Irina

In 14th century Poland, during a siege of the Black Death, Irina Kwasniewska finds herself alone and pregnant, her lover murdered because of religious hatred. Despising a God who would allow such brutality in His name, Irina decides she and her unborn child must survive at any cost. With a pouch of gold snatched from death itself, she poses as a noblewoman, becomes swept up in a journey across Germany to Paris, amid intrigues of feudal nobility and churchmen. Social, religious, and national history are her companions as Madrosh, wise counselor and protector, guides her search for meaning in good and evil, oppression and greed, God and soul.  Vengeance, new life, and achievement are hers as she looks back over a lifetime of struggle and joy. Irina lives in a world ruled by men and the church, and survives against all odds.