Pagan's Daughter by Catherine Jinks

Allen & Unwin, 2006

Told in the first person from the point of view of Babylonne, an intelligent, feisty, opinionated 16 year old, Pagan's Daughter is set in southern France in 1227, when the Catholic church was crusading against the heretic Cathars.

A Cathar herself, Babylonne escapes from her abusive relatives only to find herself travelling unwillingly with Father Isidore, who claims to have known her father, a Roman Catholic priest called Pagan Kidrouk. As they attempt to make their way to the pilgimmage site at Compostela in Spain, she learns more about her heritage while grappling with her prejudices.

The journey is beset with dangers and Babylonne finds herself within the walls of the Cathar stronghold, La Becede, with the French army laying siege.

The fifth book (although it can easily be read on its own) in the series based around the character Pagan Kidrouk, this is an action-packed book which gives a clear and detailed picture of life in the middle ages without being didactic or losing pace.

See the first chapter here. Earlier titles: Pagan's crusade; Pagan's vows; Pagan in exile; Pagan's scribe.

Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Lisa.