In the Syrian city of Akka, Nathanael, a young Jewish doctor, and a Muslim girl called Zohra are about to fall in love. But Saladin’s army has just taken Jerusalem, and soon their own city will be engulfed by war. A novel about the triumph of the human spirit against all the odds.
'A masterpiece of historical fiction' Anne Fortier
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.
In the Syrian city of Akka, Nathanael, a young Jewish doctor, and a Muslim girl called Zohra are about to fall in love. But Saladin's army has just taken Jerusalem, and soon their own city will 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. They join a band of conmen travelling through the English countryside faking religious miracles for cash, until they are recruited in Richard the Lionheart's army and sent 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.
About the Author
Jane Johnson is a British novelist and publisher. She is the UK editor for George R.R. Martin, Robin Hobb and Dean Koontz and was for many years publisher of the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. Married to a Berber chef she met while researching The Tenth Gift, she lives in Cornwall and Morocco.
Industry Reviews
'A masterpiece of historical fiction ... Famous names and locations spring to life in all their glory and grit ... Pillars of Light is destined to become a classic'
Anne Fortier
'Jane Johnson has combined a scorchingly powerful story of warring nations with sensual tales of forbidden love. Johnson's talent for unlocking the senses allows us to experience the wonders of exotic worlds, the powers of alchemy, and the aching sweetness of honey'
Linda Holeman
'Riveting, enlightening and painful, this novel reveals the senselessness of warfare and conflict and provokes reflection about current events. But it's also about the resilience of love and the hope, the capacity for goodness, that exists in everyone'
Globe and Mail, Canada
'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historical read (similar in feel to Ken Follett's style) and will quickly get caught up in the characters lives and the historical references'
The Baking Bookworm
