Sacred
Hearts: A Novel ,
by Sarah Dunant
It's hard to believe that a story that
takes place entirely within the walls of a 16th century
convent could command the listener's attention for 15
hours, and leave her yearning for more, but it does,
and then some. Santa Caterina, a convent in Ferraro,
is home to a diverse group of Renaissance women who
have abandoned the difficulties of the secular world
and now are citizens of an equally complex and confusing
spiritual one. Some of the women enter willingly, choosing
to devote their lives to serving God, but others are
placed there against their will for a number of reasons,
and instead of becoming wives and mothers, they are
destined to become brides of Jesus. One such novice
is Serafina. From the moment she enters the convent
screaming for her lost lover, she disrupts the serenity
and sanctity of Santa Caterina. Suora Zuana, the apothecary
sister, takes her under her wing and tries to help her
adjust to what will be the rest of her life, but even
with her angelic, nightingale voice which earns her
special treatment within the Convent, Serafina is determined
to escape and she ingeniously puts her plan in action.
Sarah Dunant has recreated a unique world
of fascinating women who, although shut off from society,
are still affected by and influenced by the mores and
politics of 16th century Italy. Madonna Chiara, the
wise and stern mother superior, is mindful of how her
actions will affect her powerful aristocratic family
as she oversees Santa Caterina. Dunant's descriptions
of convent life are so vivid that it's as if the reader
has been dropped into the midst of these remarkable
and memorable characters. Suora Umiliana, the nun in
charge of the novices, could give lessons in domination
by intimidation to Marine drill instructors. Suora Magdalena's
faith is so strong that she is able to conjure up visions
and stigmata. Suora Ysbeta's desire to be a mother makes
her wrap her small dog in blankets and treat him like
a baby. Perhaps the most remarkable, though, is Suora
Zuana who learned about medicinal herbs from her father
and realizes that as a woman, her only chance to do
research and practice medicine is within the confines
of the convent.
Rosalyn Landor 's narration gives the entire
convent and all of its inhabitants an energy that brings
a dynamic, pulsing immediacy to a time period that's
500 years in the past. Even though they all wear the
same habits and look the same to the outside world,
their unique personalities emerge, thanks to Landor's
skillful narration and Dunant's brilliant writing. This
audio book is one to be savored for its beautiful prose,
its enthralling characters and the opportunity it provides
to slip into another time, lifestyle and mindset.
Ruth
Mormon
10/22/09
|
