Review of Waldensian Martyrs
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Olga Markova
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- Latest Review: Waldensian Martyrs by Pam Vause
Review of Waldensian Martyrs
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Waldensian Martyrs" by Pam Vause.]
The Waldensian Martyrs by Pam Vause is a remarkable historical fiction novel that transports us to the fifteenth century. The story unfolds in Borgata Cyrus, an Italian village located high in the Italian Alps, near the French border. We meet the residents of this village—a unique small community professing Waldensian faith. In defiance of the persecution by the Pope, the Waldenses are educating and sending their missionaries to other cities in Italy to explain the Bible and gain supporters for their faith. This mission is highly perilous, as the papal army pursuing the worldwide dominance of the Roman Catholic Church assassinates with the utmost cruelty all dissenters of the Catholic faith. And it’s not only the missionaries who are in peril—the Pope’s soldiers take over the villages populated by non-Catholics and kill all dissenters. Against this backdrop, we meet the Waldensian de Vaux family. Pietro, the senior son, is a medical doctor leaving his native village of Borgata Cyrus to start his job at the hospital in Firenze, with the covert mission to profess Waldensian faith. But will he accomplish his quest?
The Waldensian Martyrs by Pam Vause is one of the most riveting historical fiction novels I read recently. I liked how thoroughly the novel portrayed the life of the de Vaux family and the Waldensian community. I also liked that nearly every episode had unexpected surprises to unravel. I particularly appreciated the inclusion of photographs of many places described in the novel—Pam took them when visiting Italy to enhance the research for the novel, and I loved how they added remarkable authenticity to the illustrated episodes. As an Anglican, I felt for the Waldensians, and their quest often made me think how blessed we are now with being free to enjoy our faith without fear of persecution by the Vatican. I also enjoyed the glimpses into the Medici family, John Wycliffe’s reformist legacy, and Leonardo Da Vinci’s role. But most of all, I liked the underlying theme of unwavering faith in God.
All in all, this is a fabulous novel, and I disliked nothing. So, I happily rate it five out of five stars.
I highly recommend this novel to adult historical fiction fans. Intermittent scenes of medieval violence make this novel unpalatable for junior and sensitive readers. In addition, devout Catholics may find this novel objectionable because of the negative portrayal of the Roman Catholic Church.
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Waldensian Martyrs
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The Waldensian Martyrs by Pam Vause is a remarkable historical fiction novel that transports us to the fifteenth century. The story unfolds in Borgata Cyrus, an Italian village located high in the Italian Alps, near the French border. We meet the residents of this village—a unique small community professing Waldensian faith. In defiance of the persecution by the Pope, the Waldenses are educating and sending their missionaries to other cities in Italy to explain the Bible and gain supporters for their faith. This mission is highly perilous, as the papal army pursuing the worldwide dominance of the Roman Catholic Church assassinates with the utmost cruelty all dissenters of the Catholic faith. And it’s not only the missionaries who are in peril—the Pope’s soldiers take over the villages populated by non-Catholics and kill all dissenters. Against this backdrop, we meet the Waldensian de Vaux family. Pietro, the senior son, is a medical doctor leaving his native village of Borgata Cyrus to start his job at the hospital in Firenze, with the covert mission to profess Waldensian faith. But will he accomplish his quest?
The Waldensian Martyrs by Pam Vause is one of the most riveting historical fiction novels I read recently. I liked how thoroughly the novel portrayed the life of the de Vaux family and the Waldensian community. I also liked that nearly every episode had unexpected surprises to unravel. I particularly appreciated the inclusion of photographs of many places described in the novel—Pam took them when visiting Italy to enhance the research for the novel, and I loved how they added remarkable authenticity to the illustrated episodes. As an Anglican, I felt for the Waldensians, and their quest often made me think how blessed we are now with being free to enjoy our faith without fear of persecution by the Vatican. I also enjoyed the glimpses into the Medici family, John Wycliffe’s reformist legacy, and Leonardo Da Vinci’s role. But most of all, I liked the underlying theme of unwavering faith in God.
All in all, this is a fabulous novel, and I disliked nothing. So, I happily rate it five out of five stars.
I highly recommend this novel to adult historical fiction fans. Intermittent scenes of medieval violence make this novel unpalatable for junior and sensitive readers. In addition, devout Catholics may find this novel objectionable because of the negative portrayal of the Roman Catholic Church.
******
Waldensian Martyrs
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Waldensian Martyrs by Pam Vause
