The Temple Fire (Tempelbranden)

Catharina Ingelman-Sundberg

It is in the middle of sacrificial feast and the people on the small farm do not know what is coming. Times are hard and in the middle of the festivities strange men ride into the yard with orders to turn the heathens to the new faith. The new God is already being worshiped in the towns of Sigtuna, Täby and Vallentuna, and now the people around Uppsala are to be converted.

 

Åsa is the only witness to what happens this night. A long time later the memories come back to her and she has to make a fateful choice. At the same time the final battle is closing in between the old and the new.

 

The Temple Fire is set in the middle of the 1100’s century during the time Sweden was being christened.  It is a time when families fight for power with religion as their weapon, and when the old way to live is on its way to its ruin. In the north woman as free and able to divorce. In the new faith from Rome woman is man’s property.

 

Catharina Ingelman-Sundberg tells a fascinating story, and once again she manages to create an unforgettable portrait of the strong and brave Åsa who is right there, in the center of power.

 

399 pages

 

Rights sold

Sweden: Historiska Media

 

Reviews

"The pace is high; the main character holds a number of good qualities, all the characters’ thoughts and decisions are explained in detail and the romance is not forgotten. It is snappy and easy to read.”

 

"She does not hesitate – like her male colleagues – for bloody and nasty details in close up. And there is plenty of sex, sensual and loving as well as aggravated rape. Altogether her book is as well as exciting also clarifying and entertaining. One can just hope for more.”

Upsala Nya Tidning

 

Catharina Ingelman-Sundberg tries the old medieval punishment for infidelity that some women had to go through - to carry heavy stones three laps around the city. She made 60 meters.