Among the young women of 12th century Paris, Heloise d’Argenteuil stands apart. Extraordinarily educated and quick-witted, she is being groomed by her uncle to become an abbess in the service of God.
But with one encounter, her destiny changes forever. Pierre Abelard, headmaster at the Nôtre Dame Cloister School, is acclaimed as one of the greatest philosophers in France. His controversial reputation only adds to his allure, yet despite the legions of women swooning over his poetry and dashing looks, he is captivated by the brilliant Heloise alone. As their relationship blossoms from a meeting of the minds to a forbidden love affair, both Heloise and Abelard must choose between love, duty, and ambition.
Sherry Jones weaves the lovers’ own words into an evocative account of desire and sacrifice. As intimate as it is erotic, as devastating as it is beautiful, The Sharp Hook of Love is a poignant, tender tribute to one of history’s greatest romances, and to love’s power to transform and endure.
[historical/biographical/
Release date: October 7, 2014
at Simon and Schuster/Gallery Books
at Simon and Schuster/Gallery Books
384 pages
ISBN: 978-1451684797
Thank you to France Book Tours for giving me the opportunity to review this book, I have never read anything by Sherry Jones before and looked forward to this book.
As much as I love reading about royalty, I love to discover lesser known historical figures. This book fits that bill perfectly. There are so many things that I really enjoyed with this book. Each chapter begins with a poetic verse from Heloise to Abelard or Abelard to Heloise, how they have survived all these years is amazing.
"To his brightest star, whose rays I have recently enjoyed: may she shine with such unfailing splendor that no cloud can obscure her." - Abelard to Heloise
There is so much substance to this book, showing the authors knowledge and depth of research that went into this story. Not just her knowledge of the characters but of the time period as well, the lifestyle and culture was show in a way that had me visualizing so much. Written with feeling and sensitivity Sherry Jones had me consumed, wanting to reading just a little more till I was finished.
"For nothing is under less control than the heart - having no power to command it, we are forced to obey." - Heloise to Abelard
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The Sword of Medina; and her controversial, internationally bestselling debut, The Jewel of Medina.
She lives in Spokane, Washington.
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Spotlight + Giveaway at Caroline Wilson Writes
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We will have 10 winners:
print or digital copy for US/Canada,
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thanks so much for your beautiful review. If I may say though, Heloise and Abelard ARE extremely famous. Abelard for all his major philosophical and theological work, and Heloise for her work at the Paraclete Abbey, when they had to go each their own way
ReplyDeleteThat's true, Emma, but they aren't as well known in the US as they once were. That's one reason I wanted to write their story -- I hope to make them famous yet again! :)
ReplyDeletegood for you!! I have been mixing with lots of people interested in the Middle Ages, so I didn't realize they were losing their fame. So glad you are helping us not forget them!
DeleteAnd thank you for this delightful review. I'm glad you love The Sharp Hool of Love. :)
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