High Middle Ages Historical Fiction

Disclaimer: best suited for high schoolers due to an incident where Thomas Aquinas is tempted by his brothers when they bring a prostitute to his room one night. Also, there are a few quick references to 'wenches' .

The dust jacket reads that the "theme of this novel was suggested to Louis de Wohl, in a private audience, by His Holiness, Pope Pius XII in 1948". The Quiet Light was printed two years later.

The book tells the story of the life of Thomas Aquinas from the eyes of his family members. It is a well-written novel, with an exciting plot and a complement of well-rounded characters. We see Thomas Aquinas as a shy, and supposedly dull-witted, schoolboy who earns himself the name of "The Dumb Ox". It isn't until college that his legendary genius is revealed. We learn how Thomas's wealthy family are terribly opposed to his decision to become a Dominican, and of their many attempts to thwart his personal plan. The author makes Saint Thomas Aquinas come alive, and we are left with a deep impression of the impact that this saint made in his time.

The novel is also noteworthy for its historical content. It is a wonderful case study of life in the thirteenth century in Europe. We learn of feuding barons, fleeing popes, politically-motivated marriages, chivalry, feasting, the crusades, and life in a monastary.

Most importantly, this is a Catholic novel. We are touched by the depth of the faith of St. Thomas Aquinas, and awe-struck by the miracles that occur later in his life.

For highschoolers studying the Middle Ages, or anyone who wants to learn more about this important saint, The Quiet Light is highly recommended.

Perspective:

Catholic

Reviewed by:

K.M.

First reviewed:

1998-99

The Red Falcons of Tremoine

Author(s):

Hendry Peart

Number of pages:

239 pages

1956

Publisher:

Bethlehem Books

Binding:

Softcover

Subject(s):

Setting:

Grade / Age level:

Review:

Additional notes:

Suitable for ages 10 and up.

Reviewed by:

Ria Van Hecke

First reviewed:

5-10-2007

The Red Keep

Author(s):

Allen French

Number of pages:

370 pages

1997

Publisher:

Bethlehem Books

Binding:

Sewn Softcover

Subject(s):

Setting:

Grade / Age level:

Review:

In the countryside of France in 1165, the old duke has died, and a child has assumed his place. The peasants find themselves unprotected and at the mercy of the evil Sauval, a "treacherous, bloodthirsty pair of brothers" who take their money and possessions and kill anyone who gets in their way.

Fifteen year old Conan is training for the knighthood and witnesses the Sauval firsthand as they plunder a neighboring castle. He rescues the only survivor of the family, their daughter Anne. She is taken in by the family that Conan is staying with.

By the time he is 20, Conan's father and brother have been killed by the Sauval. Anne tries to convince him that the Sauval will continue to strike his family, thus improving their position in the area, but Conan doesn't believe her until another brother is killed. Finally, determined to return the Red Keep to its rightful owner, Conan vows to avenge his losses and to stop the Sauval brothers from taking permanent control of the countryside.

His journey takes him to Vezeley to gather information from the Lord Abbot who secretly supports the Sauval. Here, Conan sacrifices his dignity by cutting his long hair, a sign of his rank in society, and learning the ways of the masons. He works alongside the masons as they do repair work for the abbot and is able to eavesdrop on the abbot and his men. The abbot then asks Conan and the masons to rebuild the Red Keep for the Sauval brothers. Conan convinces the masons to do the work, not for the abbot, but so that Anne can claim the Red Keep for herself. The plans and resulting battle make for a fast-paced, suspense-filled story.

The Red Keep is great reading for boys and girls. It's full of plenty of action and there is a subtle romantic storyline wound through. Allen French has created a believable main character that shows human weakness, yet is cunning and thoughtful at the same time. He has Conan realistically growing from a proud, rash youth into a loyal, kind man. All this occurs in 12th century France, which gives the reader a detailed picture of medieval life and the feudal system.

I agree with Bethlehem Book's recommendation of a reading age of 10 and up since the book contains some fairly violent scenes.

Additional notes:

Reviewer age 13

Reviewed by:

Lauren

First reviewed:

1998-99