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Summary: One of the best Brother Cadfael books-a great ending!!!
Review: A quick read book. Brother Haluin is such a great character. To do what he did and then forget about his past is true devotion to God. I loved this one.
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Summary: Not the best, but remains, I confess, a worthwhile read.
Review: A tight read, but a very predictable plot. The strength and joy of it are Peters's prose and characterizations.
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Summary: A treasure of a book!
Review: BUT! Now Brother Cadfael belongs to history, and the readers who love him so. Start at the beginning and READ THIS SERIES! Miss Peters had an unparalleled gift for conjuring the most beautiful images with her words. I mean, how many people can write about the grim and gritty middle ages and almost make you want to live there? When Cadfael digs in his garden and breathes in the scent of his herbs, you are there, my friend. In this volume we meet Brother Haluin, whom we take to our hearts straight away. This book never fails to wring my heart, and yet leave me with a sweet feeling of satisfaction at the end. A 'keeper'. Like me you will read this book over and over again.
Rating:
Summary: A treasure of a book!
Review: BUT! Now Brother Cadfael belongs to history, and the readers who love him so. Start at the beginning and READ THIS SERIES! Miss Peters had an unparalleled gift for conjuring the most beautiful images with her words. I mean, how many people can write about the grim and gritty middle ages and almost make you want to live there? When Cadfael digs in his garden and breathes in the scent of his herbs, you are there, my friend. In this volume we meet Brother Haluin, whom we take to our hearts straight away. This book never fails to wring my heart, and yet leave me with a sweet feeling of satisfaction at the end. A 'keeper'. Like me you will read this book over and over again.
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Summary: Slower than most of the series...
Review: I felt this entry in the Brother Cadfael series (I'm reading them in order after discovering them a couple of years ago) was more predictable than most. I'm not usually able to figure them out ahead of time -- or what I figure usually ends with an unexpected twist. Because it turned out as I had expected, it seemed to go more slowly, and so I was glad when I finished it. But along the way, it was fascinating, as all of the books are. Peters picks you up and immerses you completely in the 12th century, adding some interesting historical points as well as giving you a vivid picture of what it was like to live during that period.
Rating:
Summary: Slower than most of the series...
Review: I felt this entry in the Brother Cadfael series (I'm reading them in order after discovering them a couple of years ago) was more predictable than most. I'm not usually able to figure them out ahead of time -- or what I figure usually ends with an unexpected twist. Because it turned out as I had expected, it seemed to go more slowly, and so I was glad when I finished it. But along the way, it was fascinating, as all of the books are. Peters picks you up and immerses you completely in the 12th century, adding some interesting historical points as well as giving you a vivid picture of what it was like to live during that period.
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Summary: My favorite yet, a true tale of redemption.
Review: I was deeply impressed by the book. I really like the fact that English monasticism of the early 12th century is presented in a positive light and the characters are so human. Typically, monks are presented as irrelevant to understanding the human condition. Here, Ellis Peters give us a glimpse of a very positive "alternative lifestyle The note of redemption so common in this series was especially striking here. Through unbelievable horrors, strength for good arises.
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Summary: An element of romance as well as religious devotion!
Review: Peters isn't Shakespeare, but she does know how to hook you in. I could see quite clearly Brother Haluin dragging his failing body over miles and miles to atone for his sins, and gentle and wise Brother Cadfael putting all the pieces together (both physical and intellecutal) to make sense of the journey. Peters has a wonderful grasp of human emotions in this book, and draws a very clear picture of Medieaval monastic life with its limitations and its glories, making us feel as though we fit right in even though it's 800 years later. I want to hang out with Cadfael and hoist a glass of ale or two with this warm, compassionate and clever monk.
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Summary: A mystery of twists, turns, and a surprise ending.
Review: Sometimes I can figure out "who done it," but not this one. It keeps you hooked until the end. A monk who has been with the order for 18 years is seriously injured, and given Last Rights. He wants to give a final confession: That he killed his former lover and their unborn child! Alas, he eventually recovers from his injuries, although permenantly crippled. He goes in search of the girl's mother to confess to her and ask forgiveness. He goes on foot, with crutches, accompanied by Brother Cadfael. The story doesn't become an strange mystery until he arrives at his destination. Then, you're on the edge of your seat until all the questions are answered. A very good book, as are all of Ellis Peters' Cadfael stories.
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Summary: Good in this series
Review: The confessions of Brother Haluin is another in ellis peters series of mystery tales set in a Benedictine monastery In Civil War England in the late 1130's and 40's. the main characters are Brother Cadfael, a former Crusader who enetered the monastery late in life[age 40] his chief nemisis Prior Robert tennat[who is a strict by the book prior] ,the Priors ferret like assistant,brother Jerome, and the Abbot,Radulfus,who stands above the fray[and always sides with Cadfael] Cadfeal is a renown herbalist,and is forever off helping some sick or downtrodden individual. He has a herb garden where he is able to get a respite,and where some of the more intersting dialogue occurs. Hugh Beringer is the Sherrif of the Shire{he was introduced in the second book, one corspe too many]and Cadfaels staunch ally and dearest friend{Cadfael is godfather to The Beringers son, Giles}. Cadfael, by virtue of his long stint abroad, is far more worldly then his fellows, and by default is an ametuer sleuth. In this volume, the deep winter has decended upon the town of Shrewsbury. the heavy snows are imperelling the roofs of the monastery enclosure, and some monks are snt, in shifts[due to the intense cold] to repair the problem.Brother Haluin,a calligrapher of the highest order[and perpetual penitent] has an accident, and confesses what he believes is a deathbed confession to the Abbot and Brother Cadfeal. He recovers, though mangled for life, and sets out on a pligrimage to make amends for his wrongs, and of course, Cadfael accompanies him...things,of course ,do not turn out quite as expected. ZThis is a fine addition to the series,the writing is still fine, the scenes of 12th century england gripped in a mad civil war are well done, and the deep, profound wisdom and compassion of Cadfael shine forth, making him one of the more appealing creations in modern crime fiction. In all, good great fun,and excellent book in the series
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