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Watermark: A Powerful Historical Novel of Medieval France, the Inquisition, and One Woman's Defiant Search for Identity
The daughter of a papermaker in a small French village in the year 1320, mute from birth and forced to shun normal society, young Auda finds solace and escape in the wonder of the written word. Believed to be cursed by those who embrace ignorance and superstition, Auda's very survival is a testament to the strength of her spirit. But this is an age of Inquisition and intolerance, when difference and defiance are punishable "sins" and new ideas are considered damnable heresy. When darkness descends upon her world, Auda, newly grown to womanhood, is forced to flee, setting off on a remarkable quest to discover love and a new sense of self . . . and to reclaim her heritage and the small glory of her father's art.
331 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 223 reviews
August 8, 2018
This story is set during a period of Inquisition and intolerance, 14th century, when new ideas are considered heresy and the era, which is best illustrated by the development of papermaking from Moorish to Christian Spain and through the rest of Europe.
It is believed by some that papermaking advanced by heretical sects who needed cheap writing materials for their secret studies.
In the Middle Ages, Narbonne in France was known as a secluded place from heresy, while the rest of the Spain was surrounded by Inquisition.
This turbulent period of prosecution and intolerance brings a story of a young mute woman, Auda, who is skilled in written word. She lives in Narbonne with her father who is a scribe. He arranges for her to be a scribe as well to a noble lady. “Better the safety of the Vicomtesse than to trust in a stranger whose motives we don’t know" (better safety than arranged marriage).
The paper they use for their scribes and what they write leads them to a dangerous place. At the same time, as a mute she never expects to get married. But this changes, when she crosses a path with a poor artist, whose sketches of simple people like her doing everyday choirs, resonates with her.
Overall, the story is interesting and well-written, but it takes a while before the story grasps you. Also the era of paper development could be better explored, giving it a more vivid picture. For those reasons, 4 stars.
@FB/BestHistoricalFiction
https://bestinhistoricalfiction.blogs...
It is believed by some that papermaking advanced by heretical sects who needed cheap writing materials for their secret studies.
In the Middle Ages, Narbonne in France was known as a secluded place from heresy, while the rest of the Spain was surrounded by Inquisition.
This turbulent period of prosecution and intolerance brings a story of a young mute woman, Auda, who is skilled in written word. She lives in Narbonne with her father who is a scribe. He arranges for her to be a scribe as well to a noble lady. “Better the safety of the Vicomtesse than to trust in a stranger whose motives we don’t know" (better safety than arranged marriage).
The paper they use for their scribes and what they write leads them to a dangerous place. At the same time, as a mute she never expects to get married. But this changes, when she crosses a path with a poor artist, whose sketches of simple people like her doing everyday choirs, resonates with her.
Overall, the story is interesting and well-written, but it takes a while before the story grasps you. Also the era of paper development could be better explored, giving it a more vivid picture. For those reasons, 4 stars.
@FB/BestHistoricalFiction
https://bestinhistoricalfiction.blogs...
May 22, 2010
This is obviously a first novel, with a very straightforward story devoid of sidelines or surprises. Auda is the daughter of a papermaker in the south of France in 1320. She is albino and mute, independent and observant; she and her father get dangerously mixed up with the Cathars and, inevitably, the Inquisition.
The milieu of this book--the world of middling tradesman in southern France during the Avignon papacy--is the best part. Even in this author's inexperienced hands, the outlines of the town of Narbonne come through. She has clearly researched papermaking and the troubadours, which leads to some nice moments. Unlikely as Auda's résumé is, she is a compelling figure. I'm not sure I could say the author has given us an authentic view of disability, but the reader does get a sense of what it is like in Auda's head, buzzing with thoughts but only able to communicate the most immediate small things.
But the books' weaknesses are considerable. It doesn't really have any subplots or themes, so on the whole it has very little texture, instead striding quickly towards its conclusion. Auda's poetry and experiences are meant to tell us something about being a strong woman in a closed world, but it's not very inspiring. Despite the research into papermaking, there are other moments in the book that feel inauthentic, like when Auda's love interest invites her to be his plus-one at a wedding--a concept that, as far as I know, does not predate 1975. The love interest, too, is more of a deus ex machina than an actual person.
I was frequently reminded of a book that I read twenty years ago, called Captives of Time which I believe takes place in a similar setting; the heroine of that book is accompanied by her brother, who is albino and mute. For a portrayal of someone swept up in a dangerous religious hysteria, The Heretic's Daughter is better.
The milieu of this book--the world of middling tradesman in southern France during the Avignon papacy--is the best part. Even in this author's inexperienced hands, the outlines of the town of Narbonne come through. She has clearly researched papermaking and the troubadours, which leads to some nice moments. Unlikely as Auda's résumé is, she is a compelling figure. I'm not sure I could say the author has given us an authentic view of disability, but the reader does get a sense of what it is like in Auda's head, buzzing with thoughts but only able to communicate the most immediate small things.
But the books' weaknesses are considerable. It doesn't really have any subplots or themes, so on the whole it has very little texture, instead striding quickly towards its conclusion. Auda's poetry and experiences are meant to tell us something about being a strong woman in a closed world, but it's not very inspiring. Despite the research into papermaking, there are other moments in the book that feel inauthentic, like when Auda's love interest invites her to be his plus-one at a wedding--a concept that, as far as I know, does not predate 1975. The love interest, too, is more of a deus ex machina than an actual person.
I was frequently reminded of a book that I read twenty years ago, called Captives of Time which I believe takes place in a similar setting; the heroine of that book is accompanied by her brother, who is albino and mute. For a portrayal of someone swept up in a dangerous religious hysteria, The Heretic's Daughter is better.
