Who Would Like This Book:
This is a lushly written historical fiction set in 13th-century France, blending deep research with tense storytelling and memorable, complex characters. Fans of rich, atmospheric settings, strong female friendships, and stories that explore faith, persecution, and resilience will be pulled in. Both teens and adults who are drawn to tales of historical injustice, unlikely alliances, and survival against the odds will find themselves immersed. The audiobook is also highly praised for its immersive narration.
Who May Not Like This Book:
If you're looking for a quick, light read, this is not it - the book can feel slow to start and the language at times is dense, with plenty of religious themes woven tightly into the plot. Some readers found it hard to connect with Dolssa or were put off by the heavy presence of religion and historical detail. It’s not for those wanting lots of action or romance, and its dark, sometimes grim content won’t be everyone’s cup of tea (some readers even found the ending emotionally exhausting).
About:
In medieval Europe, the book 'The Passion of Dolssa' by Julie Berry follows the intertwined lives of Dolssa, a young noblewoman who speaks of Christ as her Beloved and Botille, a peasant woman who serves as a matchmaker in a small seaside town. When Dolssa is forced to flee the Inquisition, their paths cross unexpectedly, leading to a series of events that change both their lives forever. The plot is engrossing, drawing readers into a dark and sad story set in 15th-century medieval France, with themes of faith, friendship, and sacrifice woven throughout. The writing style is rich in detail, offering a compelling narrative that transports readers to the historical setting.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include themes of religious persecution, violence, and death related to heresy and the Inquisition.
From The Publisher:
A Printz Honor Book
"Gorgeous and evocative . . . magnificent."-The New York Times
Medieval France: Dolssa is an upper-crust city girl with a secret lover and an uncanny gift. Branded a heretic, she's on the run from the friar who condemned her mother to death by fire, and wants Dolssa executed, too. Botille is a matchmaker and a tavern-keeper, struggling to keep herself and her sisters on the right side of the law in their seaside town of Bajas. Their lives collide when Botille rescues a dying Dolssa and agrees to conceal her in the tavern. Aided by her sisters and Symo, her surly but loyal neighbor, Botille nurses Dolssa back to health and hides her from her pursuers. But all of Botille's tricks, tales, and cleverness can't protect them forever, and when the full wrath of the Church bears down upon Bajas, Dolssa's passion and Botille's good intentions could destroy the entire village.
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What can you read after
The Passion of Dolssa?
About the Author:
Julie Berry is the author of the 2017 Printz Honor and Los Angeles Times Book Prize shortlisted novel The Passion of Dolssa, the Carnegie and Edgar shortlisted All the Truth That's in Me, and many other acclaimed middle grade novels…
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