The fight continues and I am backing Hildegard. I just love this historical series with a female protagonist who is calm, rational and assertive. Escape to medieval Germany with this new novel.
Author: P K Adams
Genre: Historical Fiction
Page Count: 370
My Rating: ♠♠♠♠ 4/5
This is book two of the Hildegard von Bingen series, which began with The Greenest Branch (see my review on Goodreads). Hildegard was Germany’s first female physician and she is famous for writing medical texts, composing music and is, of course, a Saint of the Catholic Church. What a fascinating character!
The Blurb
The year is 1143. Hildegard, already a well-known physician, has expanded her work to writing not just about medicine but on theological matters as well. Once again, the monks of St. Disibod are there to stop her, citing the biblical passages that admonish against “women teachers.” Also, Abbot Kuno is aging, and it is only a matter of time before he is succeeded in the post by Prior Helenger, who wants nothing more than to see Hildegard permanently relegated to the convent’s enclosure.
Leaving St. Disibod is Hildegard’s only hope of continuing her mission of healing and writing as she sees fit. She has been saving money from the convent’s endowments for years, but in order to establish her own foundation she will need the backing of a powerful man of the Church. There are several who could become her champions – from the famed Abbot Bernard of Clairvaux, to the Archbishop of Mainz, to the newly elected Pope Eugenius III. But will they take up a woman’s cause and subvert centuries of established tradition? And will it be enough to protect Hildegard from a betrayal that lurks closer than she could ever imagine?
The Verdict
In the first book, Hildegard is sent to a convent and begins her apprenticeship in the infirmary. We were introduced to her independent spirit and fierce loyalty. In this second book, she needs all of this and more when she plans to set up a separate convent.
The author has done a great job of evoking the personal life and dreams of such an enigmatic person. Her love of books, music and beauty shines through: “what a waste it would have been if Ricardis had married and faded before her time, instead of shining as a constant reminder of God’s creative energy – the purest viriditas”. She faces each obstacle with the same focus and pragmatic attitude, that would have been essential in a successful healer.
Hildegard creates her own rules for her convent, flying in the face of tradition. She treats lepers, gets patients to take the fresh air and doesn’t make women pay for maternity care. She speaks frankly to royalty and archbishops alike.
This is a wonderfully researched novel with lots of little factual gems. I especially enjoy the medical treatments of the time. At times, the historical context almost overwhelms the story, since it is quite complex. The pace was slower during these parts, but the ending bounded along, keeping me turning the pages.
This is an honest review given in exchange for an ARC copy of the novel.