July 15, 2011
I felt this book had real potential in the beginning, but the author lacked the necessary skill to successfully weave the story and lead its characters to a satisfying conclusion. One of its most detrimental flaws was the lack of clear conflict, which was messy and muddled. The author also overlooked the opportunity to explore the relationship between Auda and Jaime, which felt pasted together for plot convenience. Ultimately, the bizarre motivation for the main character, Auda, throwing herself into the arms of the enemy was so unbelievable that I emotionally walked away from the story. I really tried to overlook the book's weaknesses, hoping that in the end the overall reading experience would allow me to look back at the story and reach a sense of coherence, but like Auda, the book was ultimately unable to speak to me.
July 29, 2010
What a great year 2010 has been for historical fiction writer debuts! I have been really blown away by the shear awesomeness of these first timers and know that I will be reading them for years to come! And author Vanitha Sankaran is no exception.
Sankaran has painted an exquisite and beautiful tale about a mute Albino girl named Auda, who is the daughter of a papermaker in Narbonne, France in the 14th century. Born during a time of religious persecution and intense superstition, Auda’s affliction causes her to be a target and she has to be extremely cautious when leaving her house or risk being called a witch and handed over to the Inquisition.
My knowledge of watermarks and the paper making process itself were very limited prior to reading Watermark and it was fascinating to me to read about the history and the way it was made back then. One thing that I thought was very interesting was that watermarks were sometimes used by heretics as a means of conveying secret messages. I felt like I really learned a lot from reading this book and for me that is always a plus and one of the main reasons why I read historical fiction.
Auda is an extremely likeable character, with her passion for the written word that any reader can relate to. She has spirit, bravery and fortitude and is inspiring to read about – all good qualities for an awesome heroine in my book!
Watermark is a strong, solid debut from an emerging new talent and I HIGHLY recommend it!
FTC: Many thanks to the author for sending me a copy to review.
Sankaran has painted an exquisite and beautiful tale about a mute Albino girl named Auda, who is the daughter of a papermaker in Narbonne, France in the 14th century. Born during a time of religious persecution and intense superstition, Auda’s affliction causes her to be a target and she has to be extremely cautious when leaving her house or risk being called a witch and handed over to the Inquisition.
My knowledge of watermarks and the paper making process itself were very limited prior to reading Watermark and it was fascinating to me to read about the history and the way it was made back then. One thing that I thought was very interesting was that watermarks were sometimes used by heretics as a means of conveying secret messages. I felt like I really learned a lot from reading this book and for me that is always a plus and one of the main reasons why I read historical fiction.
Auda is an extremely likeable character, with her passion for the written word that any reader can relate to. She has spirit, bravery and fortitude and is inspiring to read about – all good qualities for an awesome heroine in my book!
Watermark is a strong, solid debut from an emerging new talent and I HIGHLY recommend it!
FTC: Many thanks to the author for sending me a copy to review.
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September 21, 20232023 Reading Challenge Category: A book written during NaNoWriMo.
This is another book that's been on my TBR list since 2012. It's the story of a mute medieval woman (tongue cut out at birth) struggling to find her voice through writing. It's definitely different from the historical fiction I normally gravitate toward (typically I'm reading about royalty) but it was an interesting read nonetheless.
This is another book that's been on my TBR list since 2012. It's the story of a mute medieval woman (tongue cut out at birth) struggling to find her voice through writing. It's definitely different from the historical fiction I normally gravitate toward (typically I'm reading about royalty) but it was an interesting read nonetheless.
November 20, 2021
speech for the speechless
In 14th century France, it is dangerous to be different. Little Auda, born an albino, has her tongue ripped out, but finds her voice in writing.
In 14th century France, it is dangerous to be different. Little Auda, born an albino, has her tongue ripped out, but finds her voice in writing.
January 22, 2019
What a brilliant book! I adored Auda and her father as well as Jaime. What fantastic characters. I cannot imagine what it would have been like for an albino back in that time period but this book was an incredible look as to how it might have been. I could have done without a few sex scenes that were, for me, too graphic and completely unnecessary. Those removed me from the story, completely, and made me think they were written gratuitously. Luckily, there are only a few short blips like that and it wasn't enough to demolish feeling this novel was a fantastic read!
May 31, 2010
Rating: 4.5 Stars out of 5
From the Back Cover:
The daughter of a papermaker in a small French village in the year 1320 - mute from birth and forced to shun normal society - young Auda finds solace and escape in the wonder of the written word. Believed to be cursed by those who embrace ignorance and superstition, Auda's very survival is a testament to the strength of her spirit. But this is an age of Inquisition and intolerance, when difference and defiance are punishable "sins" and new ideas are considered damnable heresy. When darkness descends upon her world, Auda - newly grown to womanhood - is forced to flee, setting off on a remarkable quest to discover love and a new sense of self...and to reclaim her heritage and the small glory of her father's art.
My Review:
In this impressive debut novel, Vanitha Sankaran crafts a very original tale centered around a very different kind of heroine. Auda is born an albino and the story opens with the gruesome circumstances of her birth, where a decision made by a superstitious midwife's apprentice renders her mute for life.
Fast forward twenty years to Auda as a woman grown. Auda lives and works with her father, a papermaker. Her father and sister have done a good job of protecting Auda from the outside world, but her sister has recently married and moved out of her father's home, and things are changing in Auda's world. Auda can't speak, but she can read and write, and in addition to copying texts for her father, she writes stories of her own and dreams of sharing them with the world. But her sister has other plans for her, to see her married and to remain safely hidden away.
"What form of story do you like best?"
