01.30.09
Posted in Historical Fiction, Sister Fidlema at 7:17 am by Easley Wayne
Leper’s Bell Peter Tremayne
Leper’s Bell is the fourteenth book in the Sister Fidelma series. Sister Fidelma of Cashel, a town in Ireland, lived in the seventh century A.D. Although most of Europe was suffering the Dark Ages, Ireland was a progressive land where gender discrimination was rare. In Ireland any citizen could aspire to any profession. Sister is a very talented and accomplished woman. Fidelma has a graduate education where she earned the degree of anruth, similar to a masters degree today. Fidelma works as a dalaigh, an advocate in the courts. As an advocate she investigates problems and crimes and advises both church and civil authorities. A dalaigh may prosecute, defend, or even serve as judge in a criminal proceeding.
The Leper’s Bell is different among Fidelma novels. The case is personal for Fidelma and Eadulf as it involves the kidnaping of their only child, Alchu. While Fidelma and Eadulf on a trip solving the puzzle in Badger’s Moon, Sarait, their son’s nurse, was killed and the baby lost.
The investigation begins with very few clues, but lots of speculation: maybe their enemies, the Ui Fidgente, kidnaped Alchu; possibly members of their faith community who objected to their trial marriage were involved; maybe the real target was Sarait, and the baby was simply discarded.
A subplot is increased animosity between Eadulf and Fidelma. Their baby being kidnaped provides much martial stress, but several other factors interfere. Increasing Eadulf has felt like a alien - a stranger in Ireland, not really accepted in the culture. He feels the Fidelma is not very understanding of the position he is in. Fidelma wonders about Eadulf change in personality. Both of them become depressed.
Brother Eadulf is much more involved in solving this mystery than he was in previous tales. Eadulf does much investigation alone. He independently solves part of the mystery.
Leper’s Bell is one of the better Sister Fidelma stories. There is extensive interaction among the cast. Fidelma’s emotions begin to affect her work. Eadulf’s challenges cause him to lose his temper and question Fidelma’s loyalty. This story is a good read.
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