R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed on + 1438 more book reviews
is an outstanding read, 5 stars, for me. The author depicts the lives of a couple affected by the politics, religion, and moral beliefs of the time. Detlef Wittelsbach, a prince and a canon of the Catholic religion, is the key male character while Ruth, a Jewish midwife who is highly educated, is the lead female of the tale.
The chaotic politics, turmoil between nations, religious intolerance, and personal beliefs, greed, and hate are threads that wind throughout this novel. Detlef leads a life typical of his wealthy class until he is exposed to a Jewish woman whose parents were murdered by an inquisitor and carries that hate for descendents of the couple. Thus Ruth, in spite of her medical training and educational background, is accused of being a witch and consorting with the devil. Detlef rescues her near death from water torture when he realizes the cruelty which this woman is enduring. Discovering that she is a highly skilled and repected midwife, he marvels at the depth of this woman. As he gets to know her, he recognizes not only her intellect and medical skills, but also her concern for others. Eventually he falls in love with her. Persecuted and pursued by those seeking more power and an inquisitor whose hate and rigid beliefs drive him, the pair escape to Holland where they marry and live for many years. Detlef converts and Ruth continues her midwife activities. They have a child and live happily. Meanwhile, Detlef becomes increasingly liberal and lectures about his beliefs angering Catholic officials and those in power. There is much to the ponder in this story. I found it difficult to put asideand recommend it to anyone interested in understanding what can happen during such a troubled time.
The chaotic politics, turmoil between nations, religious intolerance, and personal beliefs, greed, and hate are threads that wind throughout this novel. Detlef leads a life typical of his wealthy class until he is exposed to a Jewish woman whose parents were murdered by an inquisitor and carries that hate for descendents of the couple. Thus Ruth, in spite of her medical training and educational background, is accused of being a witch and consorting with the devil. Detlef rescues her near death from water torture when he realizes the cruelty which this woman is enduring. Discovering that she is a highly skilled and repected midwife, he marvels at the depth of this woman. As he gets to know her, he recognizes not only her intellect and medical skills, but also her concern for others. Eventually he falls in love with her. Persecuted and pursued by those seeking more power and an inquisitor whose hate and rigid beliefs drive him, the pair escape to Holland where they marry and live for many years. Detlef converts and Ruth continues her midwife activities. They have a child and live happily. Meanwhile, Detlef becomes increasingly liberal and lectures about his beliefs angering Catholic officials and those in power. There is much to the ponder in this story. I found it difficult to put asideand recommend it to anyone interested in understanding what can happen during such a troubled time.
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