This is what Auda writes on a little slip of paper, the first question she wants to ask of the man her sister has arranged for her to marry, and it was the moment I lost my heart to her. It's also the moment I realized I was in trouble, because people like Auda living in times like those didn't have happily ever afters. I had to tell myself not to get attached to her and her hopes for a full and happy life.
And oh, how Auda yearns to live a full and happy life. She's intelligent and inquisitive, and has reached the point in her life where she's ready to stretch her wings. But Auda's kind heart combined with her sheltered existance keep her from fearing the cruelty of others, and thus she goes along a little naively, unaware that seemingly innocent actions can draw unwanted attention. Which is unfortunate, for the town of Narbonne is on edge. An endless season of rain has ruined crops. Fear of heresy is sweeping through the country and priests are flocking to Narbonne to root out the cause of the evil weather. As heretic pamphlets begin surfacing more frequently in the town, the Inquisition turns its eyes to those who write, and to those who make the paper for them to write upon.
"If a man hears an evil idea, unless his mind is bent toward evil, he will not dwell on it, will forget it before long. But if that same idea is written, he will be drawn back to it, again and again. Evil has a temptation and man is bent toward it."
Auda's father comes under heavy suspicion and that means trouble for Auda. The story is compelling and well-paced, leading up to some pretty intense climactic scenes that keep the reader hooked right up to the sweet and satisfying conclusion. There were a couple of scenes that seemed to have been written specifically to draw attention to little nuggets of research the author found interesting (as explained in the author's note), but for me they came off as awkward rather than enlightening, since they didn't really have anything to do with the story. Minor quibbles, though. I thought this was a refreshingly original novel, fast-paced and very enjoyable with touches of poetry and story-telling. I loved the setting of this book, in the little seaside town of Narbonne rather than in a big cosmopolitan city like Paris and I enjoyed reading a story about someone who lives in the shadow of the lord of the land, rather than reading another story from the point of view of the nobility. Highly recommended for anyone looking for something different in historical fiction and interested in getting a glimpse of facets of medieval life not often explored.
From the Back Cover:
The daughter of a papermaker in a small French village in the year 1320 - mute from birth and forced to shun normal society - young Auda finds solace and escape in the wonder of the written word. Believed to be cursed by those who embrace ignorance and superstition, Auda's very survival is a testament to the strength of her spirit. But this is an age of Inquisition and intolerance, when difference and defiance are punishable "sins" and new ideas are considered damnable heresy. When darkness descends upon her world, Auda - newly grown to womanhood - is forced to flee, setting off on a remarkable quest to discover love and a new sense of self...and to reclaim her heritage and the small glory of her father's art.
My Review:
In this impressive debut novel, Vanitha Sankaran crafts a very original tale centered around a very different kind of heroine. Auda is born an albino and the story opens with the gruesome circumstances of her birth, where a decision made by a superstitious midwife's apprentice renders her mute for life.
Fast forward twenty years to Auda as a woman grown. Auda lives and works with her father, a papermaker. Her father and sister have done a good job of protecting Auda from the outside world, but her sister has recently married and moved out of her father's home, and things are changing in Auda's world. Auda can't speak, but she can read and write, and in addition to copying texts for her father, she writes stories of her own and dreams of sharing them with the world. But her sister has other plans for her, to see her married and to remain safely hidden away.
"What form of story do you like best?"
This is what Auda writes on a little slip of paper, the first question she wants to ask of the man her sister has arranged for her to marry, and it was the moment I lost my heart to her. It's also the moment I realized I was in trouble, because people like Auda living in times like those didn't have happily ever afters. I had to tell myself not to get attached to her and her hopes for a full and happy life.
And oh, how Auda yearns to live a full and happy life. She's intelligent and inquisitive, and has reached the point in her life where she's ready to stretch her wings. But Auda's kind heart combined with her sheltered existance keep her from fearing the cruelty of others, and thus she goes along a little naively, unaware that seemingly innocent actions can draw unwanted attention. Which is unfortunate, for the town of Narbonne is on edge. An endless season of rain has ruined crops. Fear of heresy is sweeping through the country and priests are flocking to Narbonne to root out the cause of the evil weather. As heretic pamphlets begin surfacing more frequently in the town, the Inquisition turns its eyes to those who write, and to those who make the paper for them to write upon.
"If a man hears an evil idea, unless his mind is bent toward evil, he will not dwell on it, will forget it before long. But if that same idea is written, he will be drawn back to it, again and again. Evil has a temptation and man is bent toward it."
Auda's father comes under heavy suspicion and that means trouble for Auda. The story is compelling and well-paced, leading up to some pretty intense climactic scenes that keep the reader hooked right up to the sweet and satisfying conclusion. There were a couple of scenes that seemed to have been written specifically to draw attention to little nuggets of research the author found interesting (as explained in the author's note), but for me they came off as awkward rather than enlightening, since they didn't really have anything to do with the story. Minor quibbles, though. I thought this was a refreshingly original novel, fast-paced and very enjoyable with touches of poetry and story-telling. I loved the setting of this book, in the little seaside town of Narbonne rather than in a big cosmopolitan city like Paris and I enjoyed reading a story about someone who lives in the shadow of the lord of the land, rather than reading another story from the point of view of the nobility. Highly recommended for anyone looking for something different in historical fiction and interested in getting a glimpse of facets of medieval life not often explored.
May 18, 2010
In Watermark by Vanitha Sankaran, Auda has the misfortune to be born an albino. Ruled by superstition and religious fanaticism, the midwife's helper decides to cut out Auda's tongue so that she won't spread any of the devil's lies. With this dramatic opening, Sankaran plunges us into the Dark Ages, a time in which being physically and intellectually different are considered dangerous.
