ecl@mtgzz.UUCP (e.c.leeper) (06/08/85)
A MORTAL GLAMOUR by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro
Bantam, 1985, $3.50.
A book review by Evelyn C. Leeper
While not strictly a horror story, A MORTAL GLAMOUR does have its
horrific elements. Set in a convent in France in 1387, the story deals with
the repressed sexuality of the nuns there--many of whom were deposited there
by their families when they (the nuns) would not agree to the marriages
arranged for by their families, or when their families could not arrange
marriages for them at all. One nun, Seur Aungelique, escapes to a nearby
villa where the Comtesse Orienne lives. Here she sees "how the other half
lives" as she is a guest at one of the Comtesse's debauched parties. Upon
returning to the convent, she is beset by "demons" who ravage her nightly.
Her torments seem to be contagious, as gradually most of the convent is
taken over by these persecutions. The priest sent to cure them is no
better, but his excesses are channeled in more "accepted" paths. Along with
all this, we are given the Flagellants and the Plague as minor(!)
characters.
While the topic is of some psychological interest, one can't help but
feel that Yarbro is concentrating more on the sensational aspects and less
on what drives these women to madness. A cover blurb that talks about
"ecstatic moans of pleasure" and "a netherworld of debauchery and
defilement" does not serve to re-enforce the seriousness of this book. But
it's probably as good (or better) than the usual best-seller. Of interest
to Yarbro fans (and yes, she's still into elaborate descriptions of
clothing!).
Evelyn C. Leeper
...ihnp4!mtgzz!ecl