An Odor of Sanctity A Novel of Medieval Moorish Spain

I first read this book as a teenager, and it has stayed with me forever. I recently re-read it and it is as fine as ever, perhaps more so. Yes, Yerby's characterizations of his female characters is somewhat less than PC--he was writing potboilers for the Fifties. His plots are sometimes thin, and his astonishingly negative view of Africans (in view of the fact that he was half-black himself) is disconcerting. Looking past this, however, the story is really a remarkably subtle and complex discursion on God and faith. His characters ask questions and ponder answers that are relevant to anyone in any age, regardless of religious background. I believe that is why Yerby picked the milieu he did--10th century Spain under the Moors, where his Muslim, Jewish and Christian characters easily discuss religion without resorting to bloodshed. Alaric moves from believer to skeptic and, perhaps, sainthood in the course of forty years, while at the same time sampling a wide variety of women, lifestyles and careers. Yerby is a master at balancing his action scenes with his philosophical discourse, so that it becomes neither shallow nor heavy-handed. I will be reading this book for another 30 years, at least. It never gets old.

I just finished reading this book for the 15th time over the last 30 years. It never fails to make me laugh and cry. It makes me question myself concerning my faith ,my family, and the quality of life that I lead. I believe it redifines what a man should be, should strive for. It is without doubt my favorite book. Get it. Read it. Love it.

I Have lived though the adventures and have been reluctant to put the book away even at three in the morning.I know nothing about writing but this book has taken me through a wide range of emotions from actual tears to great joy. This for me is Frank yearby's best work. My copy is old and the pages are brown now. Where can I get a new copy - beg borrow or stealI have read this book so many times that my paper back copy is old and brown.

The first time I read this book was some 7 years ago, and I have re-read it at least three time since then. It is one of these novels that leave a sharp clear image. A rich experience of life in that time. A very well researched novel, and a very informative source, beyond history facts and deep into human sympathy. Capturing, interesting, educative and exciting.

It is a wonderful story with so many levels...a young mans battle with his culutre, prejudices and faith...set in the wonderful age of moorish spain...with yerby's typical grand style this powerful epic comes to life and our hero comes of age. It can be translated into any time period...A battle all men and women confront and rarely win.