Modern day- Alexandra Patterson, an appraiser of medieval relics, has been summoned to Kildare to examine a reliquary box believed to belong to Saint Brigid. When Brigid assigns Decius a holy task-to create the most important and sacred manuscript ever made-he finds himself at odds with his original mission and faces the most difficult decision of his life. As Decius records the unorthodox practices of Brigid and her abbey, he becomes intrigued by her. Hearing accounts of Brigid's power, the Church deems her a threat and sends Decius, a Roman priest and scribe, on a secret mission to collect proof of Brigid's heresy. Followers flock to her Kildare abbey and scriptorium. Fifth-century Ireland- Brigid is Ireland's first and only female priest and bishop. If Terrell had left the modern story alone, it would present a wonderful portrayal of a woman choosing her own spiritual path.Rich in historical detail, Heather Terrell's mesmerizing novel Brigid of Kildare is the story of the revolutionary Saint Brigid and the discovery of the oldest illuminated manuscript in the annals of the Church, a manuscript that contains an astonishing secret history. However, Alex does make for a resilient, saucy protagonist, and her scenes with her colleague are cute and clever.īrigid of Kildare works best with the title character. The modern chapters herald little suspense, leading to a more “so-what” factor in the reader. Alex’s story interrupts Brigid’s story, becoming an unnecessary break in the tension. Alex, a young archaeology student researching the life of Brigid, finds some interesting treasures and potential romance with a colleague. The third story doesn’t work as well as the historical stories but does hold its own charm. Their final scenes as they contemplate some dramatic moves to shake up the Catholic Church are evocative and thought-provoking. Decius’s journey is moving, particularly as he begins the story arrogant and blind to his own beliefs, slowly adjusting and ultimately falling in love with the female bishop. The second story involves Decius, a monk from Rome sent to spy on a now-adult Brigid. This narrative arc presents a wonderful portrayal of a fiery young woman who, even though she takes a spiritual path, never stops asking questions - such as why women aren’t admired. Patrick and embrace of the Christian lifestyle. The first is Brigid’s early life and conversion to Christianity up to her training by St. Three stories unfold throughout the book. These provocative theories provide the backdrop to Terrell’s novel, which is part historical fiction, part modern adventure and romance. Some even said that she became the first female bishop and composed an illuminated manuscript that rivaled the Book of Kells. Patrick, and that she founded many convents. Brigid, one of Ireland’s patron saints: that she was inspired by the teachings of St.

Book review: Heather Terrell's *Brigid of Kildare*

Brigid of Kildare by Heather Terrell