By the second half of the 16th century almost half of all the daughters of aristocratic Italian families were sent to spend their lives in convents. Many of them did not go willingly. But some considered themselves to have more freedom within the convent walls than without. In her new novel, Sacred Hearts, Sarah Dunant explores the intricacies of their daily lives through the eyes of a rebellious young novice, and a scholarly nun who uses herbs to cure a multitude of ills. Sarah joins Jane to discuss what women were able to achieve in such institutions, and the impact of the repressive changes imposed on them by the counter-Reformation. ‘Sacred Hearts’, is published by Virago, ISBN: 978-1844083312
Sarah Dunant and the singing Sirens of Musica Secreta will be taking part in a special co-produced event at the Royal Festival Hall in London on Thursday 2nd July at 7.00pm.
