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Cover of A Vision of Light

A Vision of Light

Judith Merkle Riley (1989)

SubgenreHigh Fantasy
Age groupAdult 18+
Content ratingPG-13
Pages (Standard (250-400))
SeriesMargaret of Ashbury #
Setting
CSM age14

Content levels

ViolenceModerate
Sexual contentMild
LanguageMild

Hero archetypes

Monk / Friar

Protagonist archetypes

Coming-of-Age Protagonist

Synopsis

In 1355, Margaret of Ashbury hears a mysterious voice advising her to do something unusual and possibly heretical; write a book about her life. She depends on renegade friar Brother Gregory to record her life story and state of Mystic Union, and he is forced to accept the state of grace of this "mere woman." Since she is unlettered herself, Margaret enlists Brother Gregory, a Carthusian friar, to take on the task, something he would not have done were he not afraid of starving. Still he cannot help but become engrossed in Margaret's fascinating life story, which includes midwifery, witchcraft, and the Black Death.

Is A Vision of Light appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 14 and up.

A medieval historical fantasy exploring mysticism, midwifery, and the Black Death through a woman's dictated memoir. Contains period-appropriate medical content and plague references but no graphic violence or sexual content.

What to know going in

This book has moderate violence, mild sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include death, plague/epidemic, and class struggle (see the full list above).

Publisher age: Adult·Our content rating: 14+

Publisher ages reflect reading level; our rating reflects content maturity — they can differ.

Who'll love this

Teens interested in strong female characters, medieval history, and stories about finding your voice will be captivated by Margaret's journey.

Tags

Historical FantasyLiterary FictionFeminist FantasyReligious Fiction