Summary
Labyrinth is a work of historical fiction by Kate Mosse, published in 2005. It is the first book in the Languedoc Trilogy, blending archaeological mystery and historical events with a dual timeline narrative. The novel is set in both the Middle Ages and contemporary France, meticulously weaving together the lives of its two protagonists, Alaïs, from the year 1209, and Alice, in the year 2005. The plot centers on the quest for the Holy Grail, set against the backdrop of the Cathar Crusade in Occitania, which is now Southern France. Mosse's narrative is enriched with Occitan and French quotations, bringing authenticity to the gripping tale.
The story unfolds as Dr. Alice Tanner, volunteering at an archaeological dig near the Pyrenees mountains in Carcassonne, stumbles upon two skeletons in a hidden cave, alongside strange writings, a labyrinth pattern, a stone ring, and a small leather bag. This discovery connects her to a harrowing past and her own unnerving nightmares that have pursued her since childhood, revealing a familial tie to Alaïs, a young herbalist from the 13th century entrusted with protecting a secret that could alter history.
On the eve of the Albigensian Crusade, a brutal war waged by the Catholic Church against the Cathars in southern France in 1209, Alaïs is given a ring, inscribed with a labyrinth, and a mysterious book by her father. The book is said to contain the secret of the true Grail, making Alaïs and her lineage the guardians of an immense power. As the narrative spans across centuries, Labryrinth explores themes of faith, sacrifice, and the unyielding pursuit of knowledge, culminating in a thrilling adventure.
The novel received acclaim for its detailed historical references and complex plot. Named Best Read of the Year at the 2006 British Book Awards, it became a bestseller in the United Kingdom. Labyrinth was adapted into a television series in 2012, bringing the enthralling tale to a broader audience.
Themes
Search for identity and self-understanding
Interconnection between past and present
Quest for historical and spiritual truth
Sacrifice
Impact of historical events on personal destinies
Contrast between good and evil
Role of women in history and their strength
Mysticism intertwined with reality
Setting
Labyrinth entwines two distinct timelines across the same geographical area. The story unfolds in the picturesque region of Occitania, now known as the South of France, an area renowned for its historical richness and inherent mystique. This setting is crucial, providing both a lush, vivid backdrop and a complex historical context that propels the narrative.
One storyline is rooted in the early 13th century, specifically the year 1209, against the backdrop of the Albigensian Crusade, a brutal and bloody religious war aimed at eradicating Cathar heresy. The city of Carcassonne, a fortified historical gem, stands at the heart of this era's narrative. This storyline highlights the medieval city's significance as a cultural and spiritual sanctuary, underscored by its encircling walls which, at the time, were a focal point of resistance against the crusading forces. Carcassonne is portrayed as not only a geographical location but also a symbol of the tumultuous era it withstood, encapsulating the strife and fervor of medieval Occitania.
The modern storyline takes place in 2005, once again in the shadow of the Pyrenees mountains. The protagonist, Alice, is introduced at an archaeological dig near Carcassonne, specifically at the site of Pic de Soularac. This setting serves as a bridge between the past and the present, illustrating the persistent mystique of the region through its archaeological significance. The discovery of a hidden cave and labyrinth deep within the mountains near Carcassonne resonates with historical intrigues, connecting Alice back to events occurring in the 13th century. This contemporary setting underlines the timeless allure and enigma of southern France, where centuries-old secrets are veiled just beneath the surface.
Characters
Dr. Alice Tanner: A volunteer at an archaeological site in France, 2005, who discovers two skeletons and a mysterious labyrinth, linking her to events from 800 years prior.
Alaïs: A young herbalist and healer from 1209, entrusted with secret books related to the Holy Grail and tasked with protecting their secrets during the Crusades against the Cathars.
Alaïs's father: Entrusts her with a ring and a mysterious book said to contain the secret of the true Grail before leaving to fight the crusaders.
Unnamed woman in the present: Sees the archaeological find as an opportunity to gain political power.
Unnamed man with great power: Willing to kill to destroy all traces of the discovery and eliminate those in his way.
FAQs
What is the main plot of Labyrinth by Kate Mosse?
Labyrinth intertwines two main storylines, one from 1209 featuring Alaïs, a young herbalist in medieval France, and another in 2005 with Alice, an archaeologist in present-day France. Alice discovers two skeletons in a cave alongside writings and the pattern of a labyrinth which connects her to Alaïs and the secret of the Holy Grail that Alaïs was charged with protecting. The novel unfolds as a quest for the Holy Grail.
