cover image Gold of Pleasure: A Novel of Christina of Markyate

Gold of Pleasure: A Novel of Christina of Markyate

Ruth Mohrman. Cadoc, $8.15 e-book (398p) ASIN B08T1QR7YC

In this stunning debut, Mohrman brings medieval prioress Christina of Markyate to life. In 1143 St. Albans, England, the abbot requests Christina share her life story and visions of God and the Virgin Mary with a local priest so that they may be recorded. Though the abbey treats her like a saint, Christina knows the reality is different. She recounts her story to the priest, beginning 40 years earlier, when she was a girl in wealthy merchant family. After visiting a cathedral, she makes a vow of purity before becoming a teenager, but her parents force her to marry anyway. Even after her wedding, she will not give up her virginity. She appeals to the church authorities to remain chaste in marriage, but they reject her plea. Denounced by her family, Christina seeks refuge with an anchoress and learns harsh lessons in humility. Through the years, Christina befriends several priests and hermits, and has a sexual relationship with one of them—a sin that will burden her for much of her life. Mohrman’s expressive portrait of Christina displays the moral courage and remarkably modern disposition of a woman struggling with her relationship with God and her sexual desires. This impressive work turns an exceptional woman’s life into delightful fiction. (Self-published)