The Last Conclave by Glenn Cooper

 

So much in keeping with the present conclave conducted just weeks ago, this story sounds fantastical but very believable despite the secrecy, the hidden truths, but then that is the Vatican.

Starting with a much loved Pope who dies within two years of being elected, we then go into conclave and this is where the history starts. An entire conclave of cardinals disappears, kidnapped by a group of believers thought to have been erased from eight centuries before, the Cathars, and their demands for female representation as a pope amongst other demands.

The story is riveting, history detailed and very easily understood. The workings of the Vatican, the political wheeling and dealing, the ugly facets of the Church like the paedophile priests being swept under a rug and forgotten but at the same time what the church is trying to do, despite the obstacles it faces within its own community.

I do not know whether the book will appeal to those who do not know much about the catholic faith, but for me personally it was an excellent read.

Sent by Book Whisperer for an unbiased review review, courtesy of Netgalley.