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.