How are the two main characters, Alice and Alaïs, connected in the story?
Alaïs and Alice are connected both by lineage and destiny. Alice, living in 2005, discovers that she is a descendant of Alaïs, the young woman from 1209 entrusted with protecting the secrets of the Holy Grail. Their stories are parallels of one another, transcending time. This connection is intensified by Alice's discovery in the cave, which not only unveils physical connections like the labyrinth ring but also links their fates across centuries.
What historical events does Labyrinth incorporate into its storyline?
The novel incorporates significant historical events from the Medieval period, particularly the Crusade against the Cathars in Occitania (the South of France) and the massacre at Béziers. These events provide a tumultuous backdrop for Alaïs's storyline in 1209, reflecting the religious and political conflicts of the time and adding depth to the grail quest narrative.
What awards and recognitions has Labyrinth received?
Labyrinth was awarded Best Read of the Year at the 2006 British Book Awards. It was also the second best-selling book in the United Kingdom in 2006, after "The Da Vinci Code," and was ranked as the number one bestseller for 2006 by The Guardian.
Has Labyrinth been adapted into other media?
Yes, Labyrinth was adapted into a television series in 2012, directed by Christopher Smith and adapted by Adrian Hodges.
Quotes
“What we leave behind in this life is the memory of who we were and what we did. An imprint, no more.”
“Pas a pas se va luenh. Step by step goes well.”
“History is written by the victorious, the liars, the strongest, the most determined.”
“What will happen will happen, whether I wish it or not. So, yes, I accept. It does not mean that I like it or wish it were not otherwise.”
“Too often I am jealous and my jealousy leads me to say things-things-that I regret.”
“Words are our only weapons against the lies of history. We must bear witness to the truth. If we do not, those we love die twice over.” He paused. “I will not find peace until I know how it ended.”
“There was no nobility in war. Only suffering.”
“Truth is found most often in the silence, in the quiet places.”
“Nobody ate much, but they did drink, which fired their anger and dimmed their judgment.”
Quick facts
Labyrinth was awarded Best Read of the Year at the British Book Awards in 2006.
It was the second bestselling book in the UK in 2006, after The Da Vinci Code, with around 865,400 copies sold in paperback.
The Guardian ranked Labyrinth as the number one bestseller for 2006.
An extract from the novel was used in the Scottish Qualifications Authority's 2009 Standard Grade English General close reading paper.
Labyrinth features many quotes in Occitan and French, enriching the story with linguistic variety and historical context.
The plot of Labyrinth inspired a television adaptation that was released in 2012.
Kate Mosse's novel relies heavily on the historical issues such as the massacre at Béziers and the Crusade against the Cathars in Occitania, now the South of France, blending real historical events with fiction.
On writing heroines, Mosse has said, "No internal monologues for me, I don't want anybody sitting around thinking. I want them to get out there and be active."
The main character, Alice Tanner, discovers that she is actually a descendant of the medieval protagonist, Alaïs, providing a profound connection across centuries.
About the author
Katharine Louise Mosse, better known as Kate Mosse, is an English author celebrated for her contributions to historical fiction, nonfiction, and supernatural genres. Her internationally acclaimed novels, including Labyrinth (2005), Sepulchre (2007), and Citadel (2012), have collectively sold more than five million copies in 42 languages. She is also a co-founder of the Women's Prize for Fiction.
Born in 1961 in West Sussex, England, Mosse began her journey into the literary world at New College, Oxford, where she graduated in 1984 with a BA in English. Before dedicating herself to writing, she spent seven years in the publishing industry, working for notable companies such as Hodder & Stoughton and Random House Group. She transitioned into writing full-time in 1992, starting with nonfiction works. Soon after, she ventured into fiction, leading to the creation of the critically acclaimed Languedoc Trilogy, beginning with Labyrinth, a historical adventure that became a bestseller in the UK and won multiple awards.
In addition to her novels, Mosse has contributed essays and stories to various anthologies, and her works have been adapted for television and the theater, including a miniseries based on Labyrinth and her own adaptation of The Taxidermist's Daughter for the Chichester Festival Theatre. A regular contributor to newspapers and magazines, Mosse has also made significant appearances on radio and television, becoming a respected voice in literary discussion and advocacy for women in literature.
Mosse's dedication to literature and the arts has been recognized with several honors, including being appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2013 and Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2024 for her services to literature, women, and charity. She resides in Sussex with her husband, Greg Mosse, a playwright, and has two adult children.
