Cloistered in a stone cell at the monastery of Saint Brigit, a sixth-century Irish nun secretly records the memories of her Pagan youth, interrupti...
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reviews
Apr 14, 2008
treehugger
rated it: 
This book is a pretty neat novel. It takes place just under 500 years after Christ and is written by one of the very few literate nuns of the time period who should be transcribing sacred texts, but is instead writing of her childhood before the Christians began their persecution of the pagans in Ireland.
There are some GREAT quotes. For example:
"Rather than seeing a contest between druid and Christian, I see a kinship between sone chapel and stone circle. One enc More...
There are some GREAT quotes. For example:
"Rather than seeing a contest between druid and Christian, I see a kinship between sone chapel and stone circle. One enc More...
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Jan 09, 2008
Rebecca
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This is a prime example of why a book shouldn't be judged by its cover. Although, the ridiculous title should have made me a bit suspicious. I was fully seduced by the picture of the clochan amidst the greenery of Ireland.
I'll be quick with my criticism. The whole story was one gaping anachronism after another. There wasn't a single character that felt authentic...everyone was a one (maybe two) dimensional mouthpiece for the author's philosophical convictions. The ironic thing i More...
I'll be quick with my criticism. The whole story was one gaping anachronism after another. There wasn't a single character that felt authentic...everyone was a one (maybe two) dimensional mouthpiece for the author's philosophical convictions. The ironic thing i More...
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Nov 01, 2011
Jacqie
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Maybe I read this too fast. I think this book probably calls for a slow, meditative reading, with pauses to think about passages. That's not my natural style, so my opinion of the book suffered for it. I also had a hard time with the verisimilitude of the book. The conceit is that a woman living in an Irish convent (not really sure she was a nun) actually wrote this in Gaelic. I've read medieval writings (admittedly all by men) and they aren't anything like this. I think the author wanted t
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Apr 15, 2011
Jamie
rated it: 
Thank God I finally remembered the name of this book. I've spent the past month trying to recall the title - or enough key words for a google search - which is strange because the crazy title is what drew me in the first place. This was another random selection from the eclectic collection of the Ketchum Community Library (which is privately funded, so donated books abound).
Moving along, This is not The Great American Novel...or The Great Irish Novel...or whatever. The characters More...
Moving along, This is not The Great American Novel...or The Great Irish Novel...or whatever. The characters More...
Jan 30, 2011
Alex
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Confessions of a Pagan Nun does not read like a medieval text, as the prose has a lot more life to it, and it definitely lacks in the depth of description that monks and nuns of the Middle Ages felt someone needed to know about, and yet the book certainly has a dryness and lethargy that some medieval texts have.
The result is a book that may well not be everyone’s cup of tea. What is interesting is the degree to which the author has gone to make the book seem like a real nun’s chronicl More...
The result is a book that may well not be everyone’s cup of tea. What is interesting is the degree to which the author has gone to make the book seem like a real nun’s chronicl More...
Aug 27, 2010
Tanya
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I enjoyed this book. Every once in while I come across a book that articulates perfectly what I cannot seem to put into words myself. The book is suppose to be an english translation of old parchments found in Kildare, Ireland by a women who was raised pagan. Set in the time when christianity was new to most. She struggles with her core beliefs and also those of her new found christianity. The description that I've just given makes it sound pretty boring but the writing style pulls you in.
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Aug 27, 2011
Eshaneh
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The novel is something of a memoir of a fictional Irish nun, Gwynneve, in sixth century Ireland. Gwynneve's story is one that brings to life the struggles of that time, including power struggles between pagans and early Christians. Horsley created earthy characters with human flaws and talents. The lives of these characters are compelling and believable. The language is relatively modern and merely peppered with old Irish terms, yet it does not detract from the story, and I found that it made Gw
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Feb 15, 2011
Melinda
rated it:
I randomly grabbed this at the public library-- seduced by the cover and (don't judge me!) the small stature of the book. I read it in less than 2 days but it could be easily done in a single sitting. It reads like a series of letters that have been translated, which is the intent. Interesting and sad. There are some great quotes throughout the book mostly related to the protagonists inability to understand certain elements of christianity and why it would be in conflict with her pagan roots
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Apr 02, 2011
Marcie
rated it:
5 stars for the insights, they're worth remembering.
