A Vision of Light

Judith Merkle Riley's A Vision of Light is one of my favorite novels, and Margaret of Ashbury is probably the literary character I'd most like to be. Riley's Margaret is so alive! This 14th-century Englishwoman is inspired in a "vision of light" to write her memoirs and do the unheard of - tell a woman's story. Because is she unable to write, she hires the ever-hungry, every-grumpy Brother Gregory to record her memories. Contemptuous of her ambition, he is nevertheless hungry enough to accept her offer. The story then alternates between Margaret's and Gregory's exchanges in the present and her telling the story of her life and adventures. It's a fast-paced and interesting novel; most of all it's fun. It's also well-researched and authentic, but Riley's research is never a burden for the reader. Her touch is light, and her characters charming. The publisher is about to re-issue A Vision of Light, but library and used copies abound. I love this book!

I discovered this book about ten years ago while browsing through the library. Its been my favorite ever since. Its a book, magic, passion, and the perserverence of an independent woman in fourteenth century England. I recommend it to anyone's collection. Two words to the wise, though...its written with a female's perspective, so the estrogen runs high:), and its a bit slow to start so stick with it!

Although I typically do not like religious themes, A Vision of Light is so engaging that this aspect of the book seems to make it even better. The tale of Margaret, a 14h century woman who talks to God, is interesting and thought-provoking throughout. While Margaret's relationship with God is important throughout the book, it really centers on Margaret's strength, compassion, and presence of mind in difficult situations, as she struggles though a violent marriage, the black plague, and prosecution by the Church. Judith Merkle Riley has created a wonderful, memorable character who stays with the reader long after the book is closed. If you read this, the sequel, In Search of Green Lion, is a must, as well.

I absolutely loved this book, and it's sequel! It's actually one of my favorite books, which I discovered when browsing along in my local library. If you haven't read this one yet, definately go get a copy! It's the story of Margerate, a sensible, warm human being, who, under some bad luck, was married to an awful man. But after fighting of the plague, and her husband, she comes to live with a midwife in need of an assistant. While she is living there, she experiences 'vision of light', hence the title. After many more hardships, including being tested as a witch, and the church forbidding her to practice midwifry, she finally settles down with a jovial, wealthy merchant. For once, Margerate seems to live a quiet, steady lifestyle. That is, until she meets Brother Gregory . . .