Sacred Hearts by Sarah Dunant is historical fiction set in a convent in 16th century Italy. Almost half of all noblewomen of the time were put into convents as their families could not afford to marry off more than one daughter. The novel takes place entirely within the walls of the convent and is populated only by women.

What could have been a rather boring story is brought to life in the most fascinating way by Dunant. There is the angry young novice put into the convent entirely against her will, there is the strong Abbess who is as politically cunning as she is spiritually evolved, and there is the dispensary mistress, who would have been a doctor had she been a man.

Well developed characters, beautifully written, I couldn’t put this book down. A recommended read.