The Pilgrim of Hate (Cadfael #10) - SPOILER Thread - (March/April 22)

[Susan]

Welcome to our March/April 22 buddy read of The Pilgrim of Hate by Ellis Peters the tenth Cadfael mystery, first published in 1984.

As hundreds of pilgrims arrive at the shrine of St. Winifred, Brother Cadfael wonders if two of the pilgrims, obviously intensely bound to each other, are bound to the murder of a knight in Winchester.

Please feel free to post spoilers in this thread.

[Jill]

I like this opened, giving us a bit more about the politics of the time of which, I have been very interested. I was a bit worried about Cadfael getting found out about St Winifred's remains, but so far so good. The incident I didn't like was that Matt hit Melangell, and it was passed off as he was in a temper. Isn't that what all men have been in when they have hit their wife? I don't see that, that is reason to forgive them. They then go off with every intention of them marrying.

[Susan in NC]

Jill wrote: "I like this opened, giving us a bit more about the politics of the time of which, I have been very interested. I was a bit worried about Cadfael getting found out about St Winifred's remains, but s..."

Same here, this was a reread, but I’m still rather confused by the politics of the Stephen/Maude period (mostly by the switching allegiances), so this was helpful. Bishop Henry does not sound like the holiest of churchmen, only concerned for his eternal soul!

The mystery of the two young men traveling together got annoying- first I thought one was guarding the other, and the barefoot penitent must somehow be involved in the nasty death at the peace conference - or why would that incident be included in Abbott Radulfus’ retelling? I had forgotten the story behind those two, and wasn’t sure how to feel about them.

I liked the chatty widow, Melangell’s aunt, in the audiobook she lends some sly humor. But yes, the story behind the two young men was so murky and hard to grasp, Matt’s hitting her in anger at his traveling companion’s escape (I forget his name), seemed especially cruel and unwarranted. You screwed up, pal, if you asked for assistance in guarding him, hadn’t been so secretive, wouldn’t have happened! And in her mind, she was doing it to free up her love, so they could be together. Definitely threw up red flags for me.

[Sandy]

Susan in NC wrote: "Jill wrote: "I like this opened, giving us a bit more about the politics of the time of which, I have been very interested. I was a bit worried about Cadfael getting found out about St Winifred's r..."

I didn't have time, or opportunity, to listen to this one and now I'm sorry I missed the aunt's voice.

I really enjoyed this entry, partly because of all the references to past books. I'm happy the saint approved Cadfael's deception and good to see him so proud and content with his son.

I was confused with the relationship between the two young men even when it was evident who they were. I suppose I don't understand the importance of penance and oaths in the 12th century. Is Matthew / Luc or Clairan the pilgrim of hate?

[Susan in NC]

Sandy wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "Jill wrote: "I like this opened, giving us a bit more about the politics of the time of which, I have been very interested. I was a bit worried about Cadfael getting found out a..."

Good question- I assume the barefoot one (forget names) sporting the heavy cross is the “pilgrim of hate” - but then again, his traveling companion, shadowing his every step lest he put off his badges of penitence (cross and barefoot), and prepared, I gather, to execute him if he does, could also be labeled a “pilgrim of hate”!

[Judy]

I thought Matthew/Luc was the pilgrim of hate, as he is hoping for an excuse to kill Ciaran. I didn't like Matthew/Luc, who seems such a violent and vengeful character, and agree there was no excuse for him hitting Melangell. I wasn't too happy about them marrying - what guarantee is there that he won't do it again?

Interesting to see the developments in the Stephen/Maude war in this book, and it was nice to see Olivier returning, but I found the story very slow to develop and quite boring in places, I must admit.

[Judy]

What did anyone think about the miracle cure - are we supposed to take it this is genuinely a miracle?

[Jill]

Cadfael had been treating him and he was improving, so I think it was left to the individual to decide. You could say Winifred was working through Cadfael, if that suits you. I think it is a case of “who can say”.

[Susan in NC]

Jill wrote: "Cadfael had been treating him and he was improving, so I think it was left to the individual to decide. You could say Winifred was working through Cadfael, if that suits you. I think it is a case o..."

This is what I thought- but Cadfael seems to think it’s a miracle, and if that inspires him to keep helping others heal…

[Judy]

Thanks, Jill and Susan, I like your idea that it may not actually be a miracle but down to Cadfael's own medical expertise, but that it is left open.

[Susan in NC]

Judy wrote: "Thanks, Jill and Susan, I like your idea that it may not actually be a miracle but down to Cadfael's own medical expertise, but that it is left open."

That’s one of the things I love about this series- it doesn’t shove religious faith down a reader’s throat, but acknowledges the vital and pervasive role it played in life of the time.

[Michaela]

Finally finished this, and thought it too political and too little mystery imo. Also couldn´t cope with Matthew/Luc striking Melangell. I didn´t think they would marry, or at least they shouldn´t have done so.