The Book of Eve A Beguiling Historical Feminist Tale - Inspired by the Undeciphered Voynich Manuscript

Unlike anything I have read in a long time. Resembling the setting of Umberto Eco's worldwide famous novel "The Name of the Rose", this book is an equally rare literary treasure. Set in a convent around the time of the Renaissance, Sister Beatrice comes across a mysterious book which seems to have a voice and power of its own. She soon comes under fire from the local monks and their fanatic leader Brother Abramo, who wants the book destroyed immediately for according to him it contains forbidden doctrine. Meg Clothier's thorough research into the Renaissance time, lifestyle and belief system is evident on every page of this novel and makes for a fascinating read. I was even more intriguied by the scope of this story when I found out that Sister Beatrice's mysterious book is based on a real-life historical document: the so called Voynich manuscript, which remains undeciphered until today. With her protagonists' strong voices and unbeding will, this story fights back and raises female self-determination to the same level than ill-advised male arrogance.