3 stars for the story, which although believable and compelling, dwelt too much on the difficulties
I came to this book with a unique perspective: studying early christianity, especially its spread to Europe, for my senior thesis class (many years ago now!) and a recent quick study of irish mythology for my daughter's history fair project. This was helpful in understanding the nuances and references to both. And I have always More...
3 stars for the story, which although believable and compelling, dwelt too much on the difficulties
I came to this book with a unique perspective: studying early christianity, especially its spread to Europe, for my senior thesis class (many years ago now!) and a recent quick study of irish mythology for my daughter's history fair project. This was helpful in understanding the nuances and references to both. And I have always More...
Apr 16, 2011
Sherri
rated it:
It's been a long while since I read this book. My copy was lent (forever, as it resulted) to a woman I knew, a former nun (!) and I think I should get a replacement to read it again. However, it sticks with me over the years.
Why only 3 stars? It's not because of the book itself, which was well and effectively written. It wasn't about the subject matter, although I found it dark and painful (because that was the proper context for the story). I think I gave it three stars because, More...
Why only 3 stars? It's not because of the book itself, which was well and effectively written. It wasn't about the subject matter, although I found it dark and painful (because that was the proper context for the story). I think I gave it three stars because, More...
May 15, 2010
Jacki
rated it:
This book has been sitting on my tbr pile for a couple of years. A friend warned me that it was quite depressing, so I have put off reading this fictional account of an Irish Druidess turned Nun of Saint Brigit.
Once again I find myself wishing to go back and read historical accounts of our past. In this case, an account of Ireland just near the time of Saint Patrick and the conversion of the Irish to Christianity. I also wish to learn a bit more about the battle between the Pelagi More...
Once again I find myself wishing to go back and read historical accounts of our past. In this case, an account of Ireland just near the time of Saint Patrick and the conversion of the Irish to Christianity. I also wish to learn a bit more about the battle between the Pelagi More...
Jul 30, 2009
Judie
rated it:
Kate Horsley has written a lovely lyrical tragedy about a woman, Gwynneve, living in 6th century Ireland during the time of Christian conversion. She lived in a Druid Túath with her family as a child but after her mother dies embarks on a journey of self discovery and learning. As the story opens she is a nun living in a clochan (the hive like stone building depicted on the cover of the book) at the monastery of Saint Brigit translating the writings of Augustine and Patrick. The novel is Gwyn
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Feb 12, 2008
Nancy
rated it:
What a tragic story! If you want an example of how Christianity transformed native populations, then read this book.
synopsis:
Gwynneve is a nun who lives in a small stone cell at the monastery of St. Brigit, a formerly pagan goddess turned Saint at the behest of St. Patrick. Brigit has the ability to read and write and her task at the monastery is to transcribe the writings of St. Patrick & St. Augustine. She takes time, however, in between her task to set forth the details of h More...
synopsis:
Gwynneve is a nun who lives in a small stone cell at the monastery of St. Brigit, a formerly pagan goddess turned Saint at the behest of St. Patrick. Brigit has the ability to read and write and her task at the monastery is to transcribe the writings of St. Patrick & St. Augustine. She takes time, however, in between her task to set forth the details of h More...
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Jul 25, 2007
Martin
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A girl determined to be a druid chooses the wrong time to do it as the Christians start coming and slowly take over all aspects of people’s lives. There is a lot in this book and tricky to sum up quickly.
