By: Sarah Dunant
I have loved Sarah Dunant's earlier books and that is why I continue to read her newest although they now involve both the church and religion. Sacred Hearts takes us back to the 1500s when women, many from wealthy families, were sent to convents because their fathers couldn't afford a dowry. For me there were three wonderful characters: Surora Zuana, who has learned the healing arts from her father who was a physician and a professor; Madonna Chiara, who is the abbess of the convent and has lived there since she was six; and the newest member of the convent, Serafina, who has been sent to the convent against her will. Dunant describes the political turmoil that the convent finds itself in, the way of life of the nuns who have agreed to make this their life, and the torment those feel who are in the convent against their will. Nicely drawn characters, great historical background and an interesting read. Review by Terrie. (Fiction) 07/26/09
