Sarah Dunant - Sacred Hearts

Review by Corinna Christopher on show 5th Nov.
This book is set in the city of Ferrara, Italy in the 16th century, in the convent of Santa Caterina. Inside it is filled with many noblewomen married to Christ because they are unable to find husbands; their families frequently paying large sume of money or dowry to the convent.
The following is a list of Daily Offices in a 16th century Benedictine Convent:-
Lauds Daybreak
Prime 1st hour of the day 6.00 a.m.
Refreshment
Terce 3rd hour of the day 9.00 a.m.
Work hours
Sext 6th hour of the day noon
Main meal
Nones 9th hour of the day 3.00 p.m.
Work hours
Vespers Before sunset 5.00 p.m.
Smaller meal
Compline Before retiring 7.30 p.m.
Matins 2.00 a.m.

Serafina 16 years old is sent to the convent by her family because of an illicit love affair with a young musician. She arrives distraught and raging at her misfortune and soon disrupts the harmony and stability of the convent. Although blessed with a magical singing voice she refuses at first to use this talent. She is put into the care of Sister Zuana, head of the dispensary and through helping her she gains a sympathetic friend. Overseeing them all is the commanding, and politically astute Abbess Madonna Chiara, Other characters emerge including the severe Sister Umiliana, the novice mistress.

We are soon drawn into this fascinating world of women, all engaged in various activities. For many it is a safe and sheltered life, where they can pursue their interests, e.g. music, embroidery, medicine, gardening and cooking skills.

Serafina's life in the convent is full of drama and surprises as she attempts to cope with her terrible incarciration whilst ever hopeful of escape into the hands of her lover on the outside of the impregnable walls. I can say no more about what happens to her although I did find the final conclusion a bit fanciful and too neat. However I was fascinated with all the nuns and their lives and very much drawn into this historical chapter.

It is a novel of [power and passion - both of the body and soul and whilst slightly long it has a good flowing style which keeps you turning the pages. Sarah Dunant is famous for her Italian historical novels and ones set in Florence and Venice have been translated into 30 languages. All are very well researched and there is still and enclosed Benedictine community in Ferrara to-day, so the novel is embedded in fact.

A poignant and succinct letter was sent in 1586 by a nun in Bologna to the Pope himself. I quote "Many of us shut up against our will and deprived of all contact with the outside worls. Living with such strictness and abandoned by everyone, we have only hell in this world and the next"

A very good read!!!! Corinna