As she grows up, Auda is sheltered by her father and sister, who fear that someday the villagers will blame their misfortunes on Auda because of her condition. Rather than accept her fate, which is to seek safety in a loveless marriage, Auda instead forges her own destiny by becoming a scribe at the Vicomte's palace. Here, she finds her own voice by penning daring poetry. She captures the attention of a handsome artist and eventually of the Inquisition.
Sankaran does a marvelous job of creating the world of small French village in the Dark Ages - exactly the kind of historical fiction I love to read. Here, papermaking is celebrated as a fascinating art and novelty, as well as for its physical qualities: its texture and possibilities. Paper is ubiquitous now, right? In fact we, as a society, are trying to conserve natural resources and are turning to other forms of media, such as e-books. Paper was to the Dark Ages as e-books are to us now: a new invention with a potential for equality.
Because paper was cheaper, easier and faster to make than parchment, written ideas could be disseminated to more people than ever before through bound paper books. Can you imagine how remarkable an idea that was back then when parchment books were only owned by the very rich? Paper not only represented a radical idea, but the medium through which radical ideas could be widely conveyed - making it a dangerous tool.
As I reflect more on Watermark, I have to draw a parallel between a blank piece of paper, whose value is made up of its materials and increases when something is written on its surface, and Auda, who is paper personified. As an albino, she physically resembles a blank piece of paper, even more so because she's seen so little of the world, having been protected from it. Once she strikes out on her own, her experiences, whether it be of independence, of love, or pain and suffering, leave a rich and indelible imprint on her.
One dynamic that didn't work for me was the love story of Auda and Jaime, which seemed to happen too fast. I think Sankaran could have lavished more buildup on it, as much as she did on the papermaking scenes, to have made it more believable.
However, the fine writing in Watermark has managed to whet my interest for Sankaran's next book, which is purportedly about another invention that changed the world: printmaking.
As she grows up, Auda is sheltered by her father and sister, who fear that someday the villagers will blame their misfortunes on Auda because of her condition. Rather than accept her fate, which is to seek safety in a loveless marriage, Auda instead forges her own destiny by becoming a scribe at the Vicomte's palace. Here, she finds her own voice by penning daring poetry. She captures the attention of a handsome artist and eventually of the Inquisition.
Sankaran does a marvelous job of creating the world of small French village in the Dark Ages - exactly the kind of historical fiction I love to read. Here, papermaking is celebrated as a fascinating art and novelty, as well as for its physical qualities: its texture and possibilities. Paper is ubiquitous now, right? In fact we, as a society, are trying to conserve natural resources and are turning to other forms of media, such as e-books. Paper was to the Dark Ages as e-books are to us now: a new invention with a potential for equality.
Because paper was cheaper, easier and faster to make than parchment, written ideas could be disseminated to more people than ever before through bound paper books. Can you imagine how remarkable an idea that was back then when parchment books were only owned by the very rich? Paper not only represented a radical idea, but the medium through which radical ideas could be widely conveyed - making it a dangerous tool.
As I reflect more on Watermark, I have to draw a parallel between a blank piece of paper, whose value is made up of its materials and increases when something is written on its surface, and Auda, who is paper personified. As an albino, she physically resembles a blank piece of paper, even more so because she's seen so little of the world, having been protected from it. Once she strikes out on her own, her experiences, whether it be of independence, of love, or pain and suffering, leave a rich and indelible imprint on her.
One dynamic that didn't work for me was the love story of Auda and Jaime, which seemed to happen too fast. I think Sankaran could have lavished more buildup on it, as much as she did on the papermaking scenes, to have made it more believable.
However, the fine writing in Watermark has managed to whet my interest for Sankaran's next book, which is purportedly about another invention that changed the world: printmaking.
April 14, 2010
From my blog...
Watermark by Vanitha Sankaran is a beautifully scripted tale of a woman, born an albino, trying to get by in the Middle Ages during the time of the Inquisitions. The story begins in 1300 Narbonne, France with Elena struggling with a difficult birth and anxiously awaiting her husband Martin and their young daughter Poncia's return with a midwife, however it is a healer he returns with. Biatris sends her assistant to gather herbs while she assesses the situation, concluding she must cut the baby from the womb, saving one life, but ending another. When Biatris' assistant sees the baby, born without pigmentation, she takes the baby to the river to drown, but instead chooses to cut the baby's tongue out to prevent her from speaking the Devil's word. The story then jumps to 1320, Auda is happily living with her father and her sister Poncia has settled down into married life with Jehan. Poncia wants to find someone willing to marry her sister, since more and more Inquisitors are arriving daily. One Inquisitor writes about finding the "white witch", alluding to Auda, yet she feels relatively secure even with herself while at home with her loving, artistic father. Auda would rather be happy than safe, staying unmarried and making paper with her father. She is educated, when most women are not and Auda enjoys her freedom and shares the same dream as her father, to one day make paper, reading, and writing common amongst all people; lofty goals for her poor father, even loftier for one who is being sought after. Martin has been commissioned by the Vicomtess and she has agreed to hire Auda as her scribe, but at what cost? The Watermark is an exceptionally well-written novel that easily captivates the reader and commands the reader's attention until the very end. Sankaran chose an intriguing historical setting for her novel and it is evident through her writing that she has extensively researched this time period. It is with vivid detail the reader is transported back to the Middle Ages, to the sites, the sounds, and people of the time, from the Inquisitions, the heretics and daily accusations to love, ambitions, and awaking artistic movements. Auda not only is a strong charater, she is also an easy-to-like character who despite all adversity is true to herself, her dreams, goals, and ambitions. Watermark is a brilliantly crafted narrative that I would highly recommend to all readers.
