Another 5* novel from Sarah Dunant.

Sarah Dunant's third book set in Italy at the time of the Renaisance does not disappoint. Like the previous two, The Birth of Venus and In the Company of the Courtesan, we are captivated by wonderful characters and brilliant sense of place.
When Serafina, a young, reluctant novice, is brought in kicking and screaming to the closed life of the convent, Suora (Sister) Zuana is called upon to administer a sleeping draught so the rest of the convent can sleep. A raport develops between Serafina and Zuana, that recalls Zuana's reluctant entry into the convent many years before.
When it is revealed that Serafina had fallen in love with an 'unsuitable' young man before her entry to the convent, we realise why she is so determined to escape.
Other vivid characters include the loving but authoritarian Abbess and Suora Umiliana, the sister entrusted with the education and well-being of the novices.
The life within a convent is fascinating and although it took me a while to get into the book, I still felt it earned 4.5*.

There is a CD of music composed to accompany the book. Sacred Hearts, Secret Music comprises music of the sort that would have been sung by the wonderful choir at Saint Caterina's. I have ordered a copy, but how wonderful to have had this to listen to while reading the book...... ( )

I really loved this book. I was a Benedictine nun, like the characters in this book, and I have never before read such a good description of the role of the liturgy or of the politics in religious community life. This book is full of really, interesting, strong women. And it's also just a great story! ( )

An engaging historical novel, set in a convent in Renaissance Italy. The story starts off with the arrival of a new novice who has been brought to the convent against her will. But the real drama is the power struggle within the convent hierarchy, between the Abbess who is trying to resist the Counterreformation and another nun who would like to crack down on some of the comforts of convent life -- music, books and even pets. ( )

A compelling story of convent life during the 1570's in Italy. This story is a reminder to all women of the sexism that still plagues us. Although sometimes convents were a refuge to women, unfortunately they also were a way for wealthy families to get rid of the daughters they did not want to provide dowries for, even if the young women did not want to go in the convent. This is a story of such a woman. It also touches on church politics. Very interesting! ( )

Sarah Dunant's 'Birth of Venus' hooked me from the opening pages and since then I have devoured everything else she's written. I have thoroughly enjoyed her work, be it historical fiction or thrillers, but until now nothing has come come to 'Birth of Venus'.

'Sacred Hearts' comes close - but not quite. I found the ending a bit predictable, but enjoyed the story to completion. I am grateful I am a woman living in the 21st century with choices and not subject to the whims of my family to be locked up in a nunnery. ( )