This historical fiction novel is based in the time following St. Patrick in Ireland. We see this part of the history of Ireland through the eyes of Gwynneve, an old nun who was once a druid. Conflict is a strong theme through this story, and the method of telling is quite effective. Gwynneve is at once intelligent and naïve, strong and weak. Her love and desire for a man who was incapable of much affection lead her through heartache, and pulled her into despair.

Her strongest desire was the power of words, reading them, and writing them. It was what caused her to seek out her teacher and become a druid. And later, after the Christians took hold, it was what lead her to seek sanctuary in the monastery of St. Brigit. There, her knowledge of words gives her a place among the sisters, and her untamed tongue makes her an outcast.

The book takes you through Gwynneve’s childhood, her passage to womanhood and how she teased the boys with her body, and aided her mother in her work. She falls for a man who holds everything she desires, respect, power, and the ability to “make marks on paper”, and recall what they say long after. She follows him, becomes his partner, and learning from him, becomes his equal.

But when he is taken away, she leaves what little she had behind. Seeking him, and a remnant of her former life, she travels in all weather, through all manner of land and civilization, only to arrive, dying, at the doorstep to the Monastery of St. Brigit.

Confessions of a Pagan Nun is a beautifully told story, with much emotional impact. Some of the observations made seem deep and insightful, yet can be so commonplace that they are easy to miss. Gwynneve’s forthrightness in her speech can come off as rude and smug, or can simply seem refreshing in it’s directness.

Often Gwynneve makes an observation on the wisdom of certain pagan truths or an observation of her own which the church doesn‘t condone, and immediately begs forgiveness from God for saying so. At other times, she steadfastly refuses to grovel for telling those truths.

Confessions of a Pagan Nun ends as it begins. In pain and despair, and a desire for what was and what could be. This isn’t a roller coaster ride, but it’s satisfying all the same.