The Corner That Held Them by Sylvia Townsend Warner
This novel offers a vivid portrayal of life in a medieval English convent over several decades, beginning in the 14th century. Without focusing on a central plot, it weaves together the lives, ambitions, and struggles of the nuns and their surrounding community against a backdrop of historical events like the Black Death and the Peasants' Revolt. Through detailed character studies and the depiction of daily monastic life, the narrative explores themes of faith, power, and the search for meaning in a world marked by transience and adversity. The book stands out for its rich historical detail, complex characters, and its reflection on the human condition through the lens of a secluded, yet dynamically changing, religious community.
The 2280th greatest book of all time
- Published
- 1948
- Nationality
- British
- Length
- Moderate
- Pages
- 320-400
- Original Language
- English
- Avg User Rating
-
(4.0)
- Alternate Titles
- None
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This book is on the following 3 lists:
- 46th on The 50 best books of the past 100 years (The Times)
- 5615th on Our Users' Honorable Mention Favorite Books of All Time (The Greatest Books Users)
- Daniel S. Burt's Recommended Historical Novels (What Historical Novel Do I Read Next? by Daniel S. Burt (1997))