Helpful Score: 1
The author, before her death, wrapped up the series and I'm sorry to say, this is the last. I read them in order and enjoyed every one, growing more attached to the characters as their personalities were fleshed out over the years.
No map of Shrewsbury and environs in this edition.
No map of Shrewsbury and environs in this edition.
Althea M. (althea) reviewed Brother Cadfael's Penance (Brother Cadfael, Bk 20) on + 774 more book reviews
This is the last in the 20-volume Brother Cadfael series, and the second in the series that I've read. (I previously read #11).
I'd sort of expect any writer to be getting a bit weary of a scenario or character after 20 installments, however nothing of the kind came through for me. I thought this was a quite well-written book, not too bogged down by tropes of the mystery genre, with a nice mix of politicking and family drama. I found it to be more convincing and believable than many medieval mysteries, as well.
I'd sort of expect any writer to be getting a bit weary of a scenario or character after 20 installments, however nothing of the kind came through for me. I thought this was a quite well-written book, not too bogged down by tropes of the mystery genre, with a nice mix of politicking and family drama. I found it to be more convincing and believable than many medieval mysteries, as well.
Susan H. (symphonie) reviewed Brother Cadfael's Penance (Brother Cadfael, Bk 20) on + 158 more book reviews
For Brother Cadfael in the autumn of his life, the mild November of our Lord's year 1145 may bring a bitter - and deadly - harvest. England is torn between supporters of the Empress Maud and those of her cousin Stephen. The civil strife is about to jeopardize not only Cadfael's life, but his hopes of Heaven.
While Cadfael has sometimes bent the Abbey's rules, he has never broken his monastic vows - until now. Word has come to Shrewsbury of a treacherous act that has left thirty of Maud's knights imprisoned. All have been ransomed except Cadfael's secret son, Olivier de Bretagne. Conceived in Cadfael's soldiering youth and unaware of his father's identity, Olivier wil die if he is not freed. Like never before, Cadfael must boldly defy the abbot. The good brother forsakes the order to follow his heart - but what he finds will challenge his soul.
While Cadfael has sometimes bent the Abbey's rules, he has never broken his monastic vows - until now. Word has come to Shrewsbury of a treacherous act that has left thirty of Maud's knights imprisoned. All have been ransomed except Cadfael's secret son, Olivier de Bretagne. Conceived in Cadfael's soldiering youth and unaware of his father's identity, Olivier wil die if he is not freed. Like never before, Cadfael must boldly defy the abbot. The good brother forsakes the order to follow his heart - but what he finds will challenge his soul.
a wonderful story to end the brother cadfael series. anyone who has read brother cadfael books must read the last.
Anna S. (annapi) reviewed Brother Cadfael's Penance (Brother Cadfael, Bk 20) on + 334 more book reviews
I feel rather sad to come to the last of the Brother Cadfael Chronicles, published the year before Ellis Peters died. It's a fitting but frustrating end, as one feels there could be so much more ground to explore beyond this. Cadfael breaks his monastic vows of obedience to rescue his captive son, who we met a few volumes back. It's been so long since I visited this world, it took me awhile to get my bearings around the 12th century politics, but once the good brother takes off to find his son the story trots along on a good pace. Cadfael's son finally comes to know his father by the end, but although the story reaches a satisying conclusion, fans of the series can't help but feel saddened that there will be no further exploration of that relationship.
Alison J. (Alison) reviewed Brother Cadfael's Penance (Brother Cadfael, Bk 20) on + 551 more book reviews
A classic, Ellis Peters Brother Cadfael mysteries are set in medieval times.
Leyba B. (Leyba) reviewed Brother Cadfael's Penance (Brother Cadfael, Bk 20) on + 57 more book reviews
A 12th century monk with a mystery on his hands
Louise L. (p-u-g-i) reviewed Brother Cadfael's Penance (Brother Cadfael, Bk 20) on + 22 more book reviews
Who knew Brother Cadfael had a son?
Cyndi J. (cyndij) reviewed Brother Cadfael's Penance (Brother Cadfael, Bk 20) on + 1032 more book reviews
The 20th and final book in the Brother Cadfael series. I've really enjoyed reading this series again. Not necessary to read them in order, but this one deserves to be read last...everything points to Ellis Peters intending this to be the end. The themes of loyalty, morality, and duty ripple all through here, along with the awareness of mortality and the legacies we leave behind. Part of the plot is familiar, with a young man accused of a murder he did not commit, but the main thrust is Cadfael's determination to find and free Olivier; the unveiling of the murderer is almost an anticlimax. Cadfael's return to the abbey is a comforting ending to this series, which has long been at the top of my "comfort reads" list.
Thomas F. (hardtack) -
A wonderful ending to a great series. Finally, all is right in Shrewsbury.
The book was a look inside the life of Cadfael and revealed the complexity of his life.
