A Vision of Light

A Margaret of Ashbury Novel, Book 1

By: Judith Merkle Riley

Narrated by: Anne Flosnik

The best-selling novel that introduces Margaret of Ashbury and launches a trilogy featuring this irrepressible woman.

Margaret of Ashbury wants to write her life story. However, like most women in 14th-century England, she is illiterate. Three clerics contemptuously decline to be Margaret’s scribe, and only the threat of starvation persuades Brother Gregory, a Carthusian friar with a mysterious past, to take on the task. As she narrates her life, we discover a woman of startling resourcefulness. Married off at the age of 14 to a merchant reputed to be the Devil himself, Margaret was left for dead during the Black Plague. Incredibly, she survived, was apprenticed to an herbalist, and became a midwife. But most astonishing of all, Margaret has experienced a Mystic Union—a Vision of Light that endows her with the miraculous gift of healing. Because of this ability, Margaret has become suddenly different—to her tradition-bound parents, to the bishop’s court that tries her for heresy, and ultimately to the man who falls in love with her.

©1989 Judith Merkle Riley (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

just wonderful!!

I read once as a child but this was such an amazing experience!!love it so.

Old fashioned heroine

The heroine of this book - Margaret of Ashford - put me in mind of heroines from books fifty years ago, circa 1960's, which I found ironic since the story takes place 600 years ago in 14th century England. In most historical series being produced today, the protagonists are deeply flawed, bitter people who see little good in the world, but trudge on nonetheless. Margaret, on the other hand, is bursting with goodness and her adventures only further add to the flames of virtue around her. Think Maria in The Sound of Music and you have the right idea.

That said, you can decide if that is a strength or a weakness of the novel. For me, it was a strength. I find myself in turbulent times at the moment and I really, really liked a narrator who I could put my faith in and root for through the many machinations of the sometimes miraculous plot twists. I laughed too; the writing is good.

So, if you find yourself yearning for a simpler protagonist - like in the good old days, but not that old, thank you very much - recommend.

What an adventure!!

Absolutely loved this novel. Fun and fascinating trip through the dark ages. Wonderfully told by a very talented narrator.

"Never tire of a powerful woman ahead of her time"

Loved this book. Reminds me of one of my favorites by Ken Follet, "world without end". If you love historical fiction you will not be disappointed.

Medieval Feminism at its Best

What did you love best about A Vision of Light?

Judith Merkle Riley spins the tale of Margaret of Ashbury who takes you on an Adventure through the Middle Ages, a time when superstition, religion, and the dawn of enlightenment comes to western civilization. The clash is tense and amusing , as Margaret of Asbury weaves through the befuddlement of the times and emerges as a woman for all seasons.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Of course Margaret is my favorite, she the only stabilizing factor in the book, while the other characters are allowed to indulge in their idiosyncrasies, We see the world through her eyes.

Which scene was your favorite?

One of the most memorable moments of "A Vision of Light" is when Brother Gregory, Margaret's friend who's a monk, and her scribe along with his father Sir Hurbert and his brother Hugo saves her life. Brother Gregory's father realizes that Margaret being a rich widow, is to rich to be left along. Margaret, her daughters and Brother Gregory are now in the hands of Gregory's father Sir Hubert, who will force a marriage between them despite their objections. Gregory's dysfunctional family is laugh out loud funny.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

This is not only a book you will want to read in one sitting, it is a repeat read.

Any additional comments?

You will find this book, poignant, and funny. The author takes rationalization into new territory, that will leave you salivating for the next book.

Interesting read

Interesting story of woman's life and adventures. in 13th the cent .

Not for sensitive readers

This was not at all what I expected. Much heavier in content. Sometimes enjoyable and hard to put down, but sometimes quite sickening and sad. It’s well executed, but there’s so much abuse and violence towards women especially that I could never read or listen to it again. Definitely not for children or young teens. And not for sensitive readers in general.
The narrator was good.

A brilliant examination of the 1300's

Margaret is a fascinating character -- a woman without guile caught in a time when arrogant men and the corrupt church ruled every part of life in England. Margaret's pure faith and humble endurance are her triumph. I have read this book half a dozen times and must admit the reader's performance was disappointing, but as a committed audiobook "reader" I enjoyed the story in spite of that flaw.

Enjoyable read, cannot wait to return to story

If you could sum up A Vision of Light in three words, what would they be?

original, entertaining, most characters are very interesting

Who was your favorite character and why?

Margaret

Which scene was your favorite?

would give story away

If you could take any character from A Vision of Light out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Margaret, smart, interesting gal

Any additional comments?

Narrator is FABULOUS. I cannot place her accent. When the scenes shift to Brother Gregory, I tend to lose interest. I understand why he is in the plot line, but Margaret's story is much more riveting.

A delight and a chance to live in the middle ages

I have read and loved this book, and others by the author, many times. She is able to spin the tale so convincingly that one feels in that moment. Parts of the tale are hysterically funny while others are poignant. Ms. Riley is a very convincing observer of her time and fills out her various characters very nicely. Read and enjoy this along with the two others in this series: In Pursuit of the Green Lion and the Water Devil.