I seem to be reading less and less and binging on Netflix more and more. This novel took me weeks to get through, but I am glad I did. Sacred Hearts is set in a convent in Ferrara, Italy, in the 1500's. Frankly, as the reader, I felt almost like I was locked in the convent with the nuns. The entire book takes place within the walls of Santa Caterina, and as much as I liked some of the characters, there is almost a claustrophobic feeling about the novel.
The main character is Zuana who works in the dispensary and is knowledgeable about herbs and ointments. She's in charge of helping the other sisters who become ill or are ailing. When a new novice arrives, she is assigned to help Zuana. The novice, Isabetta, does not wish to be in the convent, and was sent there by her family because she wanted to marry a man they didn't like. The story line follows Isabetta's struggles and how Zuana deals with her.
The novel is well written and although perhaps a bit too long, I do recommend it. -June
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