Book Review: Black Madonna by Linda Lee Kane

It’s been a while but I’m back with another history lesson. This time it is the Cathars. Enjoy the review!

Blurb

Black Madonna by Linda Lee Kane opens with the death of nine-year-old Luci de Foix’s parents in a car accident. But was it an accident? A group known as The Order has been watching her family for many years, biding their time until a 13th-century would be delivered to Luci. This sets off a string of affairs that leaves Luci in danger. Who can she trust? Everyone seems intent on betraying her, even the gorgeous, enigmatic Max, a man with secrets of his own.

Review

I need to come right out and be honest: this wasn’t the book for me. However, I can see how other readers would enjoy it very much. So, please keep an open mind when reading this review and don’t base your opinion of the book solely on mine. If it sounds like it would be a good read for you, go for it.

What attracted me initially to Black Madonna is the DaVinci Code vibes I got from the blurb. I love books about religion, especially those that reach back to the historical roots of religion. I always felt like there was more to the Roman Catholic order, something that they prefer to keep hidden. This is very much the case in this book.

I said it many times before and no doubt, I’ll say it again: I love books that teach me something. With Black Madonna, I was thought a lot. I’d previously known nothing about the Cathars and found their story interesting. I’ll certainly go on to read more about them. I also enjoyed the explanation of tarot cards at the beginning of the book and what each one stands for.

With many strong points going for it, what was it about Black Madonna that left me feeling disappointed. Firstly, it was a bit too choppy, both in terms of the writing style and the story. In places, it changed from third to first person narrative and that confused me. Also, big events happened with what felt like no context or explanation, for example, Luci’s grandparents adopting Sarah and the death of Luci’s horse trainer. On the other hand, I guess this allowed the story to move at a fast pace.

Overall, it’s not a book I would read again but I’m thankful to the author for providing me with a copy of Black Madonna, as well as the wonderful history lesson.