It’s the classic ‘trying to find yourself’ kind of story with the main character seeking out her purpose in life, or even a purpose for life. With language similar to Fugitive Pieces by Anne Michaels it’s great reading and a deep story you can lose yourself in completely. Unlike F More...
It’s the classic ‘trying to find yourself’ kind of story with the main character seeking out her purpose in life, or even a purpose for life. With language similar to Fugitive Pieces by Anne Michaels it’s great reading and a deep story you can lose yourself in completely. Unlike F More...
Jul 30, 2011
Terri
rated it:
I liked the ending quite a bit. The story is divided into chapters and "interruptions." The chapters tell the story of how Gwynneve came to be a nun. The "interruptions" relate the goings-on in the convent as Gwynneve transcribes her life story. I preferred the interruptions over the chapters. They were much more interesting, they felt more "real" and authoritative. The chapters were dreamy and vague. This was especially disappointing for me.
I tend to do More...
I tend to do More...
May 20, 2010
Lisa
rated it: 
I really really loved this book!
But I will caution that if the historical period of Christianity coming out and spreading to wipe out Paganism doesn't interest you, then this book probably won't either.
Seeing how the change from matriarchal religion to patriarchal almost to the point of viewing woman as "evil" has always interested me. How did they manage that shift? This book is a revealing look...
Overall, I find the time period very enthralling a More...
But I will caution that if the historical period of Christianity coming out and spreading to wipe out Paganism doesn't interest you, then this book probably won't either.
Seeing how the change from matriarchal religion to patriarchal almost to the point of viewing woman as "evil" has always interested me. How did they manage that shift? This book is a revealing look...
Overall, I find the time period very enthralling a More...
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Nov 24, 2010
Paige
rated it:
You really have to work hard to remember that this is a work of fiction while you're reading it. Both Gwynneve's past stories of being raised pagan and taught by a druid and her present stories of convent life are chilling and all too real. It's hard to ignore the similarities between Ireland's first christians and their recent day manifestations. It really does make you question the ability of humans to evolve at all and wonder if we will ever really learn to love our fellow man.
Jan 20, 2012
Cornelia
rated it:
This is an incredible book. It's written in first person point of view, which is hard to pull off but the author does a fabulous job. The book is very authentic to the history and the belief system of the time. It's set in either 5th or 6th century Ireland. I absolutely loved this book. The ending is sad though. I wish it could have had a happy ending but perhaps the story would not have been as good. I highly recommend this book. I'm so glad I read it.
Apr 04, 2009
Monica
rated it:
Have you ever wondered how people can put a bowl of milk under the sink for the kitchen fairies then leave for church? This book describes so well what it must be like to fit something completely foreign into your life and how one would have to make sense of it. It is truly a beautifully written work with an amazing way of helping one understand what it must have been like to try to take on this new fangled thing called Christianity. This is my all-time favorite book.
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Nov 11, 2010
Teresa
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Very quick read, only took about three hours. Great story about an Irish women who goes from Druid to Catholic nun to martyr. Most of this book is written in a way where you are reading her journal about her life and her point of views. I love the way that she ponders things from a Druid point of view then from the early Christian point of view, and how she come away with no clear answers just more questions.
Nov 20, 2011
Elle
rated it:
a contrast/comparison of the druids and early Christians by a woman who has experienced both groups in power in her lifetime in 6th century Ireland
druids-God is found through pleasure and beauty, women have a say, a personal relationship with God is possible
early Christians-God is found through the denial of pleasure, women need guidance from men, priests are necessary middlemen to God
I appreciate that the narrator, Gwynneve, is weary of her own doubts and que More...
druids-God is found through pleasure and beauty, women have a say, a personal relationship with God is possible
early Christians-God is found through the denial of pleasure, women need guidance from men, priests are necessary middlemen to God
I appreciate that the narrator, Gwynneve, is weary of her own doubts and que More...
