Vision of Light, A (Mass Market Paperback)

by Judith Merkle Riley (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
In this bouncy first novel, 14th-century Englishwoman Margaret of Ashbury heeds a "voice" commanding her to compose her colorful life story. "The minor characters are stiff and the dialogue is stilted at times," said PW , "but details of clothing, crafts and interiors, as well as period scenes peopled with robbers, flagellants and strolling players, are well realized."
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
YA-- An appealing novel about Margaret of Ashbury, a 14th-century Englishwoman, who is inspired in a "vision of light" to write her memoirs and tell a woman's story. Unable to write, she hires Brother Gregory to record her memories. He is contemptuous of her ambition, but hungry enough to accept her offer. Riley's ingenious plot then alternates between Margaret's and Gregory's clashes in their present and her telling of her past. The story is fast paced, and the medieval setting is authentically portrayed, whether Riley is describing life on London Bridge, alchemy, or the Black Death. The touch is light, and the characters are charming. Margaret's refusal to accept the place to which her society condemns her rings as true in our century as it does in hers. --Sharon Mathieu, St. Cecilia's School, Houston
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 467 pages
• Publisher: Dell (January 1, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440205204
• ISBN-13: 978-0440205203
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #961,721 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Historical fiction with a religious twist, December 21, 2002

By	M. M Roberts "mac" (Lawrence, KS USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Vision of Light, A (Hardcover)

Although I typically do not like religious themes, A Vision of Light is so engaging that this aspect of the book seems to make it even better. The tale of Margaret, a 14h century woman who talks to God, is interesting and thought-provoking throughout. While Margaret's relationship with God is important throughout the book, it really centers on Margaret's strength, compassion, and presence of mind in difficult situations, as she struggles though a violent marriage, the black plague, and prosecution by the Church. Judith Merkle Riley has created a wonderful, memorable character who stays with the reader long after the book is closed. If you read this, the sequel, In Search of Green Lion, is a must, as well.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Whimsical and fun, August 23, 2002

By	A. Lord "georgianlover" (Washington DC) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Vision of Light, A (Hardcover)

I love curling up with this book on a cold winter's night. It's the ultimate comfort food.

Margaret Kendall, Riley's heroine, is a wonderful creation. She is smart, clever, earnest in her desire to help others and gifted as a healer...all of which means that she will have a difficult time in medieval England. Her life story--as she progresses from a village girl to London midwife to merchant's wife---makes for wonderful reading.

It's a rare author who can tell a story like Margaret's without becoming overly sentimental---but Judith Merkle Riley is a gited writer who manages to bring the most fantastic characters to life without ever hitting a wrong note.

My only complaint abt the book is that Riley doesn't focus enough of the marriage of Roger Kendall and Margaret---Kendall is, I think, the perfect match for Margaret and the real hero of the novel. He is one of the only characters who truly sees Margaret as she is and cherishes her. I know---most readers would undoubtedly prefer Brother Gregory (or Gilbert) as the hero but Margaret and Kendall's match and marriage seem to be the stuff of romantic dreams.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A rich read full of love, humour, and the joy of living!, April 26, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Vision of Light, A (Hardcover)

I absolutely loved this book, and it's sequel! It's actually one of my favorite books, which I discovered when browsing along in my local library. If you haven't read this one yet, definately go get a copy! It's the story of Margerate, a sensible, warm human being, who, under some bad luck, was married to an awful man. But after fighting of the plague, and her husband, she comes to live with a midwife in need of an assistant. While she is living there, she experiences 'vision of light', hence the title. After many more hardships, including being tested as a witch, and the church forbidding her to practice midwifry, she finally settles down with a jovial, wealthy merchant. For once, Margerate seems to live a quiet, steady lifestyle. That is, until she meets Brother Gregory . . .