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A review by sophasphinx
Immodest Acts: The Life of a Lesbian Nun in Renaissance Italy by Judith C. Brown
emotional
informative
tense
slow-paced
4.5
Immodest Acts tells the story of Benedetta Carlini, a 16th-17th century nun and abbess who, as part of a much larger story regarding fabricated visions and alleged mysticism, engaged in sexual acts with a subordinate nun under the guise of being possessed by divine spirits. While Benedetta's erotic desires are certainly a central part of the narrative, they are just one aspect that makes up a complex book regarding a wide variety of topics including homosexuality in Renaissance Europe, women's social roles both in and out of religious spheres, and ecclesiastical-political intrigue.
There is admittedly some false advertising regarding lesbianism. The actual relationship Benedetta had with her fellow nun is only featured in one chapter, and Renaissance cases of the persecution of same-sex relationships is discussed briefly in the introduction and then never again. But I still thought all of this information and historical context was woven together well.
There is admittedly some false advertising regarding lesbianism. The actual relationship Benedetta had with her fellow nun is only featured in one chapter, and Renaissance cases of the persecution of same-sex relationships is discussed briefly in the introduction and then never again. But I still thought all of this information and historical context was woven together well.