Sacred Hearts

Viac o knihe

In 1570, the convent of Santa Caterina in Ferrara offers noblewomen a sanctuary under divine protection. However, the arrival of a new novice disrupts the community's harmony. Sixteen-year-old Serafina, torn from her illicit romance, is willful and defiant, aware that her future is being stolen from her. Her first night is marked by a furious outburst, prompting Suora Zuana, the dispensary mistress, to intervene. This incident ignites a complex bond of trust and betrayal between Serafina and the scholarly nun, who longs for a daughter. As Serafina struggles against her confinement, other characters emerge: the enigmatic Suora Magdalena, known for her visions; the devout novice mistress Suora Umiliana, who sees Serafina as a means to expand her influence; and the politically astute abbess, Madonna Chiara, who must maintain stability in the face of rising disorder. Outside the convent, the oppressive forces of the Counter-Reformation threaten to reshape the Catholic Church and nunneries. This intricate Renaissance narrative unfolds as a rich love story, exploring the passions of the flesh, spiritual exultation, and the profound strength of friendship.