I've read a lot of non-fiction and fiction about the Cathars, and was delighted to see that Susan Karberry has something new to offer in her book, The Good Shepherd and the Last Perfect.

I felt an easy connection to the characters of Pierre and Guillaume as they seek to offer support to their dwindling community while avoiding capture by the Inquisition in Carcassone.

What was particularly fascinating to me was the exploration of Guillaume's self-doubt. Unlike many of the Perfects in whose footsteps he followed, Guillaume's spiritual journey was one of uncertainty. We see him question his ability - and worthiness - to look after his flock, especially as the last Perfect left from the French Cathars.

Another one I’m annoyed about not finishing. This is a historical novel dealing with the Cathar heresy and I asked for this the moment as I saw it as I’ve a little family history when it comes to religious dissidents in Languedoc, southern France. Huguenot not Cathar, although who knows about the latter? So very much up my alley but the writing didn’t work for me. It was going for a historic feeling and I think that came out as stilted for me. Shame, but I might keep an eye on the author and see how it goes as this is a subject that deserves more historical fiction.

The Good Shepherd and the Last Perfect reimagines the lives of the Cathars – the ones that were left after the massacres set against them by the Inquisition.

The story grabs the reader quickly by revealing the circumstances of two main characters. Guy Belibaste, the Perfect, who falls into his position of being the Perfect after an unfortunate accident. And Pedro Maury becomes the shepherd of his choice.

1299, France. Pedro, at eighteen, leaves the house at the crack of the dawn before everyone wakes up. He feels that he has to get away from the thugs and heretics in his village and make a new life for himself somewhere else. The only thing that gnaws at him is that he leaves without a blessing of his father.

It is a time when the Authier brothers went to Lombardy to become Perfects in order to lead the surviving Cathars. The revival of Good Men brings tensions among people. Some don’t want to live in secret. Others resent the Roman church. Pedro wants to make his own choices, which he can’t do in his small village. Thus, the need to leave.

The story alternates between those two characters. Much of what Cathars stand for is revealed in dialogue, which is not my favorite format. Nevertheless, it is a dialogue that moves the story forward. The historical background is revealed in preface. It is not incorporated into the story.

The plot is simple and linear with intriguing characters, which make the story interesting. Some of the dialogue made me pause and question how believable the information is after reading that the Good Men “speak only the truth, where’s the Roman church speaks lies.” I know that the Roman church has done a lot of damage, but presenting one as telling the truth only, and the other offering lies only, just doesn’t sound right to me. Also, keep in mind that little is known of Cathar faith, and most of it only from the point of view of its enemies.

Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A fascinating historical novel with incredible attention to detail. I knew nothing about this historical period and I found myself wanting to find out more.


I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

A very interesting and informative novel! What I loved about it is the fact that the Cathars history is so clearly told that I will not forget it. The characters are also very credible in their faith, doubts and the reality of life. On the other hand, there was more telling than showing making a history of fear and danger not really intensely felt by me, the reader. However a story and history well worth reading about.
I received a complimentary ARC of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily a review.

This historical novel is based on Vatican records and details a period of history which I know a little about but not as much as I would like. This novel filled in the gaps somewhat and was well described, also with well drawn characters. I would recommend the book as a good read. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for giving me a copy of the book.