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Illuminations: A Novel of Hildegard von Bingen Audiobook
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(3.02) - 553 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Skillfully interweaving historical fact with psychological insight and vivid imagination, Sharratt's redemptive novel, Illuminations, brings to life one of the most extraordinary women of the Middle Ages: Hildegard von Bingen, Benedictine abbess, visionary, and polymath.
Offered to the Church at the age of eight, Hildegard was entombed in a small room where she was expected to live out her days in silent submission as the handmaiden of a renowned but disturbed young nun, Jutta von Sponheim. Instead, Hildegard rejected Jutta's masochistic piety and found comfort and grace in studying books, growing herbs, and rejoicing in her own secret visions of the divine. When Jutta died some thirty years later, Hildegard broke out of her prison with the heavenly calling to speak and write about her visions and to liberate her sisters and herself from the soul-destroying anchorage. Riveting and utterly unforgettable, Illuminations is a deeply moving portrayal of a woman willing to risk everything for what she believed.
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"I really enjoyed this historical fiction novel about the real life 12th century Benedictine nun, Hildegard von Bingen. I've always been interested in medieval history, and getting a glimpse into the life of Hildegard and her contemporaries was fascinating. Hildegard herself was a very accomplished woman, especially for her time. She was a composer, herbalist and visionary and an extremely independent thinker. In 1170, at the age of 71, she famously stood up to the corruption in the Church on the steps of Cologne Cathedral, at great risk to her life. An interesting read about a fascinating woman. 4 stars - I really liked it."
— Pam (4 out of 5 stars)
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“Tavia Gilbert delicately voices von Bingen, maturing the character appropriately as the listener follows her from childhood into old age. Jutta von Sponheim…is graced with hushed, ethereal tones, while Volmar, the young monk hopelessly in love with Jutta, has warm, deep inflections that reflect the good soul he truly is. Seamless shifts in tone along with exhaustive research into the correct pronunciation of obscure German names and places elevate the literary experience as only great audio can. Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award.”
— AudioFile -
[A] gripping story.
— Publishers Weekly -
“Masterful.”
— Saint Paul Pioneer Press -
“One could not anticipate this majesty and drama…Riveting…Von Bingen…emerge[s] as one of the significant voices of the twelfth century…Unforgettable.”
— January Magazine -
“Though confined primarily to the abbey and peopled by a small cast, Sharratt’s gripping story…is primarily about relationships forged under pressure.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“Psychological insight, passages of moving spirituality, and abundant historical detail—from straw bedding and hairshirts to turtle soup and wooden dolls—make this a memorable addition to the genre of medieval historical fiction.”
— Booklist -
“Sharratt brings the elusive Hildegard to vivid life, underscoring her ability to evade or transcend Church censure while espousing a proto-feminist agenda.”
— Kirkus Reviews
Awards
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Winner of an AudioFile Earphones Award
Illuminations Listener Reviews
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" I really liked this book. It was fascinating to learn how some young girls were walled into a life within a monastery. I liked the first part of the book better than the last part and I thought her visions were a little weird but as I looked at the back of the book and saw the research that went into the book I appreciated that. "
— Jen, 2/16/2014 -
" A nice way into the life of Hildegard. "
— Alison, 2/12/2014 -
" I fully admit to having no knowledge whatsoever about how much of this novel is historically accurate, but I would probably read a shoebox if someone told me that it was about Hildegard. I think she is a fascinating visionary that has left us some of the most beautiful vocal music you will ever hear. So, I am confessing to being a sucker for the subject matter. The writing was fine, and the author dug through some interesting sources in producing this novel. Worth a look, if you like medieval music, history, or art. If you don't find these things particularly interesting, the storyline is not especially rollicking and so this might not be for you. "
— Kelly, 1/24/2014 -
" I love a good nun story. Especially where the nuns are strong and somehow break their bonds. This is a very good nun story. "
— Sherrie, 1/18/2014 -
" I quit. This is much too boring and flat. "
— Orsolya, 1/18/2014 -
" Lovely novel on the interesting life and career of Hildegard von Bingen. Passionate and powerful. "
— Lauren, 1/13/2014 -
" A surprisingly easy read....engaging story line and endearingly crafted characters...who knew historical fiction about a Benedictine nun could be so riveting?!? "
— Sara, 1/5/2014 -
" I thought it was interesting to get the perspective of what her life could have been like. But that is just it. The book isn't completely sure. It is mostly based off of her journal..but still. Some parts were quite boring.... I wouldn't suggest it. Quite strange really. "
— Caren, 1/3/2014 -
" Very good. Nice spiritual side. "
— Anne, 12/6/2013 -
" A remarkably easy book to read. I enjoyed learning about the life of this incredible woman of the middle ages. "
— Susan, 10/12/2013 -
" I like Mary Sharratt books but I like this one the most. Reading about Hildegard Von Bingen's battles with the catholic establishment was exciting, frightening and rewarding. The book is a lesson on perseverance. The 12th century wasn't for whimps!!! "
— Larry, 8/8/2013 -
" Really, really enjoyed this book! It was a beautifully written and a lovely story. Hildegard is considered a Doctor of the Church and her faith during all her hardships is truly amazing. "
— Ann, 7/28/2013 -
" Although this is a novel, much of it is based on fact and has me searching for more information on the life of this strong and amazing woman. "
— Karen, 6/27/2013 -
" Excellent!!! Beautiful story of perseverance and reverence toward God. Believing and having faith when you are in the darkest of places. "
— Heather, 5/6/2013 -
" Amazing historical fiction of a 12th century cloistered nun and prophetress that was recently canonized and declared a doctor of the church. "
— Kitty, 2/21/2013
About Mary Sharratt
Mary Sharratt is an American writer who has lives in the Pendle region of Lancashire, England. The author of the critically acclaimed novels Summit Avenue, The Real Minerva, and The Vanishing Point, among others, she is also the coeditor of the subversive fiction anthology Bitch Lit, a celebration of female antiheroes, strong women who break all the rules.
About Tavia Gilbert
Tavia Gilbert is an acclaimed narrator of more than four hundred full-cast and multivoice audiobooks for virtually every publisher in the industry. Named the 2018 Voice of Choice by Booklist magazine, she is also winner of the prestigious Audie Award for best narration. She has earned numerous Earphones Awards, a Voice Arts Award, and a Listen-Up Award. Audible.com has named her a Genre-Defining Narrator: Master of Memoir. In addition to voice acting, she is an accomplished producer, singer, and theater actor. She is also a producer, singer, photographer, and a writer, as well as the cofounder of a feminist publishing company, Animal Mineral.