C. W. Gortner holds an MFA in writing, with an emphasis on historical studies, from the New College of California. He is the internationally acclaimed and bestselling author of Mademoiselle Chanel, The Queen’s Vow, The Confessions of Catherine de Medici, The Last Queen, The Vatican Princess, and Marlene, among other books.His new book is The First Actress: A Novel of Sarah Bernhardt.
At LitHub Gortner tagged five favorite novels about "inspiring historical women, who decided to do it their way." One title on the list:
Mary Sharratt, IlluminationsRead about the other entries on the list.
Sharratt always explores unusual women in her novels. Illuminations delves into the philosophical creativity of 12th-century nun and mystic, Hildegard von Bingen. Given over to the claustrophobic Benedictine Order as a child, Hildegard endures rigid enclosure and discovers a direct modem to the divine. She composes songs, writes books, and corresponds with popes and royalty, not to mention founding two monasteries. Centuries after her death, a modern CD of her music became an international hit, so she continues to regale us with her brilliance.
--Marshal Zeringue
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