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Illuminations: A Novel of Hildegard von Bingen
Illuminations A Novel of Hildegard von Bingen
Author: Mary Sharratt
Illuminations chronicles the life of Hildegard von Bingen (1098?1179), who was tithed to the church at the age of eight and expected to live out her days in silent submission as the handmaiden of a renowned but disturbed young nun, Jutta von Sponheim. Instead, Hildegard rejected Jutta?s masochistic piety and found comfort and grace in studying b...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780547567846
ISBN-10: 0547567847
Publication Date: 10/9/2012
Pages: 272
Rating:
  • Currently 4.3/5 Stars.
 9

4.3 stars, based on 9 ratings
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Paperback, Audio CD
Members Wishing: 1
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"In this affecting historical novel, Sharratt imagines the inner life of Hildegard, first as an angry child, then as a young woman nurturing the other girls forced into this restricted life, and finally as a mature woman leading her companions out of the anchorage, establishing the first monastic institution for women in Germany, and advocating an idea of religious devotion based on love rather than suffering. Psychological insight, passages of moving spirituality, and abundant historical detailfrom straw bedding and hair shirts to turtle soup and wooden dollsmake this a memorable addition to the genre of medieval historical fiction."

This book just totally "awed" me --- felt like you were Hildegard herself living through this sometimes living hell. I had never heard of this person and was just overcome by her life! I would have NEVER in my life dreamed how parents could just give their children away like this and yet often they were giving their daughters a better life. The culture, history seemed so very alive in this book, felt like I was her living there! I would recommend this book to everyone - would be great for any literature, history class...totally remarkable! Glad I found it and will find more by this author!


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