The Nun in Boxall's 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die

Jan 29, 2017 Suvi rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: novels, 1700s, religion, _france

Diderot finished The Nun in 1760, but it wasn't published in book form until 1796, twelve years after Diderot's death. What's interesting about this is that the novel is based on a practical joke played on the Marquis de Croismare. The Marquis had stayed in Normandy for several years, when one day he received a letter, where a young nun asked help after having escaped from a convent. This "nun" was actually Diderot and his friends. The story was believable, because the letter was based on Margue ...more

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Jun 23, 2024 Peggy rated it liked it

Very interesting and intense novel (although apparently inspired by an actual case in France at the time, it is fiction) about a young woman forced into taking the habit due to a family situation not of her doing. The young nun serves in two different convents (as well as the first convent where she causes a scandal by refusing to accept the ceremony that would have placed her in orders). She later consents out of lack of any other options. She then goes through harrowing experiences, all laid o ...more

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Sep 02, 2008 Karen rated it liked it

Shelves: recentreads

This was an interesting selection--from the "1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die" list. It was pretty racy, especially given that it was written in the 1760's. A fairly short selection, and easy to read, esp considering that it is a translation, originally written in French.

A young girl is placed in a convent, against her will. This was a common practice in these times, and the novel is Diderot's commentary about the practice and religious orders in general. The girl is not treated well and ...more

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