Carole Martinez

In 12th-century France, a 15-year-old girl from a noble family named Esclarmonde escapes an arranged marriage by offering herself to God. The form she takes is an anchoress, imprisoned in the walls of a chapel where she is to pray for the people of her town and the many pilgrims who are soon drawn too her. Shortly before being walled-up, Esclarmonde is raped and impregnated. The birth of her son is seen as a miracle by the local religious leaders who prefer not to ask the questions that show more would get to the truth of the matter.

The novel takes a lot of liberty with historical accuracy and plausibility, but I find it works. It's an interesting exploration of the manner in which a woman could gain power in 12th-century Europe, as Esclarmonde is seen advising the local bishop (and the pope by proxy) as well as sending men off to fight in the Crusades. It also is a study of motherhood as Esclaramonde raises her son in her cell for three years until he grows to big to fit between the bars and is sent off to an adoptive family. Finally, it investigates the idea of faith with the suggestion that God may not exist, but the belief and rituals still have a positive function in their society. show less

En underbar roman , boken tar oss med till en liten Spansk by, och med sina vackra beskrivningar visar oss hur grymt livet kan vara för kvinnor. Byborna har en stark tro men inte bara på Gud och Heliga moder Maria utan även vidskepelse. Byborna tunga kan bli vass och elak om dem får för sig att en ung kvinna sticker ut ur mängden och tro sig vara fin.
Historien har övernaturliga inslag vilket ger storyn mystisk och sagolik.Carole Martinez har lyckats balansera mystiken med verkligheten show more och berättelsen tappar aldrig sin trovärdighet men ger oss den mystik som omger exempel en gamal zigenerska
En bok som jag inte kunde lägga ifrån mig när jag väl började läsa. show less

12th century in France: to avoid an unwanted marriage, Esclarmonde, the daughter of the lord of Castle of Whispers [so-called because of the legend of a woman walled alive in its foundation, who moans and whispers her name on occasion] becomes an anchoress. After several mysterious happenings--miracles?] she is revered as a living saint. Her influence travels far beyond the four walls of her cell.

From historical novel the novel moves easily to legend and fantasy. Beautifully written.

Oh, I loved this story. This is a lyrical fairytale poem filled with wonderful magical characters and I didn't want to put it down. If you read Gabriel Garcia Marquez and liked his writing I think you will love this book.