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Title: The Anchoress

Author: Robyn Cadwallader

Narrator: Madeleine Leslay

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 26 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-06-15

Publisher: Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

England, 1255: Sarah is only 17 when she chooses to become an anchoress, a holy woman shut away in a small cell, measuring seven paces by nine, at the side of the village church.

Fleeing the grief of losing a much-loved sister in childbirth and the pressure to marry, she decides to renounce the world, with all its dangers, desires, and temptations, and to commit herself to a life of prayer and service to God.

But as she slowly begins to understand, even the thick, unforgiving walls of her cell cannot keep the outside world away, and it is soon clear that Sarah's body and soul are still in great danger....

Robyn Cadwallader's powerful debut novel tells an absorbing story of faith, desire, shame, fear and the very human need for connection and touch. With a poetic intelligence, Cadwallader explores the relationship between the mind, body and spirit in Medieval England in a story that will hold the listener in a spell until the very last second.

Critic Reviews:

"A detailed, sensuous and richly imagined shard of the past...emotionally engaging and vividly present." (Geraldine Brooks)

"Sarahs story [in The Anchoress] is so beautiful, so rich, so strange, unexpected and thoughtful - also suspenseful...I loved this book." (Elizabeth Gilbert)

"Intense, atmospheric and very assured...this is one of the most eagerly anticipated novels of the year." (Caroline Baum)

Members Reviews:

Mesmerising, a telling tale of the times

I found this story to be a mesmerising read. It seemed to me that the young woman, Sister Sarah, was primarily escaping the options available to a young woman in those times (and with good cause), and that she was actually not a convincing contemplative. I like that the novel finished on a note of hope. An enjoyable read, with a really interesting historical setting.

Five Stars

Good reading!

Well written with great character development

An intriguing and very different novel. Well written with great character development.

A High Price for Safety

I've read A LOT about the middle ages and never even heard of an anchoress. It is a compelling story, and considering the alternative lives for women, an understandable, if horrible, choice. I enjoyed it very much.

Interesting History

The book was interesting from the standpoint of history and to see the progression of dedicated women in the Catholic Church from then until now.