Diane S ☔'s Reviews > The Dance Tree

"Being a woman is a beautiful but brutal thing."

So, they danced, one woman started, couldnt and wouldnt stop and by the time this mania ended, over 400 women would be dancing.

Based on a true event in Strasbourg in 1518, this is the backgound of a story that features four very strong women. It was a time when the church was all powerful, and of course men were the church. Anyone different was called out for various punishments. Lisbeth has had much grief in her life, she has lost ten children but is now expecting again. She is awaiting the return of her sister in law Nethe, who has completed her many year penance. Her mother in law Sophie and her friend Ida will all come to the attention of the church with horrifying results.

Lisbeth has a tree, a tree that she calls the dancing tree, where she marks the death of her ten children. it will be the place where pivotal events in the book happen. A tree that marks lifes trials, but also happiness, solace and joy. The authors note adds to the actual historical events of the time and adds greatly to our understanding. A terrific book marking a time when women had no control over their own lives and had to suppress all their own wants and desires.

The audio was wonderfully narrated.