The Sad Tale of the Brothers Grossbart - Jesse Bullington

Although this book came out in 2009, I only discovered it recently.  Set in the mid-14th century, it concerns the adventures of the brothers Hegel and Manfried Grossbart as they travel through plague-ridden Europe. Following the family profession of grave robbers, their destination is Gyptland where they hope to uncover the rich tomb-wealth reported by their late grandfather. Along the way, the Grossbarts meet and battle bandits, demons, witches and a manticore. Although they perceive themselves to be pious good men, their heretical beliefs, greed, drunkenness and violent behaviour suggest otherwise. Nevertheless, they do manage to attract a small group of followers, although their numbers are constantly thinned out as the brothers fight their way towards their ultimate goal. There is not a lot to like about the Brothers Grossbart, except perhaps their bravado and the fact that they keep winning through. Yet the tale is compelling, darkly humorous and an outrageous and completely unique take on life in medieval Europe. Oh, and have a close look at the cover art.

9/10