Julie Berry, The Passion of Dolssa, HarperCollins Australia, 1 April 2016, 336pp., $29.99 (pbk), ISBN: 9781460752036
In the year 1290, a friar finds records from 1267 surrounding the heretical mystic Dolssa de Stigata. Finding so many references to the story and many gaps in the truth, he attempts to draw the information together as a whole to reach a verdict on Dolssa’s story. Thus, his story begins in 13th century southern France, when a young and passionate gentlewoman is destined to cross paths with three peasant sisters.
Do not be fooled by the title, Dolssa’s passion is Jesus (Jhesus) and, accused of heresy, and having been traumatised by watching her mother burn, purely for being associated with her daughter, Dolssa is trying to escape her own execution and stay true to her passion.
Every character is integral to this story and Julie Berry shows excellent skill in portraying each personality, the relationships developed and the role they play/what they contribute to this story. The world building was phenomenal, providing the reader an immersion in the visual landscape of medieval France. This is all evidence of the complex research that has gone into writing this historical fiction. There is a full glossary and background information included at the back of the book, but the reader will not need these tools to enjoy the novel, though they do add interest.
I don’t speak any language, other than English, however the slight sprinkling of French was no deterrent to my reading enjoyment. I prefer dystopian fiction, but I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I am not religious, but was embroiled in the injustice and persecution due to religious belief. With such volatile issues, many that are still rampant in today’s society, this book will incite lots of discussion and would be an excellent book for book club discussions. Discussion questions are also available from Julie Berry’s website to get you started. Recommended for adults and youth 15+.
Reviewed by Sharon Smith
- Read Trish Buckley’s review of The Passion of Dolssa
