Heloise and Abelard. .

I've thought of them as the original Romeo and Juliet. Their story full of wonder and sadness. Well this is a sad story.

The starcrossed lovers who could not catch a break.

Heloise is a strong, forward thinking woman in a time when women were quiet and not well educated. Abelard was a philosopher who became her teacher. They committed the ultimate sin by falling in love. Love a sin? Apparently so.

I can't say I was very sympathetic to Abelard. I found him to be selfish and less than amazing, however, I don't believe he deserved his punishment for love.

Heloise, on the other hand, was an amazing character. She was strong, charming and an empathetic character. I cannot understand, nor agree with some of her decisions.

The actual writings of the two are threaded throughout the book. I must admit, the short pieces of their letters to each other have me yearning to learn more about this couple.

I enjoyed this book and encourage anyone interested in romance or history to read this well written book.

So I get a mail, just a little while after I publish a review on Netgalley, that I have been approved for a new book...I mean I'm glad, but it's hard to get to the bottom of my Netgalley pile...;)