Watermark by Vanitha Sankaran is a beautifully scripted tale of a woman, born an albino, trying to get by in the Middle Ages during the time of the Inquisitions. The story begins in 1300 Narbonne, France with Elena struggling with a difficult birth and anxiously awaiting her husband Martin and their young daughter Poncia's return with a midwife, however it is a healer he returns with. Biatris sends her assistant to gather herbs while she assesses the situation, concluding she must cut the baby from the womb, saving one life, but ending another. When Biatris' assistant sees the baby, born without pigmentation, she takes the baby to the river to drown, but instead chooses to cut the baby's tongue out to prevent her from speaking the Devil's word. The story then jumps to 1320, Auda is happily living with her father and her sister Poncia has settled down into married life with Jehan. Poncia wants to find someone willing to marry her sister, since more and more Inquisitors are arriving daily. One Inquisitor writes about finding the "white witch", alluding to Auda, yet she feels relatively secure even with herself while at home with her loving, artistic father. Auda would rather be happy than safe, staying unmarried and making paper with her father. She is educated, when most women are not and Auda enjoys her freedom and shares the same dream as her father, to one day make paper, reading, and writing common amongst all people; lofty goals for her poor father, even loftier for one who is being sought after. Martin has been commissioned by the Vicomtess and she has agreed to hire Auda as her scribe, but at what cost? The Watermark is an exceptionally well-written novel that easily captivates the reader and commands the reader's attention until the very end. Sankaran chose an intriguing historical setting for her novel and it is evident through her writing that she has extensively researched this time period. It is with vivid detail the reader is transported back to the Middle Ages, to the sites, the sounds, and people of the time, from the Inquisitions, the heretics and daily accusations to love, ambitions, and awaking artistic movements. Auda not only is a strong charater, she is also an easy-to-like character who despite all adversity is true to herself, her dreams, goals, and ambitions. Watermark is a brilliantly crafted narrative that I would highly recommend to all readers.
April 19, 2010
I guess I'm the first person not to be jumping up and down with joy after reading this novel, a story about a mute abino girl who is the daughter of papermaker in the middle ages, but here goes..
First, what I didn't like: Poncia, Auda's sister. If that woman wasn't already getting slapped around, I would have jumped in there and slapped her around myself. Her and her self rightousness had me cringeing throughout the reading of this. Also, despite fascinating facts regarding early papermaking (love the recipes in the back of the book by the way!) I found the book dull at times as nothing much seems to be going on. The Inquistion has come and everyone is wondering who is a heretic and Auda is falling for a painter and writing or reading verses of love everyday. That sums up the middle. Finally, the moment of betrayal in the end: I seen it coming and thought Auda dumb for not seeing it herself.
End of complaints. Here is what I liked: Auda's writing. Upon finding numerous written verses about or by women, Auda realizes that in them, women have no choice and she pens her own verses, giving women a choice in the story. "The old verses never let women decide, choose what to want. They are always victims of a man's choice. I wrote something different. I wrote these tales. To spread the word. She chooses, not the men." Obviously, Auda is a woman ahead of her time.
I also liked that last quarter except for its predictablity. I liked how Auda stuck to her guns. I also thought that despite its dullness at moments, the novel was very educational about the Inquistion in France and the effects it had on the people, priests and peasants and noblemen alike.
Not a bad book, but I wasn't enthralled and I didn't find myself thinking of it long after setting it down, nor was I on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next.
I wish to part with a final quote that appeared often throughout the reading of this that I liked: "Women are no lesser than men, men no lesser than women."
First, what I didn't like: Poncia, Auda's sister. If that woman wasn't already getting slapped around, I would have jumped in there and slapped her around myself. Her and her self rightousness had me cringeing throughout the reading of this. Also, despite fascinating facts regarding early papermaking (love the recipes in the back of the book by the way!) I found the book dull at times as nothing much seems to be going on. The Inquistion has come and everyone is wondering who is a heretic and Auda is falling for a painter and writing or reading verses of love everyday. That sums up the middle. Finally, the moment of betrayal in the end: I seen it coming and thought Auda dumb for not seeing it herself.
End of complaints. Here is what I liked: Auda's writing. Upon finding numerous written verses about or by women, Auda realizes that in them, women have no choice and she pens her own verses, giving women a choice in the story. "The old verses never let women decide, choose what to want. They are always victims of a man's choice. I wrote something different. I wrote these tales. To spread the word. She chooses, not the men." Obviously, Auda is a woman ahead of her time.
I also liked that last quarter except for its predictablity. I liked how Auda stuck to her guns. I also thought that despite its dullness at moments, the novel was very educational about the Inquistion in France and the effects it had on the people, priests and peasants and noblemen alike.
Not a bad book, but I wasn't enthralled and I didn't find myself thinking of it long after setting it down, nor was I on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next.
I wish to part with a final quote that appeared often throughout the reading of this that I liked: "Women are no lesser than men, men no lesser than women."
June 24, 2010
My Thoughts: I found this book to be absorbing and amazingly imaginative. The Middle Ages come to life with the street fairs, the smells of the unwashed bodies, and the sights of the monks, self-flagellating priests, beggars, and the ones who don't want to be noticed. Aude had two strikes against her from birth: being mute (by force) and also having albino traits. Being her during this time would have been unnerving to say the least. She spends much of her life just trying to blend in and to not be noticed. But Aude comes to realize that she is a person of worth and she is willing to sacrifice her life to prove it. She may just be the best written character I've had the honor to encounter this year. I was compelled by her story and found myself anxious with fear as to what may become of her. This book was a fascinating look into an industry, paper making, that I have really never given much thought to. I honestly wasn't sure how the author would make me interested in this time period, but her detailed (not overly thought) descriptions of France, the town, and the people who inhabit it, awoke my imagination and once I was past chapter one, there was no looking back.
