Sacred Hearts: A Novel

Beautiful and frightening voyage to the 1500's in Italy. The politics and intrigue are so relevant to today! Relatable characters (mostly).

I loved this book!

Gripping read... draws the reader into the lives of sixteenth century nuns and the ultimate question: will Serafina escape from the convent? The novel is so much more than this and we find out about the subtle politics of religion and and many other aspects of convent life at this time. It is shocking that so many women were forced into convents because fathers could not afford wedding dowries. I...more

Gripping read... draws the reader into the lives of sixteenth century nuns and the ultimate question: will Serafina escape from the convent? The novel is so much more than this and we find out about the subtle politics of religion and and many other aspects of convent life at this time. It is shocking that so many women were forced into convents because fathers could not afford wedding dowries. I loved the book and thought it was beautifully written with research blending seamlessly with engrossing storytelling.   hide

I loved both The Birth of Venus and In the Company of the Courtesan, Dunant’s previous works set during the Italian Renaissance. I read the plot synopsis for Sacred Hearts, her latest book, and my first reaction was that a book set in a convent sounded pretty boring. Knowing Dunant’s talent for creating vibrant characters and her great story telling skills I chose to read the book and I am so...more

I loved both The Birth of Venus and In the Company of the Courtesan, Dunant’s previous works set during the Italian Renaissance. I read the plot synopsis for Sacred Hearts, her latest book, and my first reaction was that a book set in a convent sounded pretty boring. Knowing Dunant’s talent for creating vibrant characters and her great story telling skills I chose to read the book and I am so glad I did because it was an absorbing novel. In 16th century Italy the cost of a dowry for more than one daughter is out of reach for even the wealthiest families. Rather than going bankrupt those families with more than one marriage age daughter would often make the best marriage for one, the others would be placed in convents, where the dowry was much less. Such is the case for Serafina, the newest novice of the Santa Caterina convent in the city of Ferrara. With no say in the matter and with no regard to her religious beliefs she is sent to live a cloistered existence for the remainder of her life. Her rebellion against this decision forms the backbone to the story of women who find a way to live a life they had no choice in. The beauty of Sarah Dunant’s writing lies in her rich characterizations, as we are drawn into the story of a life we know almost nothing about. Convent life is a microcosm of society, and we become completely engrossed in the lives of these women who find life more empowering within the walls of the convent than the lives they would have lived outside the walls. Suora Zuana the daughter of a doctor who becomes the dispensary mistress; Madonna Ciara the Abbess and ruler of the convent, an iron fist within a velvet glove; Suora Benedicta the choir master; Suora Perseveranza who believes self–punishment is the road to salvation; all of these women and more become real to us. The book is clearly well researched and it shows in the rich details of even the smallest scenes without overpowering the story. As the story of Serafina is slowly revealed we are also given a story of star-crossed lovers thwarted by their families; it makes for a fascinating and entertaining story. Highly recommended.   hide

I loved this one a lot. Very detailed look at nuns in a Rennaissance era Italian convent. Great characters, great plot.

This was good, though long. Such a detailed look at life within an Italian convent, whew! And a hugely surprising plot twist, although it doesn't occur until past page 300. A good read, though.

currently reading, so far interesting, but not fab. Will see how it ends to rate.

A wonderful book; the first Dunant I've read - actually listened to the audiobook narrated by a terrific reader. Follows the vibrant life of novices and nuns in a 16th century Italian convent, some confined against their wills. Surprisingly compelling, though I was somewhat disappointed with the ending - petered out and I was hoping for something different with Zuana, the convent...more

A wonderful book; the first Dunant I've read - actually listened to the audiobook narrated by a terrific reader. Follows the vibrant life of novices and nuns in a 16th century Italian convent, some confined against their wills. Surprisingly compelling, though I was somewhat disappointed with the ending - petered out and I was hoping for something different with Zuana, the convent physician.   hide

A great book! The story was wonderful and I learned so much about life in convents of this period.