Hello Readers,
Thank you, NetGalley for giving access to an eBook copy of
The Mirror of Simple Souls by Aline Kiner for free in exchange for an honest
review. The eBook I received from NetGalley didn’t have a cover image, so I am
using a cover image I have found through google (Fair use under the copyright
act sections 29 and 30 under use for a review)
2023 is a year of rediscovering dear Reader, this year I have
rediscovered my love of history and historical fiction. The historical fiction
books I have read this year have all inspired me to do further research into
the subjects mentioned in the books.
The Mirror of Simple Souls is no different, although I wasn’t
completely blindsided by this book as I knew about the templar knights and the
limited choices for women’s occupations. Until I read this book, I knew nothing
about the beguines, my previous knowledge thought that the only choice for
women in the time period was being wives, nuns or prostitutes (Don’t look at me
like that, it’s the oldest profession in the world).
Aline Kiner has created an insightful historical novel
set-in 14th century Paris. This book does a wonderful job shining a spotlight
on the great beguinage, an exclusive community for single women that was under
royal protection. The women who ended up in the beguines didn’t follow the path
that was expected of them at the time. My understanding is that a the great
beguinage was like a convent, but the women didn’t have to take vows and unlike
nuns, the beguines were free to retain property and their own affairs.
I’m sorry dear Reader I really am trying not to history dump
and tone down my excitement of what I discovered through reading this book in
addition to being inspired to do my own research. I might have blinkers on dear
Reader, but I have found it hard to find novels set in the Middle Ages that
isn’t focused just on royalty and political aspects of the time. This book investigates
the ordinary lives of women who joined the beguines, and I loved every second
of it.
The streets of Paris came to life in this book as the story
unfolded. Aline effortlessly combined fiction with real events of The Templars
and Marguerite Porete who was burned at the stake for heresy. I found it hard to
put this book down as I felt invest in the women’s stories. This book is a
great read for anyone who loves historical fiction.
L x
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