Rapture - Emily Maguire

Title: Rapture
Author: Emily Maguire
Genre: Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction

Set in the turbulent ninth century, Rapture tells the daring story of Agnes, a motherless and brilliant young woman who defies the limitations placed on her gender. Agnes, the daughter of an English priest in Mainz, grows up with an intense devotion to God and a thirst for knowledge. But at eighteen, she faces a stark choice: marriage or the convent. Determined to forge her path, Agnes conspires with a Benedictine monk to disguise herself as a man, becoming "John the Englishman."

Under this new identity, she builds a remarkable life, first as a scholar in the Fulda monastery and then as a revered teacher in Rome. Known for her unparalleled intellect, "John" navigates a world of religious fervour, political intrigue, and dangerous secrets. But when a figure from her past appears, Agnes must confront the tension between her hidden identity and her longing to be seen and loved for who she truly is.

This is ideal for fans of historical fiction who are drawn to tales of transformation, courage, and the quest for knowledge.

Read if you like: 

•  Richard Tarnas
• Sue Monk Kidd
• Geraldine Brooks
  

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