Hailed as one of the greatest love stories ever (move over “Romeo and Juliet”!), the
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tragic tale of Heloise and Abelard, indeed, brings out the romanticism and sentimentality of
just about any reader. In Marion Meade's account, the result is no different. For Peter
Abelard, a 12th century French philosopher, and the beautiful Heloise, their stars are
crossed from the beginning. Both bound to loyalties to the Church, they find their
relationship to each other in opposition to Church thought. They enter into their
forbidden love affair with eyes wide open, of course, with enough idealism to think that
their relationship was different and would matter. Of course, their “sins” find them out;
both are separated--poor Abelard pays for his trespasses with castration! This is the story of what “true love” must really be! The two never give up their
love for each other, despite the tragedy they suffer. Based upon a true story (the two are buried in Pere-Lachaise, not far from Jim Morrison!), "Stealing Heaven" is a weeper, for
sure, but worth the read!
The review of this Book prepared by Bill Hobbs
