned a lot since then!

Anyone wanting to compare this book with a certain other book about building a cathedral in mediaeval England will note that (a) this book was published first (b) it is a quarter of the length (c) it does not contain violent sex or rape (although there *is* one scene of objectification that takes place toward the end of the book).

Despite the initial slower-than-expected start, I ended up becoming hugely invested in the story and cried in public at the end. So I would recommend this book. show less

If you enjoyed The Pillars of the Earth or World Without end you are bound to enjoy this book. It is set in the time of King John and tells of a young Mason Harry Talvace, who has magic in his fingertips. He comes from a well to do family and hasa higly tuned sense of fairness and justice, he is brought up with his fathers veillans son Adam, they are like brothers and when an accident with a deer occurs in the forest, which could mean Adam losing his hand in punishment, the boys flea to safety. They go to France where they are apprenticed to a master mason. Before coming back to England to build a magnificent church for his lord Isambard, this sense of justice will eventually lead to anger resentment and death.
The story is very very show more good, Edith Pargeter is a fantastic writer, I spent half the book chewing my fingers in anticipation of what was going to happen. The writing style is fairly old fashioned but suits the book perfectly and her sense of anticipation and intrigue is amazing. I loved this book and am looking forward the reading the next 2 in the trilogy. show less

Fans of Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett would enjoy this story of two men who are blood brothers running away from their lives in England to become masons in France and returning to England to build a church of surpassing brilliance in the borderlands between England and Wales.

Interesting if a little laboured with some of the social commentary which is a little out of place historically. Still a good read and I look forward to reading more in the series.

Harry Talvace is a master stone mason. As young boys, he and his foster brother Adam escape to France after being beaten for a crime they did not commit, and to avoid the further punishment of Adam's having his hand chopped off. They eventually return to England to build a glorious church for a Marcher lord. Harry's deep sense of integrity and justice puts him at odds with the lord (Isambard) and eventually leads to his death. Prince Llewelyn of Wales figures into the story, particularly at the end. So good!

Edith Pargeter is the real name of the person who also writes as Ellis Peters, author of the Brother Cadfael mysteries. In this historical series she explores England in the time of King John. Harry Talvace is a master builder who is hired to build a church in Shropshire. His lord, consumed by jealousy, has him put to death.

Turns out I had read this many years ago, but enjoyed again in re-reading.

Turns out I had read this many years ago, but enjoyed again in re-reading.