The Priest's Madonna - Hardcover

Hassinger, Amy

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0399153179 ISBN 13: 9780399153174

Publisher: Putnam Publishing Group,U.S., 2006

Synopsis

Inspired by the story of a southern French holy man who inexplicably came into wealth in 1896, the tale of Marie Dernanaud, a housekeeper who is rumored to be her priest employer's lover, recounts her struggles with faith and her knowledge about the secret source of his wealth. 25,000 first printing.

About this title

Synopsis:

This is a historically lush and lyrical novel about the forbidden love between a woman and a holy man. In 1896, the priest in a small village in southern France suddenly came into possession of immense wealth. This much is true. What no one knows for sure is where his money came from. The history of the region suggests that he may have stumbled upon clues to a hidden treasure of the Knights Templar. An even more tantalising possibility is that he discovered coded documents hidden in the structure of his church, documents so threatening to the Catholic Church that he was paid to keep silent. At his death under mysterious circumstances in 1917, his secrets died with him. Yet, there is one other person who may have known all - Marie Dernanaud, the priest's housekeeper and, some say, his lover. Interweaving the history of France at the turn of the 20th century, scenes of ancient Judea and the romantic and religious journey of a spirited and intense heroine, "The Priest's Madonna" gives Marie a chance to tell her version of what transpired, as well as her own story of belief, doubt and illicit passion.

About the Author:

Amy Hassinger is a graduate of the Iowa Writers' Workshop.

About this edition

• Publisher: Putnam Publishing Group,U.S.
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0399153179
• ISBN 13: 9780399153174
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 320