The Burdens of Sister Margaret: Inside a Seventeenth-Century Convent

by Craig Harline

Based on a treasure trove of letters, this fascinating book tells the history of a seventeenth-century nun in a convent in Leuven and how her complaints—of sexual harassment, fears of demonic possession, alliances among the other sisters against her—led to her banishment from the convent on two occasions. Highly acclaimed when it was first published as a revealing look at female religious life in early modern Europe, the book is now available in an abridged paperbound version with a new preface by the author.

Reviews of the clothbound

“A window to the past. . . . I loved, just loved, this book.”—Carolyn See, Washington Post

“The world Mr. Harline uncovers is a fascinating one. . . . The story of Sister Margaret gives an extra dimension of humanity to a turning point in the history of ideas.”—Sonia Gernes, Wall Street Journal

“Better-than-fiction social history. . . . This is a glimpse into diaries, letters, hearts, minds, hatreds, and hopes; it will enthrall.”— Christian Century

“Harline’s graceful writing allows the women and men in this religious community to breathe, gossip, pray with tears. . . . The Burdens of Sister Margaret helps us see the familiar Reformation in a fresh way.”—Kevin A. Miller, Christianity Today

“Microhistory at its best.”—Larissa Taylor, Renaissance Quarterly

Genres: Nonfiction, History

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Jonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible. As A Catholic, I like to read books about nuns and priests and this one was fascinating. The Church never comes across very well in these books, but I concentrate on the character and the story and this one will not disappoint. A definite Must-Read - especially for Catholics! :=)

[Tamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

As its title suggests, this book talks about the difficulties Sister Margaret, an outcast among her sisters in a convent in the seventeenth century. She accused the other sisters of having parties to gain favor with those in power,among other infractions. Before reading this, I did not realize that convents did not gain as many alms as monasteries because nuns were not allowed to perform sacraments as priests were. Also, I gathered that the lay community at large imposed mightily on the nuns for for babysitting services, storage facilities, and the like. I found this a bit surprising.

Though written with sympathy for Sister Margaret, the book also gives the thoughtful reader reasons to ponder the other point of view. Overall, a recommended, enlightening read for those interested in this topic, and in the topic of human politics in general. Portions reminded me of office politics; if you were in favor with those in power, all was well. If you were not, then things weren't as nice for you.

I gave it four stars rather than five because for me, the prose was a bit slow going at times. However, the book is still worth the investment of time.

[Chelsey M. Ortega · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my flippin goodness! This book made me so sad! But I loved it so much. This was my first look into Catholicism - specifically nuns - during the 17th Century (I generally focus on Protestantism in England during that time period). This is pretty much the real story of Mean Girls back in the 1600's.

I definitely feel that neither side were completely innocent (Sister Margaret vs. the other nuns). There were times throughout where I felt like the nuns really do believe in the demons and spirits that they are talking about; and then there are other times where I felt like they used that belief to their advantage.

This book also shows that as women during this time period, the nuns actually had more social power than one would originally think. For the most part the Archbishop let them run the convent how they wanted to. There were very few times where he actually put his foot down as an authority figure and made an executive decision.

[Fred · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adding to my addiction of NUNS and having just finished "Hunger's Bride." This will have to move to the top of my to read list!!!

[Raully · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another assignment for my class this fall.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story of a nun in the 16th century. The story was gleamed from letters written by the nun and what normally was going on during that time.