I really wanted to like Illuminations: a Novel of Hildegard Von Bingen by Mary Sharratt. I have been fond of Hildegard for many years, reading much of her writings and songs. A multitalented woman, who had spiritual visions since childhood, who brought much to the spiritual lives of women by embracing not only prayer but beauty and play to her order.
Alas Illuminations was not the treasure I had hoped it would be. An imagined memoir, the author deviates a great deal from recorded history. I enjoy novels of real life people because it helps to bring the person into my concrete world. Good Hard Look: A Novel of Flannery O'Connor by Ann Napoliatano is one such book. Sharratt's imagination is too wild, making Hildegard appear too pious and yet too foolish. She makes Hildegard what she wants her to be, not what she was. She makes the relationship with Volmar a little too dear. I would love to know what went on in Hildegard's mind, but all we find here is what Sharratt hopes she thought.

This book was a lovely surprise. I knew nothing of Mata Hari and while this is a fictionalized account of the infamous spy, I learned much about the depth of her character. The alternating chapters reveal accounts of her past and her imprisonment in France. She didn't just decide to become a spy. The evolution from Margarethe with a troubled childhood and marriage to the bold Mata Hari evokes the complexities of how individuals become who they are. While I may have thought of Mata Hari with disdain before reading this book, I now see her with great empathy and even feel a connection with her. This is a great read and I think women especially will enjoy it.