Title: The Book of Eve
Author: Meg Clothier
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Publisher: Wildfire Books
Pages: 368
Release Date: 2 March 2023
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Hello fellow book lovers, today I'm sharing my review for The Book of Eve By Meg Clothier. Based upon the mysterious Voynich Manuscript (which has both fascinated and baffled scholars for centuries) Clothier has woven a dark and gorgeously atmospheric, feminist tale that I didn’t want to put down!
Synopsis
A book whispers. A woman hears its power.
A man will stop at nothing to silence them both.
Beatrice is the convent's librarian. For years, she has shunned the company of her sisters, finding solace only with her manuscripts. But she longs for knowledge of the outside world - a world ruled by men in which women can play no part.
One carnival night, it seems her prayers are answered: two women, badly injured and desperate for help, are abandoned at the convent's gate. Moments from death, one of them presses something into Beatrice's hands: a bewitching book whose pages have a dangerous life of their own.
But the men of the city, bent on the book's destruction, are closing in. Beatrice must do all she can to protect it - no matter what the cost.
Review
I genuinely loved every second of this!
The pacing was a little slow to start but the writing was literally DIVINE! If like me, you’re partial to beautifully rich and lyrical prose then you’re definitely going to adore Clothier’s writing style. I also loved the attention to detail in the world building and the intensity that slowly beings to seep into the narrative, as Beatrice’s fascination in deciphering the book (and it’s mysteries) slowly creeps into obsession.
The empowering sense of friendship and sisterhood that develops between our Fiercely determined protagonist and the women at the convent was wonderfully wrought, and really highlighted the complexities and challenges faced by women in a male dominated (and religiously patriarchal) society.
I really loved the ease with which Beatrice disregards soo many ‘rules and regulations’ that didn’t suit her needs. And her rebellious streak had me root for her from the very start. The Reverend Mother, Chiara, painter Diana and Beatrice’s step-mother Ortolana were also some of the really strong and empowered characters that meet (either by their confidence, job or social position) and enjoyed getting to know each, as well as their small acts of rebellion along the way.
There’s definitely some pretty dark (and harrowing moments) that make up Beatrice (and many of the other sister’s) emotional journeys so I do suggest checking out the TWs beforehand.
But if you love bewitching, feminist plot lines that involve poignant scenes of female heroism and resistance or utterly compelling characters—then I definitely recommend checking this one out!
Also, a huge thank you to Wildfire Books for the proof
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
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