(Cross-posted from the RevGalBlogPals blog, where I'm leading this discussion today. QG readers who would like to join in can go to RGBP or leave their comments here.)Since we’re well into the summer vacation season, the RevGalBookPals chose a “lighter” selection for this month’s book discussion. A Vision of Light by Judith Merkel Riley features one of the most engaging heroines in historical fiction, Margaret of Asbury. I hope you enjoyed traveling back to fourteenth century England to meet her.
There are a lot of interesting characters in this story, but let’s start our discussion with Margaret.
Why do you think Margaret was granted the Vision of Light and its healing power?
Do you think that Margaret’s faith and her relationship with God are portrayed convincingly in the book?
The gift of healing got Margaret into trouble with the church of her day. How would your church react if a member claimed to have this gift?
Brother Gregory is Margaret’s antagonist at the beginning of the story. How and why does his attitude toward her change?
Why is it so important to Margaret to learn to read and write?
Why do you think Margaret was granted the Vision of Light and its healing power?
Do you think that Margaret’s faith and her relationship with God are portrayed convincingly in the book?
The gift of healing got Margaret into trouble with the church of her day. How would your church react if a member claimed to have this gift?
Brother Gregory is Margaret’s antagonist at the beginning of the story. How and why does his attitude toward her change?
Why is it so important to Margaret to learn to read and write?
In my opinion, Margaret’s second husband Kendall is the hero of the book. Do you agree?
Contemporary historical fiction depicting strong women protagonists often ascribes anachronistic attitudes to them or to other characters in the novel. Do you think the author avoided this common problem?
In some ways the church in fourteenth century England is also one of the characters in the book. In what ways did the church of that time provide for the needs of the people and in what ways did it fail to do so?
That’s enough from me. Now it’s your turn to join in the discussion by leaving your comments. Like it? Love it? Meh? Fie --Away With It?
There are two sequels to Vision of Light that carry forward Margaret’s story. If you’d be interested in the BookPals reading the next novel in the trilogy, The Water Devil, please let us know.
The next RevGalBookPals discussion is August 27. The book selection is Grace (Eventually): Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott.
Contemporary historical fiction depicting strong women protagonists often ascribes anachronistic attitudes to them or to other characters in the novel. Do you think the author avoided this common problem?
In some ways the church in fourteenth century England is also one of the characters in the book. In what ways did the church of that time provide for the needs of the people and in what ways did it fail to do so?
That’s enough from me. Now it’s your turn to join in the discussion by leaving your comments. Like it? Love it? Meh? Fie --Away With It?
There are two sequels to Vision of Light that carry forward Margaret’s story. If you’d be interested in the BookPals reading the next novel in the trilogy, The Water Devil, please let us know.
The next RevGalBookPals discussion is August 27. The book selection is Grace (Eventually): Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott.
Dear Teacher,
ReplyDeleteRev Kim won't be able to participate in the book discussion today. When the book arrived last week, Rev Dave accidentally took the book on an overnight road trip to a COM meeting, which IMMENSELY displeased Rev Kim. Upon his return, he hogged the book and she was unable to complete reading it.
But Rev Dave really enjoyed it. Maybe he'll post comments.
Bad, Bad Dave. Should have bought an extra one for Kim!!! Now he MUST comment.
ReplyDeleteI agree -- Dave better comment or we will have to send the posse after him - book thief!
ReplyDeleteRev. Kim, Oh well. Dadgummit. At least Dave will have a nice book to read while he's sleeping in the guest room.........ahem.
ReplyDeleteTeacher, I have a note from my mother: "please excuse PG from this book club because she has to find me a place to live." So, I won't be able to do this one, but I've already read the Anne Lamott and will do that one!!!
Being a Mom myself, I will have to accept your excuse!
ReplyDeleteHope the move goes well for everyone.
In my defense, I am not a book thief, I am an inept postman. I merely forgot to take the mail home from the Post Office before traveling 300 miles to a COM meeting.
ReplyDeleteSo there.
:-P