The Sisterhood

By: Helen Bryan

Narrated by: Laura Roppe

Length: 14 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

Reeling from a broken engagement, adopted 19-year-old Menina Walker flees to Spain to bury her misery by writing her overdue college thesis - and soon finds herself on an unexpected journey into the past. The subject of her study is Tristan Mendoza, an obscure 16th-century artist whose signature includes a tiny swallow - the same swallow depicted on a medal that is Menina’s only link to her birth family.

Hoping her research will reveal the swallow’s significance and clue her in to her origins, Menina discovers the ancient chronicle of a Spanish convent, containing the stories of five orphaned girls hidden from the Spanish Inquisition before they escaped to the New World. Learning about the girls’ adventures, the nuns who sheltered them, and Mendoza, Menina wonders if accident or destiny led her to Spain - and the discovery of a lifetime.

From best-selling author Helen Bryan comes The Sisterhood, an epic adventure filled with history, passion, and intrigue.

©2013 Helen Bryan (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Telenovela treatment of complex history

I congratulate Helen Bryan for tapping into the treasure hold of stories that can spring from historical Spain and Latin America. Her intentions are laudable but work falls short. I agree with those who comment about the characterizations. They feel like a telenovela cast. Often the author short cuts nuanced character development with flat stereotypes. This might be harmless except the underlying theme is one of revealing human unity and harmony despite religion or gender. That's a big job for cardboard characters. The author finds herself proclaiming it more than proving it.

Best scene: when the four girls reach South America and the description of the cosmopolitan world of the harbour juxtaposing their sheltered convent experiences.

Worst section: the long awaited revelation of the gospels about the foundress. The stories were trite.

Beautiful story... ;)

It was a pretty long book, and impossible to listen to in one sitting, but I finished it in two days. Very enjoyable listening... ;)

The Sisterhood

I was completely engrossed from the first chapter. Helen Bryan is quickly becoming my favorite writer.

Historical fiction is my favorite genre. Laura's voice drew me so into the story. It was as if I was there personally witnessing the scenes
playing out before me.

G. Colton

Andalusia Old World secret New World discovery

I'm a sucker for historical fiction that spans generations, so this twisting tale from an ancient fortress of convent in mountainous Spain to its offshoot in the Andes of the Incas fits the bill perfectly. Strong female characters, interaction among Muslim, Christian and Jewish cultures and sweetly subtle romance pique interest from start to finish.

Fascinating story

Would you consider the audio edition of The Sisterhood to be better than the print version?

This story kept my attention, and was so entertaining that I will read it again. The reader is occasionally hard to understand because of her accent, however, her accept added to the overall experience of this story.

look at it with different eyes

I enjoyed this book so much. it reminded me of many books I have read but never on the female side. I went God recommend it to anyone but especially woman interested in catholic history.

I love this!

I've listened to this audio book at least 4 times now. It is such a great story and the narrator has such a way of pulling emotion out of you. This isna great story line, great performance, and I will definitely listen again in a year or so.

Completed this one

Interesting. Would enjoy reading others by this author. Seemed well researched and informative on multiple levels

My new favorite book!

A delightful read. Historical fiction with mystery, suspense, religion, politics, tragedy and romance. what more could you as for?

thumbs up

a very interesting story spanning over 500 years. well worth your time. The narrator does an, excellent job