Lucy's Eyes and Margaret's Dragonop

While I have no doubt that the core of the stories are true, there is an element of each story which I consider fantastic. Saint Bega sailing away on a piece of sod. Saint Margaret being eaten by a dragon. Then, when in the dragon's stomach making the sign of the cross [somehow still intact to do so] and bursting for from it whole and unscathed. The stories in their entirety are hard for me to believe. Though it may be on a fourth grade reading level, I would only recommend it for people mature enough to handle pictures of bare breasts and naked women. As the School Library Journal Editorial Review indicates, these stories are "Filled with cruelty, torture, gore, and ghastly death." It also describes the art work as, "Full-page, delicate, fanciful watercolors show wraithlike figures being dragged naked to brothels, having breasts cut off, being burned, having their throats cut, and suffering other atrocities," At least one complete page of every two open pages has artwork on it and most have art work on the second page as well The saints whose lives are covered in this book are: Ursula Agnes Cecilia Agatha Lucy Barbara Bega Brigid Christina Margaret Catherine Joan

I first borrowed this book from a public library, and I have to say that its presentation completely surprised me! I knew that I had to own a copy for myself! The refreshingly individual artistic style of the illustrations catch one off-guard at first, because of the disturbing nature of the martyrdom of these virgin saints. But then one realizes that this is an artistic style of illustration that can't be found in any other depiction or publication anywhere, period. The haunting and beautiful illustrations actually become quite memorable and endearing. I think that this book would be a fabulous collector's book for adults, or a beautiful gift to a child as an introduction to the lives of steadfast and strong female saints.

In the context of modern times it would be easy to make these women ridiculous but Giselle Potter respects them and the courage of their choices. The book is a lovely, magical tribute to strong women who triumphantly defied male power and violence.

There is something so lovely about his book-- particularly in the illustrations. I adore the style of Potter. I wish it were more popular.