Highly Recommended
Highly Recommended
June 2, 2010
There were things I loved and things I didn't love about this book. I thought that Vanitha Sankaran did a wonderful job of setting up the story - the birth of Auda and death of her mother, Elena was heartbreaking and an eye-opening (if a bit predictable) method to open the story.
I loved the educational aspect of making paper and the way the story revolved around the tracts labeled as "heresy" and the connection that papermakers risked. I actually thought the historical aspect of this novel was the most interesting part of it and carried the story of Auda and her family.
Which brings me to what I was disappointed in. I felt as if Auda, her sister and her father were sort of glossed over and we were given half-stories .. just enough to keep the story moving but not enough to make me feel a connection to her. The person I felt the strongest for was actually Auda's mother - and she had just a few short pages devoted to her.
Overall though, it is an interesting perspective on the Middle Ages and one worth reading as long as you don't expect to have any lasting impression of character to carry away from it.
I loved the educational aspect of making paper and the way the story revolved around the tracts labeled as "heresy" and the connection that papermakers risked. I actually thought the historical aspect of this novel was the most interesting part of it and carried the story of Auda and her family.
Which brings me to what I was disappointed in. I felt as if Auda, her sister and her father were sort of glossed over and we were given half-stories .. just enough to keep the story moving but not enough to make me feel a connection to her. The person I felt the strongest for was actually Auda's mother - and she had just a few short pages devoted to her.
Overall though, it is an interesting perspective on the Middle Ages and one worth reading as long as you don't expect to have any lasting impression of character to carry away from it.
February 1, 2011
I absolutely love strong women characters! This book was about a girl who, for a reason I won't reveal, was taught to read by her father who was a papermaker. She was born in the middle ages when women and commoners were not taught to read and when papermaking hadn't found it's foothold in Europe yet. It was a time when parchment was still being used by the Church and the nobles and when people were being tortured and killed because of heresy accusations.
The girl, Auda, who was different from birth, loved words and found herself through her own writing. Yet, because of the times she lived in, she became in danger due to her love of writing and thus unknowingly endangered her father. It is her struggle to show the world love from the female perspective, find true love herself and open her eyes to other religious perspectives.
My favorite part is the information the author included after the story about how papermaking came about in Europe, how it has affected the world and how modern digital media is mirroring the affect paper had so many years ago. Great read!
The girl, Auda, who was different from birth, loved words and found herself through her own writing. Yet, because of the times she lived in, she became in danger due to her love of writing and thus unknowingly endangered her father. It is her struggle to show the world love from the female perspective, find true love herself and open her eyes to other religious perspectives.
My favorite part is the information the author included after the story about how papermaking came about in Europe, how it has affected the world and how modern digital media is mirroring the affect paper had so many years ago. Great read!
December 1, 2010
I really need to stop reading books about the middle ages, because I latch onto the parts that aren't historically accurate and they ruin an entire book for me. With "Watermark," I couldn't get past the fact that the main character was 20 years old and her relatives kept saying that she was just getting to the age where she should be married. Huh??
Even though all of the details about paper making may have been well-researched (it's not something I know a ton about), couldn't Sankaran have done a bit more research on societal norms, gender roles, etc? Very frustrating.
Other than that, the dialog seemed a bit stilted, the characters weren't very nuanced, and the book as a whole was just too thin.
A resounding "eh."
Even though all of the details about paper making may have been well-researched (it's not something I know a ton about), couldn't Sankaran have done a bit more research on societal norms, gender roles, etc? Very frustrating.
Other than that, the dialog seemed a bit stilted, the characters weren't very nuanced, and the book as a whole was just too thin.
A resounding "eh."
May 2, 2011
This book has an amazing first half. I loved it. In chapter one I found myself aching to nurture and protect a newborn who had had her tongue cut out for being albino- a "devil child". You'll care for Auda from the start. Then the writing fell apart and I lost interest. The poor editing is is laughable, the hyper-focus on paper making is boring, the descriptive adultry scene is superfluous, as always. Lastly, Auda, spared from death and expected to do great things, doesn't do much beyond surviving, developing herself, and standing for what's right (except for the time she ____). That's wonderful, but the first few chapters set things up as if she's to become our new Mulan or Pope Joan, which never happens. Unless you're really into paper.
July 19, 2017
Did not finish.
The first two chapters set the tone for a great story, but then the chapters fell flat. I was going to push through, because I don't like quitting a book just because I find the book boring, but I will quit when I come across a graphic sex scene, and especially if that sex is an adulterous act. I feel like sex is meant to be had, not graphically written about to fuel someone's fantasy.
Sadly, I was actually happy to put this book down, because I was sooooooooo done with with the whole story after the first 50 pages. Shame, considering the cover is so beautiful. Maybe I'll turn the cover into a book mark.
The first two chapters set the tone for a great story, but then the chapters fell flat. I was going to push through, because I don't like quitting a book just because I find the book boring, but I will quit when I come across a graphic sex scene, and especially if that sex is an adulterous act. I feel like sex is meant to be had, not graphically written about to fuel someone's fantasy.
Sadly, I was actually happy to put this book down, because I was sooooooooo done with with the whole story after the first 50 pages. Shame, considering the cover is so beautiful. Maybe I'll turn the cover into a book mark.
