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Sylvia

By Bryce Courtenay
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Sylvia is the vivid tale of a woman born around 1196, living through a turbulent period in late twelfth-century Europe marked by religious intolerance. Gifted with a captivating singing voice and a sharp, questioning mind, Sylvia embarks on a perilous journey by joining the Children's Crusade to the Holy Land. Her story spans a range of experiences, from life as an entertainer in a whorehouse to enduring the harsh conditions of a convent. Throughout, she remains determined to fulfil her destiny, while her mysterious birthmark raises questions about her true purpose.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This novel appeals to readers interested in historical fiction, especially those fascinated by medieval history, religious conflicts, and strong female protagonists whose lives combine adventure, hardship, and spiritual quest.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Presents the story of the Children's Crusade, which occurred in the year 1212. This title is also a story of how, throughout some of the darkest medieval times, the redeeming power and strength of a young woman's love and intelligence prevail over poverty, brutality and bigotry. It tells the story of Sylvia, a talented and eccentric young woman.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

I am Sylvia Honeyeater; I think myself born around 1196, and this is the story of my life.

From master storyteller Bryce Courtenay comes the colourful epic of Sylvia. Late twelfth-century Europe is torn by religious intolerance. Sylvia, with a singing voice that can literally charm the birds out of the trees, and an acute and questioning mind that refuses to accept unreasoned beliefs, embarks on a pilgrimage. She joins the Children's Crusade, bound for the Holy Land.

From a bawdy life as an entertainer in a whorehouse to an austere and frequently cruel existence in a convent, she fights to be true to her destiny. And her mysterious birthmark causes much confusion—can this peasant maid indeed be a chosen messenger?

Sylvia is a tale of adversity, of adventure and crusades, and of a beautiful and gifted woman.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780143006992

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 June 2008

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 35.0mm

Width: 139.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 396g

Pages: 848

Collections

Bryce Courtenay Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction Penguin Books

About the Author

Bryce Courtenay is the bestselling author of The Power of One, Tandia, April Fool's Day, The Potato Factory, Tommo & Hawk, Solomon's Song, Jessica, A Recipe for Dreaming, The Family Frying Pan, The Night Country, Smoky Joe's Cafe, Four Fires, Matthew Flinders' Cat, Brother Fish, Whitethorn, Sylvia, The Persimmon Tree, Fishing for Stars, The Story of Danny Dunn, Fortune Cookie and Jack of Diamonds. Bryce Courtenay AM passed away in November 2012, aged seventy-nine, at his home in Canberra.

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