What do You think about Stealing Heaven (2003)?
Basically, the "Twilight" of Abelard and Heloise novels. Not the most historically accurate or "in character" portrayal of the couple out there. Some details are flat-out wrong, as Astrolabe outlived his mother, Abelard's relatives were highly literate and Denise and Heloise were likely close friends, Heloise was more widely read and intelligent herself than depicted, etc. Heloise is frustrating and maudlin rather than compelling; Abelard a wounded sex god with a guilt problem rather than a rebel with a cause. More of a woman's studies survey of medieval times with Heloise plugged in as overseer-- not in character for Heloise, who was not only anachronistic but somewhat oblivious in character, or moreover well in tune with the era as a whole, which feels here more like a Saxon outpost than 12th c Paris. Helen Waddell who read the Latin and was immersed in the zeitgeist did a much better job.
—Jenny Nielsen
Loving the way this book is so far :) . . . an easy read . . . I have been reading this book for a couple of days now and am completely obsessed with this couple . . . .I have been also researching the lives of these two . . . Absolutely AMAZING!!! and also so heart wrenching . . .Finished this book now . . . I must say it is one of the best stories I have read in a long time! I got really wrapped up in the story and also the lives of these two incredible and incredibly human people. A definite read :)
—Diana
"Stealing Heaven" is a novel based on the tragic love story of Heloise and Abelard in the 12th century. The author set out to write a biography, but found too many facts lacking, and wrote a novel instead. She stayed true to the documented history and only crafted the details that were missing. Unfortunately, she gave away a major plot point in the prologue that I would have preferred to find out while reading.Some of it was very sad. I was occasionally frustrated with Heloise for being clueless even though she was supposed to be so smart. And although Abelard seemed to be heartless at times, considering his situation made his behavior somewhat understandable.Near the end of the story, I was truly drawn in. I felt that Heloise and Abelard made peace with their past and were there for each other even when separated. So that when they reached the ends of their lives, they were at peace with themselves as well.
—Maria