May 4, 2010
I did not enjoy this book, though the author is a good writer. She creates a believable setting and sympathetic characters with good dialogue. Looking at the other reviews, I think I'm the only male ever to read this book. I understand why. For most of the book, the main character just walks around and "feels" things, then writes some crap poetry. The last part of the book a little something happens, but most of the story lines are left dangling. Good author, but she needs to find a good story to tell. I'm going to purge myself with some Bernard Cornwell.
January 12, 2017
Interesting read about the effects of the Inquisition on a small town. The secondary characters were far more interesting and nuanced than the main ones, aside from the narrator. There was a thread of the narrator's mother sacrificing her life for her daughter that didn't really go anywhere, when it could have been a way better source of motivation and tied basically everything together at the end. Mostly I liked the setting and the descriptions of the illuminations and making paper.
January 15, 2014
I liked this story and learning about what happened in France during this time in history. It was sad to learn how people of the church rejected others using christianity. It reminded me of the stories of the puritains in colonial days who acused people of being witches. I also enjoyed learning about the first days of paper making.
February 8, 2023
A Novel about the persecution of the Cathars by the Inquisition.
Also, a beautifully imagined transition from the use of skins for parchment, the Church's monopoly, to the manufacture of paper from pulped cloth, and the bitter opposition both of the the Guilds and the Church at a time when everyone was suspected or accused of being a heretic.
Finally, the story of Auda, an albino mute, whose mother died giving birth to her. With three strikes against her, Auda is taken for a cursed person, or a witch. Still she battles on, helping her father the paper maker in his workshop, until the day her sister arranges a marriage with the widowed miller for her, which is also the day that she falls in love with an itinerant artist. The best part of the book are the verses by mediaeval troubadours which are a real delight. Treachery plays its part, and both Auda and her father suffer persecution at the hands of the Inquisition.
This book reminded me of Tracy Chevalier, not because it is in any way derivative, but because of the feel for the Middle Ages that both authors have, of the tyrannies that their protagonists face, whether from the Church or common chauvinism and abuse. Still, Sankaran's success with this novel will hopefully give her the confidence to come into her own.
Also, a beautifully imagined transition from the use of skins for parchment, the Church's monopoly, to the manufacture of paper from pulped cloth, and the bitter opposition both of the the Guilds and the Church at a time when everyone was suspected or accused of being a heretic.
Finally, the story of Auda, an albino mute, whose mother died giving birth to her. With three strikes against her, Auda is taken for a cursed person, or a witch. Still she battles on, helping her father the paper maker in his workshop, until the day her sister arranges a marriage with the widowed miller for her, which is also the day that she falls in love with an itinerant artist. The best part of the book are the verses by mediaeval troubadours which are a real delight. Treachery plays its part, and both Auda and her father suffer persecution at the hands of the Inquisition.
This book reminded me of Tracy Chevalier, not because it is in any way derivative, but because of the feel for the Middle Ages that both authors have, of the tyrannies that their protagonists face, whether from the Church or common chauvinism and abuse. Still, Sankaran's success with this novel will hopefully give her the confidence to come into her own.
August 2, 2023
Watermark, by Vanitha Sankaran Book Review
“The daughter of a papermaker in a small French village in the year 1320 – mute since birth and forced to shun society – young Auda finds solace and escape in the wonder of the written word.”
This is an engaging debut novel with all the elements readers should love – a strong-willed, compassionate heroine who risks everything, including her own life for the love of her father and her own soul. This book explores loyalty, love, and finding a voice. Many books, mine included, have characters fighting against the power-hungry and corrupt Church, malicious inquisitors and easily manipulated crowds. Watermark provides us with fresh, complicated, original characters. Auda is vibrant and well-developed, with virtues and flaws, and I cried with her suffering and longed for her to find the love and fulfillment she deserved.
As a book lover and writer, I enjoyed learning the art and history of papermaking and the beginnings of using a watermark. As a writer/researcher of/for Medieval fiction, I am fussy about the details and this book shines.
I could hardly put it down. I hope you enjoy it as much.
https://amzn.to/3QfZahu
“The daughter of a papermaker in a small French village in the year 1320 – mute since birth and forced to shun society – young Auda finds solace and escape in the wonder of the written word.”
This is an engaging debut novel with all the elements readers should love – a strong-willed, compassionate heroine who risks everything, including her own life for the love of her father and her own soul. This book explores loyalty, love, and finding a voice. Many books, mine included, have characters fighting against the power-hungry and corrupt Church, malicious inquisitors and easily manipulated crowds. Watermark provides us with fresh, complicated, original characters. Auda is vibrant and well-developed, with virtues and flaws, and I cried with her suffering and longed for her to find the love and fulfillment she deserved.
As a book lover and writer, I enjoyed learning the art and history of papermaking and the beginnings of using a watermark. As a writer/researcher of/for Medieval fiction, I am fussy about the details and this book shines.
I could hardly put it down. I hope you enjoy it as much.
https://amzn.to/3QfZahu
August 24, 2020
In 1320 life could’ve been difficult for anyone but for Auda it is not only difficult but downright terrifying and dangerous. Born an albino and mute from an unfortunate injury, she lives among the daily superstition brought on by the Inquisition which searches for heresy in every corner. Fortunately for Auda she finds relief within her loving father, his paper making business, and the comfort of the written word. But when the Inquisitors reach her small town in France, Auda must find the strength to embrace her differences, save her father and find love and acceptance in the most unexpected places.
A story of not just survival but of self love and sacrifice. Auda’s perseverance is praiseworthy and her loyalty is endearing. If only every story had a strong character like her than choosing a book would never be difficult. I very much enjoyed this well written debut book and will look forward to other books written by this author.
