The Priest's Madonna
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
“A provocative page-turner, full of Da Vinci Code-esque intrigue.”—Marie Claire
From the author of Nina: Adolescence, comes a factually based, lyrically enthralling novel about the forbidden love between a woman and a holy man—and the terrible secret that poses an even greater threat to their faith.
In 1896, a priest in southern France suddenly gained immense wealth. This much is historically true—but no one knows where the money came from. At his death, the priest’s secret was buried with him. But there was a young woman—his housekeeper and lover, Marie Dénarnaud—who may have known the truth.
Marie Dénarnaud was only a girl when the charismatic priest Bérenger first captivated her. As a woman, she became his housekeeper and struggled with guilt over their illicit relationship. But as their affection deepened, Bérenger grew secretive, and Marie had to learn why. What she discovers is a shocking secret that she becomes responsible for concealing.
“Impressively researched and deftly written . . . a suspenseful story of love and religion.”—Curtis Sittenfeld, bestselling author of Prep
“Vivid and affecting.”—Booklist
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
A historical romance that mixes literary heft and pop-fiction indulgence, Hassinger's ambitious second novel (following Nina: Adolescence) makes for a busy, derivative read. Marie Dernanaud, raised a religious skeptic, is immediately attracted to B renger Sauni re, the devout, charismatic priest who takes over the parish of her small town, Rennes-le-Ch teau, in the 1890s. While hiding their dangerous affection for each other behind arguments over religion and revolution, Marie, who narrates, and B renger oversee their church's renovation, which turns up some curious artifacts: a map, a book and an ancient stone carving that might hold a Da Vinci esque code. (Wearyingly, the stuff does in fact have its origins with the Knights Templar.) With the help of the enigmatic mayor's wife, Madame Simone Laporte, Marie tries to piece together the mystery of the church, but B renger has confessed that he's being fed a steady diet of cash by a powerful financier who wants access to whatever they find including possible proof of a bloodline (here's Simone's interest) descended from Jesus and Mary Magdalene. Hassinger believably conveys B renger's transformation from gentle clergyman to angry, corrupt doubter, and mixes in some tantalizing ancient doings in Judea, but all the competing interests sap the dynamism from Marie, who never achieves a distinct voice. (Apr.)
