A review by ernestljh
Montaillou: The Promised Land of Error by Emmanuel Le Roy Ladurie

5.0

I don't usually review on Goodreads books on uni reading lists, but this was fantastic. A sympathetic, detailed examination of villagers' lives, going so far as to explore the world-views of even the common sheep-herder. One should be rightfully wary of some aspects of the books- so much biographic detail, but where is the discussion of the perspective of the inquisitorial staff (bar Fournier himself), the rank-and-file who surely would have influenced the records, for instance? Nonetheless this is certainly not a dated work, and don't let the time period put you off. Despite how far removed this context may seem, you will probably reach the conclusion feeling like you've visited a small village just a few hours' walk from the Pyrenees.