Idelette: A novel based on the life of Madame John Calvin

by Edna Gerstner

Soli Deo Gloria Trade Paperback with 160 pages. - Based on the life of Madame John Calvin. - A moving story of the wife of the great Reformer, John Calvin. Idelette emerges from the shadows as a dedicated, delightful woman. John Calvin, long considered austere and cold, is revealed through the eyes of his wife as a tender, loving husband, and she is shown as a remarkable woman of quiet strength and serenity. The reader will gain new insight into this great man of God as the story of Idelette unfolds. This is Christian fiction as its finest.

Genres: Biography, Christian

160 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1997

Reviews

[Leslie Howe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful window into life during the time of John Calvin. Mrs. Gerstner used unpublished sources in Geneva when she had access to them while her husband was working on research himself. It includes little known facts about Calvin and his times. I recommend the book to everyone. I have read it twice and after this recommendation I will read it again.

[Jen Vanderwey · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books ever. Written by the great J. Gerstner’s wife, Edith- a look at what Calvin’s wife might have been like. I’ve read it multiple times. If you find a copy, hold onto it. It’s out of print, and a treasure.

[Bethany Ehrlich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for the second time over the last few days. It’s a narrative not a biography, so there’s much we don’t know about Calvin’s wife from this book. Yet, I’ve been encouraged again by this story. Annoyed sometimes at how perfectly she is represented. But maybe that is my own weakness speaking. She was a quiet, godly wife who took on duty and it turned to joy. She was fit for her second husband in personality. Thankful that the lord gives us spouses fit for the work he plans for each of us. And challenged by the quickness of life in the 16th century. Death is near, we don’t deserve the gifts we’ve been given. And therefore all of life is joy, whether living or dying. I needed the reminder.

[Meggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a lovely piece of historical fiction! Gerstner weaves together historical fact, Calvin’s writings and her own imaginations to create a picture of Jean Calvin’s wife and home life. This is a simple, easy to read story that delights while providing encouragement and information. Any reader with a slight interest in the Great Reformer would find this a great read.

[Sarah Strawbridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book Idelette was a great read as a novel. The creative liberties made Idelette, Calvin, and company more lifelike, and gave the reader more of an idea of who Idelette was as a person. If someone is looking for a novel solely based on facts, they may be disappointed. Some plot lines are assumed that could, in theory, be true (i.e., Ann Calvin's influence on Judith), but that are not necessarily factual.

[Sarah Lanclos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read style, and an interesting account of her life. Some of the subject matter was difficult to read about because John Calvin was a very strict man and the times were difficult, but they had a loving relationship and ultimately I'm glad I read it.

[Danielle Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely, inspiring read.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not much is known of Idelette, wife to the Reformer, John Calvin so at 160 pages you get pretty much all there is to know about her.

Edna Gerstner has done a great job of taking a fairly obscure character and bringing her to life in a simple, straightforward, yet charming way.

John Calvin's and Idelette's love for one another shines through in this book as does Idelette's total devotion to her husband and his to her.

In less than a hundred pages you will gain an understanding and love for both Idelette and John Calvin.

[Miss Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is delightful.
Step into the life of Idelette Calvin and meet John Calvin as he enters husbandhood as well as fatherhood. Edna Gerstner writes in an inviting way you will want to keep on reading :)

[Winnie Thornton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fell in love with Idelette when I was 15.

[Rebekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting historically-based piece of fiction about the wife of John Calvin.

[Sarah]

Covenant has a copy. Think I'll have to check it out.