The Harlot Saint

Susan MacGregor, creates two worlds, one is good and the other is evil, unfortunately, not everything is as black and white as it seems in The Harlot Saint. This is a historical fiction novel based on the life of Saint Mariah of Edessa, patron Saint of Prostitutes. She was orphaned at the age of eleven, due to the early deaths of both of her parents, and was sent to live her life in quiet servitude to God with her uncle, the monk. In this new world, she devotes herself to the love of God, until the age of twenty, when a sudden series of events propels her into a world of prostitution. Mariah’s only escape from this world is when she is able to seek reconciliation with herself by letting go of her own shame, accepting humility, and allowing for herself to be forgiven under the eyes of God.

As much as the story line is intriguing, the action and dialogue between characters falls flat at times. It lacks the flow of adventure, and many of the more amorous scenes leave you feeling awkward for the characters. Overall, the Harlot Saint is a lazy Saturday afternoon read, and nothing more.