⇒ Read Gratis Confessions of a Pagan Nun A Novel Kate Horsley Books

Confessions of a Pagan Nun A Novel Kate Horsley Books

Download As PDF : Confessions of a Pagan Nun A Novel Kate Horsley Books

Confessions of a Pagan Nun A Novel Kate Horsley Books

I finished this book a couple days ago. I wish I didn't have to write a review for it. Mostly because I can't figure out what to say.

What I hope to find was an education about the Pagan ways in a gentle fictional story. Instead there was plenty to tell about the cruelty of the 'onward christian soldiers'. But the book seemed to tell more about the cruelty and less about the goodness of either religion. Even the awe of nature and all her wonders was minimal.

Emotions seemed to rule the book: guilt, depression and unrequited love.

The feelings that I am left with are the cold and muddiness, disease and death.

Many have left much more eloquent reviews for this book. I leave only the shivering grittiness I feel when thinking of this story.


Tags : Amazon.com: Confessions of a Pagan Nun: A Novel (9781570629136): Kate Horsley: Books,Kate Horsley,Confessions of a Pagan Nun: A Novel,Shambhala,1570629137,Religious - General,Druids and Druidism,Ireland - History - To 1172,Nuns,Women - Ireland,Women, Celtic,Christian - General,FICTION Fantasy Historical,FICTION Historical General,FICTION Literary,FICTION Religious,Fiction,Fiction - Historical,Fiction-Religious,FictionChristian - General,FictionHistorical - General,GENERAL,General Adult,Historical - General,Historical fiction,Literary,Modern fiction,nun;historical;literary fiction;historical fiction novels;historical fiction books;alternate history;science fiction and fantasy;fantasy novels;historical fiction;fiction;novels;fiction books;historical novels;literature;books fiction;realistic fiction books;books historical fiction;fantasy books for adults;fantasy book;fantasy fiction;fantasy novel;fantasy;mythology;medieval;christianity;christian fiction;romance;ancient egypt;christian;celtic;england;bible;magic;crusades;wicca;king arthur,historical fiction; historical; celtic; druids; christianity; nuns; pagan; dark ages; medieval; science fiction and fantasy; adventure; ancient egypt; mythology; literary fiction; ancient greece; middle ages; nun; historical fiction novels; fiction; fiction books; literature; historical fiction books; fantasy books for adults; science fiction and fantasy books; classic; england; mystery; saga; magic; knights templar; folklore; myths; greek mythology; epic; crusades; vikings; supernatural; myths and legends; christian; spirituality,Modern fiction

Confessions of a Pagan Nun A Novel Kate Horsley Books Reviews

I would love to say I loved this. The lyrical writing was impressive, the historical detail and accuracy unassailable.[Spoiler alert] Because it was a fictional tale about a fictional woman, I would have preferred a more positive ending. I imagine thatmartyring this nun was more realistic as a portrayal than one that would have allowed her to survive her unfair persecution, just because I like narrative arcs that trend up. But I found this novel affecting and special. Thanks to Kate for the research and love that clearly went into this gem.
That sentence should tell you the philosophy of the beginnings of the Roman Church which so miscarried Christ's teachings. No, I am not a religion bigot. I was baptised and educated in the Roman Church. I most appreciated Kate Horley's novel for the truth it told, with much poetry for those who do not believe that "the things that are of the earth are evil." Gwinneve decides to seek out the "new" religion because she admires the tales of Jesus and Brigit. She is a healer and lover of words, able to read and write. She sees much cruelty at the hands of the monks. How this can be reconciled with the stories of the good Jesus? When she finally admits there is no good in the abbot and his monks, they have discerned her intelligence and respect she is given. No one is allowed any power but them, especially not a woman, a daughter of the temptress Eve. This takes place in 500 AD. Isn't it sad to realize how little has changed with the Roman Church trying to silence its nuns? If you love the poetry of nature, or tales of "Irelaunde", you will enjoy this book. Also, think about what Christ's mission could have accomplished had it not been subverted by the Church. A sad but beautiful story, it's vivid in depicting the struggle to stay alive in spite of hunger and ignorance--well researched!
I enjoyed the comparisons and contrasts of Druids to early Irish christianity. Women's power as a Druid was eventually whittled away as they were forced to become Christian. The ancient religion is closely tied to many older cultures in the world where people were much closer to the earth as "mother" and protector. Thanking an animal when making a meal of it instead of thanking god for the animal was an interesting aspect. "If one does not have knowledge of what to do or think, he will be told by another what to do or think... Knowledge often spoils devotion." "Will eternal bliss in heaven be tedious?" What happened with the expansion of Christianity? 1- improvements in tools and methods of husbandry. 2- increase in the varieties and hardiness of plants and domestic animals. 3--decrease in the violence of the native populations and the taking of hostages 4 -increase in literacy and knowledge of the world 5- increase in the distance between rich and poor 6- decrease in the influence and freedom of women, property rights and their choice to reproduce 7- increase in cruelty to the land and disregard for its power and beauty. She said " it seems curious to me that those who condemn this earth and its goods most vehemently are the ones who greedily amass those goods and wealth."
Kate Horsley has, in my opinion, written a work of literature> She has an excellent understanding of the historical period of 6th century Ireland and the swirling, conflicted religious/theological world that both blessed and tortured it's people. Her characters are believable and multidimensional. Her use of language and her vocabulary are exquisite. I read this book in two sittings and loved every page of it. I read a lot with a specialty in Celtic spirituality. I lead a monthly worship experience called Celtic Soul that is rooted in early Celtic Christianity, an earth honoring, Jesus following tradition. Nothing I have read about this period has the honest, authentic, unvarnished feeling that is present on every page. If you thought of the age of Patrick and Brigit as "romantic" then you ought to read this book. It is a testament to what people go through to make sense of life and faith, of what is fulfilled by the effort and what is left unfulfilled; what is lost and what is found. It is at it's foundation the story of us all. I hope you'll gain as much as I did as I read it. It is more than just novel. it is a masterpiece.
I finished this book a couple days ago. I wish I didn't have to write a review for it. Mostly because I can't figure out what to say.

What I hope to find was an education about the Pagan ways in a gentle fictional story. Instead there was plenty to tell about the cruelty of the 'onward christian soldiers'. But the book seemed to tell more about the cruelty and less about the goodness of either religion. Even the awe of nature and all her wonders was minimal.

Emotions seemed to rule the book guilt, depression and unrequited love.

The feelings that I am left with are the cold and muddiness, disease and death.

Many have left much more eloquent reviews for this book. I leave only the shivering grittiness I feel when thinking of this story.