The Love Letters of a Portuguese Nun

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating exploration of passion
Review: These letters, originally published in 1669 as an "instant success" deserve to become an "instant success" again. They are of uncertain origin and authenticity; however, the strength of the contents makes their authenticity academic. In five letters, we see the psychological movement from blind, passionate love to an awareness of having been used - while still valuing the lessons of what passion is possible in the heart. We see this movement through the letters of a young Portuguese nun who was seduced by a French military officer serving in Portugal. While this is a work of the 17th century, the insight into human nature could well have been written yesterday - the culture and the date are no barrier to the text.

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating exploration of passion
Review: These letters, originally published in 1669 as an "instant success" deserve to become an "instant success" again. They are of uncertain origin and authenticity; however, the strength of the contents makes their authenticity academic. In five letters, we see the psychological movement from blind, passionate love to an awareness of having been used - while still valuing the lessons of what passion is possible in the heart. We see this movement through the letters of a young Portuguese nun who was seduced by a French military officer serving in Portugal. While this is a work of the 17th century, the insight into human nature could well have been written yesterday - the culture and the date are no barrier to the text.