What a direct, visceral approach to history. The sensual language and clever plotting will sweep you along in a vivid story about nuns and power in the twelfth century. It feels edgy and contemporary – and will give you hope for women and feminism everywhere.
Eleanor will be a model, then, Marie thinks, for her own purpose on the earth, at this abbey she hates so much. She will build around herself walls of wealth and friends and good clear reputation, she will make her frail sisters safe within. Marie will mold herself in the queen’s form, she thinks. The abbess snores, the horse farts, the day draws on, and Marie’s mind leaps and runs, making plans.
