Publication Date: 16th June 2011
Pages: 230
Book Source: Courtesy of author
Synopsis: Falsely accused of sorcery, pursued across the crumbling Roman Empire by a tenacious bishop, the sorceress barely escapes the death by stoning.
It is 410 A.D. Rome is in decline.
Church and state unite in a desperate attempt to
preserve the Empire, instituting oppressive measures against women, eliminating religious dissenters
and enslaving the poor. Books are burned, Teachers censored. Creativity
crushed. A Dark Age falls across Western Europe.
But two women resist.
My Thoughts:
Glenys, Celtic healer & herbalist in
Aquae Sulis, Britannia & historical figure Hypatia of Alexandria are
the strong female characters in this compelling tale. Set in 410AD, my sparse
knowledge of this period in history and Willdorf's skilled storytelling made
for a fascinating and page turning experience.
I loved the opening
chapter; it detailed Glenys using her herbal and midwifery skills in a
difficult birthing despite the recent edict prohibiting any engagement in the
healing arts. Branded a sorceress she flees to escape the prescribed
punishment; death by stoning.
The beautiful Hypatia; renowned philosopher,
mathematician, astronomer, teacher and last librarian of The Ancient Library of
Alexandria was a symbol of learning, feared by early Christians associating
knowledge with paganism. When Glenys & Hypatia's paths cross their
friendship is cemented but they, along with Jews and Hellenistic pagans
continue to face bigotry, persecution, blind hatred & brutality.
Hypatia ~ source
Hypatia's murder by
a Christian mob was graphically detailed and after doing a little research of
my own, I was horrified to read this was quite accurately portrayed.
I thoroughly enjoyed the main characters
Glenys, Hypatia, & Jewish herbalist Aschi but Glenys' relationship with
lover Ceallaigh made my skin crawl. Willdorf vividly describes a period in history dominated by misplaced power, religious paranoia, ignorance
and persecution but I could have easily consumed more, more pages and more
detail. I look forward to more from this author.
Winner of a 2011
Global E-Book Award for historical literature
Finalist for a 2012 EPIC award in historical fiction.
Finalist for a 2012 EPIC award in historical fiction.
This sounds really good!! Thanks for the great review!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Julie :)
DeleteThis sounds interesting and totally out of my comfort zone. But I like to learn new and interesting things so you never know!
ReplyDeleteI've read very little in this time period Staci and I have to say I enjoyed the history lesson :)
DeletePoor Hypatia :/ I saw there was a movie of her but I did not want to watch her cos what a fate
ReplyDeleteI'm interested to find out more about her Blodeuedd. This book left me wanting to know more about that period in history which is great. I think I needed a break from Tudor lol
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