Reviewed by Patricia Simms-Reeve
It is a major joy in reading when a novelist creates a world that grips a reader and transports them to a different time and place. With Rapture, Emily Maguire’s 8th book, we are deposited in the ninth century in Mainz, in Germany.
The opening scenes are of a small girl concealed under her father’s table while above his guests, frequently itinerant monks, dine and discuss a range of subjects. These are captivating in detail and charming in their originality. For instance, from her hide she watches the mud dry on their filthy boots and hems and guesses which will drop to the floor first!
This is Agnes, an only daughter of a widower. She is nine, a little girl entranced by the rich variety of the natural world around her. The conversations she hears spark an intelligence that indicates Agnes has a destiny that discards the thought of both marriage and the nunnery – the only paths for a woman for centuries.
Randulph, a young monk, arrives at the house, and is generously welcomed by her father. Famously known as ‘the English priest’, Randulph is drawn to Agnes, a most unusual intelligent girl.
The years pass and Agnes realises that she must leave her father’s house if she is to escape the conventional path he has decided she must lead. When he suddenly dies, she is compelled to seriously consider abandoning her familiar life. With Randulph she plots this and he, fearing for her safety, accompanies her to a distant Abbey, Fulda.
She was already proficient in Latin and Greek but at Fulda she acquires additional skills, much valued in the Christian world. She learns how to copy manuscripts. The intricate and demanding art that produced them is fascinating. Here the reader becomes aware of the stringent process for making parchment and the inks the monks used.
Rapture becomes more dramatically interesting at Fulda for Agnes had to adopt the persona of a young man in order to join the monks and work within the Abbey. There remains the underlying fear of discovery which would lead to dire consequences.
Her new persona, as Brother John, indulges her deep love of learning. She now has the Abbey’s extensive library to explore.
Amidst the ninth century chaos, Agnes follows her driving ambition unwaveringly. Her visceral love of God’s will and passion for knowledge win admiration. She occasionally lapses in that she enjoys making love to Randulph but eventually makes a very difficult decision.
As John she continues. After an arduous journey she arrives in Athens. Her reputation soars. She is feted and regarded so highly that later, when she is in Rome, the Pope seeks her guidance and company. Briefly she even steps into his shoes, assuming the role of the legendary Pope Joan.
Multi-layered, meticulously researched, with her superb style, Emily Maguire has written an historical novel of an outstanding calibre. She presents themes of Faith, courage and determination in the compelling character of Agnes. Life in such different times makes fascinating reading and the characters and plot are masterfully controlled. The modern woman will recognise the feminist traits of this striking young heroine but should concede that through the centuries there have always existed women of spirit and resilience.
I have not enjoyed and admired an historical novel as much as Rapture. I absolutely loved it for many reasons, but, in particular, the manner in which historic details blend into the romance of Agnes and her lover.
Rapture
[2024]
by Emily Maguire
Allen and Unwin
ISBN 978 17614 7089 9
$32.99; 306pp