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There are currently 16 member reviews
for Illuminations
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Donna W. (Wauwatosa, WI)
Illuminations
Hildegard was a fascinating character in the history of the church, and the writing was good but I just couldn't get into this book. Little is known of the events in the period of her 30 year confinement, and the treatment of this section seemed too fictionalized, with sexual innuendos added just to make the book more readable. The second part of the story seemed to have a rushed feeling with only a fleeting look given to events.
I just was couldn't form an attachment to either the characters or the story.
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Nancy H. (Englewood, CO)
Expected More
I really wanted to like Illuminations: a Novel of Hildegard Von Bingen by Mary Sharratt. I have been fond of Hildegard for many years, reading much of her writings and songs. A multitalented woman, who had spiritual visions since childhood, who brought much to the spiritual lives of women by embracing not only prayer but beauty and play to her order.
Alas Illuminations was not the treasure I had hoped it would be. An imagined memoir, the author deviates a great deal from recorded history. I enjoy novels of real life people because it helps to bring the person into my concrete world. Good Hard Look: A Novel of Flannery O'Connor by Ann Napoliatano is one such book. Sharratt's imagination is too wild, making Hildegard appear too pious and yet too foolish. She makes Hildegard what she wants her to be, not what she was. She makes the relationship with Volmar a little too dear. I would love to know what went on in Hildegard's mind, but all we find here is what Sharratt hopes she thought.
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