Absolution by Murder introduced me to a very fascinating character, Sister Fidelma of Kildare. Fidelma, who lives in the seventh century A.D., is a very talented and accomplished woman. Sister 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.
In this novel I was inaugurated to Irish customs, laws, and society of ancient times. Seventh century Ireland was a very advanced society.
In the culture, women were accepted as equal to men.
Women were encouraged to become whatever they wished. Females functioned as lawyers, physicians, professors, managers and owners of businesses, warriors and chieftains. In the Christian church women were nuns, priests and bishops. This advanced society was codified in the Brehon laws. Under this legal system all people were protected from abuse.
The customs seemed so advanced I decided to check history texts and found a great reference that I recommend
In Search of Ancient Ireland: The Origins of the Irish from Neolithic Times to the Coming of the English
The story in this novel concerns a murder that occurs during a meeting of senior church officials. The conclave is a conference of religious and lay leaders gathered to determine whether the church should continue following the beliefs and procedures of the Irish (rule of Colmcille, or Iona) or adopt new rules to become consistent with the Roman church. Sister Fidelma is asked by Oswy, the High King of Northumbria, to investigate the murder of Etain, the Abbess of Kildare. Etain was the primary advocate for the Irish system.
Oswy, concerned about the political effects of the murder of Etain, commissions Fidelma and Endulf, a brother from the Roman side, to investigate and decide who murdered Etain and who is responsible for the chain of events. By appointing co-investigators, one from each side, the king hopes to appear unbiased.
The investigation is eventful and suspenseful. The resolution manages to satisfy both sides in the struggle. Although the mystery is fun to follow, my main attraction is the detailed descriptions of the customs and laws of seventh century Ireland.
The novel gives us a peek into a great ancient convent with views into the dormitories and cubicles. We witness the politics within the Church, each side of the struggle thinking they have the real truth. We experience the tension between Fidelma and Endulf. Since Endulf is from a different culture, he has difficulty accepting Fidelma as his equal and acknowledging that a female can be in charge of such an important matter.
I enjoyed the reactions of the characters when Fidelma interviews them. Most of them are not from her culture, so they struggle with emotions, especially pride and resentment of submitting to an Irish woman. Many only submit because she acts with the authority of the High King.
This is a good novel. If you like historical settings, if you enjoy examining other cultures, or if you like a good detective tale, get this book.
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Top reviews from other countries
Karen Hall
Gripping, intelligent, evocative and entertaining.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 19, 2023