A story of not just survival but of self love and sacrifice. Auda’s perseverance is praiseworthy and her loyalty is endearing. If only every story had a strong character like her than choosing a book would never be difficult. I very much enjoyed this well written debut book and will look forward to other books written by this author.
December 2, 2020
I selected this book as part of my 2020 reading challenge: read about about the Middle Ages. The story revolves around the themes of heresy and paper making. Taking place in southern France during the time of the persecution of the Cathars, a heretical sect that believed in the Good God of the New Testament and the Bad God of the Old Testament who create the physical world and gave us Satan, the city of Nabonne where Auda, the mute young woman that is central to the story, lives. Auda’s father has a thriving paper making business and due to that Auda becomes a scribe to the Vicomtesse where she gains favor. But underneath everything lies the Church’s striving to weed out heresy. Auda and her father get caught up in this with Auda being able to escape the inquisitors at the end. While the ending is a bit abrupt, the read was still enjoyable. In the Afterward you learn that the story is based on some historical references which always makes me enjoy the story a bit more.
June 18, 2023
In 1300 Narbonne, France, Auda must overcome both her inability to speak and the prejudice against her due to her albinism. She helps her father to make paper, although the Inquisition is suspicious of this new, cheaper medium for potentially helping to spread the beliefs of heretics. Able to read and write, Auda is soon caught up in reading and writing things which the Inquisition would condemn. Her ideas center not so much on what we would now think of as religious, but rather on the belief that men and women are equal. This the Church will not accept.
We anxiously follow Auda’s progress in thinking, but fear for her at the same time. This is a book that will totally immerse you in a time and place, with much more than just material descriptions. You will learn the beliefs of various groups, and you will feel the urgency with which they hold these beliefs. This is a fascinating look at a reality so very different from our own.
We anxiously follow Auda’s progress in thinking, but fear for her at the same time. This is a book that will totally immerse you in a time and place, with much more than just material descriptions. You will learn the beliefs of various groups, and you will feel the urgency with which they hold these beliefs. This is a fascinating look at a reality so very different from our own.
November 27, 2022
I really loved this novel. The protagonist, Auda, was very thoughtfully portrayed with her unique conditions, both personally in terms of birth and upbringing, along with the societal context of the 13oo's. The manufacturing of paper in the medieval era was fascinating to read, along with the stresses of how it fit into the marketplace in consideration to parchment (which was the standard at the time).
The author really kept to the plot, along with good pacing. "Watermark" is one I am sure to go back and read again because of how well written it is, and how it really transported me to the time period.
I hope this isn't the only work we see from Vanitha Sankaran, but it is the only one I have been able to find. A very talented author. I am grateful for the the hours spent with her characters and being a witness to their medieval journey.
The author really kept to the plot, along with good pacing. "Watermark" is one I am sure to go back and read again because of how well written it is, and how it really transported me to the time period.
I hope this isn't the only work we see from Vanitha Sankaran, but it is the only one I have been able to find. A very talented author. I am grateful for the the hours spent with her characters and being a witness to their medieval journey.
November 4, 2020
Even though I finished this novel last month, I still think about it often. The themes that haunt me revolve around Auda’s difficult choice. Does she conform, in order to fit in with a religious majority that has the power to damn her as a heretic? Or does she live her life quietly, as she wishes. To conform means an terribly unhappy marriage. However living independently, as a woman with a birth defect, will draw the attention of the Inquisition.
In addition to pondering religion, superstition, enlightenment, and free will, there are other things to enjoy. The descriptions of cooking, clothing and paper making in the middle ages was enjoyable. I loved the characters and the setting of rural France. This is a well researched and powerful story.
In addition to pondering religion, superstition, enlightenment, and free will, there are other things to enjoy. The descriptions of cooking, clothing and paper making in the middle ages was enjoyable. I loved the characters and the setting of rural France. This is a well researched and powerful story.
October 18, 2019
3.5 STARS
This was a good read. Middle ages...1300 France and a albino girl is born to a papermaker. The story is interesting and built on actual history of the Inquisition and women's lot in life during this time period with lots of facts about paper making in Medieval times. At the end, the author gives a summary of the history of paper making along with an actual recipe to make your own as she did when doing research to write this novel.
This was a good read. Middle ages...1300 France and a albino girl is born to a papermaker. The story is interesting and built on actual history of the Inquisition and women's lot in life during this time period with lots of facts about paper making in Medieval times. At the end, the author gives a summary of the history of paper making along with an actual recipe to make your own as she did when doing research to write this novel.
May 6, 2020
I really enjoyed this book and it was a strong debut novel.
It greats for a quick read if you after a story that doesn't try to over complicate itself as it's straight to the point and has a clear start and end.
Alough I would argue some areas felt to coincidental it didnt hinder the story nor make anything feel too forced
I would recommend this story if you do enjoy histories that also give you some knowledge (in this case papermaking) of the time
It greats for a quick read if you after a story that doesn't try to over complicate itself as it's straight to the point and has a clear start and end.
Alough I would argue some areas felt to coincidental it didnt hinder the story nor make anything feel too forced
I would recommend this story if you do enjoy histories that also give you some knowledge (in this case papermaking) of the time
July 19, 2021
I could not put this book down. I read it in my spare moments. Set in the Middle Ages, it is about a girl thought to be cursed from birth. From her birth to the end, she had me enchanted. She went from innocence to womanhood, becoming an accomplished papermaker in an age of superstition where women were treated as less then second class citizens. I do not want to put a spoiler in this review. Suffice to say that when it seemed to be the ultimate tragedy, it ends with a sigh of relief.
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