A mute young woman in Medieval France survives persecution through the power of the written word in this “stunning debut from a talented author” (Historical Novel Society).
France, 1320. The daughter of a small village papermaker, young Auda is mute from birth and forced to shun normal society. Those who embrace ignorance and superstition believe her to be cursed, so she finds solace and escape in the wonder of the written word.
Audra’s very survival is a testament to the strength of her spirit. But this is an age of Inquisition and intolerance, when difference and defiance are punishable “sins” and new ideas are considered damnable heresy.
When darkness descends upon her world, Auda—newly grown to womanhood—is forced to flee. Setting off on a remarkable quest, she will soon discover love, forge a new sense of self, and reclaim the glory of her father's art.
The men used spiritual love to obtain the physical; the women used the physical to bemoan the loss of the spiritual.
