The Burning Times : A Novel of Medieval France

Rating:
Summary: A bewitching story that kept me turning pages...
Review: This book was riveting! Through the eyes of Sybille we live the life of a peasant girl in 14th century Toulouse, France. We smell the odors(good and bad), hear the sounds, experience the cruelty. Sybille's life is a paradox. Born Catholic, but educated by her grandmother in midwifery and the ways of pagan magic, she comes of age as the Black Death grips Europe. The church burns thousands of suspected witches at the stake and fear rules the hearts and minds of the people. After watching her grandmother burn at the stake, she is forced to take shelter with Franciscan nuns in Carcassonne. She lives a double life in search of her destiny as the embodiment of the Goddess and leader of the race. As her life comes full circle, we have the privelege of making the spellbinding voyage with her. Jeanne Kalogridis is a brilliant and passionate storyteller who spares no detail and keeps us turning pages until the very end. I can't wait to go wherever she takes us next!

Rating:
Summary: Poor treatment of fascinating subject
Review: This is a shallow and stereotyped story. The characters are poorly developed. From the first chapter you know what the "surprise" at the end will be. It is a teeny-bopper witch tale. For good treatments of Wicca I would prefer to read anything by Starhawk. For a real historical treatment of the subject of the witch trials, Highroad to the Stake by M Kunze is definitely far superior. This particular book was a waste of my time, an insult to my intelligence...and boring!