This was incredibly slay!!!

It reminded me a bit of Joan which also took me by surprise - but both are really unique, modern, feminist takes on historical fiction without being preachy, and make their protagonists feel incredibly real.

I loved that Agnes was so devoted to her faith but also struggled with her human emotions and urges - especially because feeling them as a woman would undermine everything she has worked towards. How she had to give up her womanhood and the 'secret' knowledge that brings for what she thought of as a higher calling, but she never looked down on other women. How her faith was such an anomaly in a place where men were constantly abusing their power and positioning for more, and how despite that, anything she gained would be instantly made traitorous by the fact of her gender. I really liked the comparison too between the service expected of men and women - how men seem to be able to shrug off duty by being maimed or running away, but women can only ever be wives and mothers or nuns.

It delivered these messages without being overbearing, and the writing was really beautiful. Especially for setting it so long ago, it didn't feel stuffy but also didn't feel incongruously modern either. You could apply a lot of this to the current moment, which is scary but also I think a testament to how well it was put together. I also liked that it didn't try to be more than it was - it didn't feel like anything was there just to fill space, and the way it was told was very purposeful. I would definitely need to reread to get the full effect, but the more I think about it the more I love it!

This was an intimate novel that brought a fascinating historical figure to life. The writing is compelling and elegant, drawing you into Agnes' story as she quietly but powerfully makes her way on her religious journey. The themes of religion, a woman in a male world, and humanity are woven into the tapestry of the rich story.

I also really enjoyed the author's depiction of medieval life in the religious world; a new found interest of mine.

It’s an all-engulfing read that is hard to put down. I loved this book, from the idea, to the plot and to the writing. This was a powerful read that will stay with me for some time.

This book is a revelation. I was raptured reading this. The most beautiful writing I’ve read this year, the themes of religion and martyrdom are so powerfully written it makes me what to start reading this all over again. The ending is just perfection. I am not religious person but I am human and I can relate to all the struggles the main character went through. I’ve never read more sublime female protagonist. I feel like I was sacrificed and resurrected in her name.
This is a true masterpiece, you have no idea what a treasure will unravel upon reading those words. I can only hope there is a physical edition to this epic tale and I want to have it in my possession and cherish it and re-read it constantly as my Bible.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing me with the ARC.

Some of the most gorgeous writing I’ve read in a long time. I really enjoyed the descriptions of religion. Fantastic eye catching cover too!

Agnes, the motherless child of an English priest living in ninth-century Mainz, is a passionate and intelligent young woman with a strong, visceral love for God. To avoid a future as a bride or nun, Agnes enlists the help of a lovesick Benedictine monk to disguise herself as a male and devote her life to the studies she is forbidden to pursue as a woman. This is an extremely well written historical novel with an amazing character at its centre. I enjoyed it from start to finish.

"The motherless girl howls with a wanting so vicious it may split her like a boar."

Agnes spends her youth eavesdropping on the philosophical discussions of religious officials in her city, sparking a curiosity for the wider world and its inhabitants which cannot be quelled - despite her father's wishes that she grow to become a quiet, subservient wife who might bring honour to their family. When she befriends a young monk, she is given the opportunity to escape the limits of girlhood, and disguise herself as a Benedictine to study in a monastery. This choice will take her across borders and seas, where she will witness the joys of religious devotion but also its destructive force when weaponised against differing beliefs.

I loved the character of Agnes: her commitment to educating herself despite discouragement from those around her is admirable, and her determination to carve out a life for herself rather than submit to the ties of womanhood inspiring. But she does not turn her back on women, instead speaks often about how their deeds in the bible are overlooked, and that becoming a mother is the most frightening thing she can think of due to the strength needed to handle it.

Emily Maguire discusses religion well, as although we see Agnes' love of God and the joy a simple life of devotion can bring, we are often reminded of how it can be corrupted by men. This is seen not only in the violence carried out by Christian soldiers toward pagan communities, but also how it can lead to power struggles and abuse of authority.