Jun 18, 2009
Lorraine
rated it:
Horsley is a great storyteller. Set in 6th century Ireland, the main character describes the coming of Christianity to Ireland. She doesn't understand why the two traditions, that of Christianity and that of the Irish people have to be treated as separate entities that have nothing in common. In her mind, they are kindred faiths. The last chapter is the most beautiful to me.
Apr 20, 2008
Russ
rated it: 
Presenting itself as a historical memoir of a 5th century Irish nun recalling her pre-Christian life, this work was interesting in its subject matter, but dissappointing due to its absolute demonization of Christianity and its romanticism of the Irish pagan culture.
The contrivance of many of the novel's criticisms of Christian evangelizing seemed to be betrayed by their eloquence. It just didn't seem likely that a person living in those times could have been capable of such succinct More...
The contrivance of many of the novel's criticisms of Christian evangelizing seemed to be betrayed by their eloquence. It just didn't seem likely that a person living in those times could have been capable of such succinct More...
Sep 25, 2008
Ginny
rated it:
I enjoyed some parts of this, but it averaged out at about 2 1/2 stars for me.
The author uses her heroine—a semi-converted sixth century nun—to kind of hit the reader over the head with her own 21st century feminist and neo-pagan philosophy. The writing is often lyrical and enjoyable, but subtlety is definitely not Kate Horsley's strong point. In case you don’t get why pagans are good and Christians are bad, she sums it all up at the end with sixth century bullet points.
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The author uses her heroine—a semi-converted sixth century nun—to kind of hit the reader over the head with her own 21st century feminist and neo-pagan philosophy. The writing is often lyrical and enjoyable, but subtlety is definitely not Kate Horsley's strong point. In case you don’t get why pagans are good and Christians are bad, she sums it all up at the end with sixth century bullet points.
More...
Nov 30, 2011
Jeanine
rated it:
While I found Gwynneve to be short-sighted and kind of idiotic, I found I was pleased with her insights. I did like the character of Gwynneve's mother and liked her forest wisdom, although Giannon was just a pain in the butt.
I was drawn to the ideas of Druid and Christian working together, especially the Stone Circle and Stone Chapel quote. I also found the Pelagians quite interesting in their view that all things and creatures are part of God and are good; also, their belief that More...
I was drawn to the ideas of Druid and Christian working together, especially the Stone Circle and Stone Chapel quote. I also found the Pelagians quite interesting in their view that all things and creatures are part of God and are good; also, their belief that More...
Dec 27, 2010
Michelle Maria
rated it:
Beautifully written with a clear and simple style. The story of a woman who is at once on an extraordinary quest yet lives an ordinary life of love, sorrow and suffering. Personalizes an historical period that helps readers to experience what it may have been like to live as a pagan woman during the beginning of christian domination of Ireland.
Sep 01, 2009
Dee
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Written as a memoir penned by a sixth century Irish woman who apprentices herself to a Druid and ends her life drowned as a witch, this is an interesting take on how a pagan woman i the 500's might have seen the advent of Christianity in Ireland. She didn't like what she saw.
Aug 23, 2010
Diane
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This is one of those quiet books, well-written, that grabs your attention and at the end you realize you were emotionally involved. Loving historical fiction, I was interested in this Dark Ages scene, the mix of old pagan and new Christian ways. It's a quick read.
Jun 10, 2010
Lou
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I enjoyed this book - written as an autobiography, tells of a woman's life as a pagan, in the time that Christianity started to overturn the Pagan faith...how she lived, surved and her thoughts and confusion of trying to integrate the two religious beliefs.
Jan 22, 2012
Miramira
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This book may change my life. Or less dramatically said, may change me. For, as a semi-wise person once said, when you accept another's opinion as truth it becomes a principle by which you live. At long last I must begin to agree with Morgan that there is power in poetry, for though the words said are not remarkable in themselves they are couched in such imagery that the lament deeply wrenched my spirit and soul. I now have quite a lot about which to think.
