64 pages • 2 hours read
The Book of Margery Kempe
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Book Brief
The Book of Margery Kempe
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1436328
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
England • Early 1400s
1436
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Book of Margery Kempe is a 15th-century autobiography of an English mystic, wife, and mother, Margery Kempe, who devoted her life to Christian spirituality. A semi-literate merchant's daughter from King’s Lynn, she experienced divine revelations and visions, made numerous pilgrimages, and faced substantial opposition for her outspoken faith. The text, which refers to her as "this creature" for humility, details her spiritual journey, chaste marriage, and her role as a religious figure in the late medieval period. Topics include physical and sexual violence.
Contemplative
Inspirational
Emotional
Mysterious
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
4,787 ratings
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Review Roundup
The Book of Margery Kempe offers a fascinating glimpse into medieval spirituality and the life of a devout Christian woman. Praised for its raw, personal insights and historical value, some readers find the text’s structure and Kempe's intense piety challenging. Nonetheless, it remains an essential read for those interested in religious studies and medieval history.
Who Should Read The Book of Margery Kempe?
A reader who enjoys The Book of Margery Kempe by Margery Kempe likely appreciates medieval literature, spiritual autobiographies, and historical insights. This book will captivate those interested in The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer or The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri, offering a unique personal perspective on medieval religious life.
4,787 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
John Kempe
John Kempe
Margery's husband, a local burgess in King's Lynn, who is described as being of slightly lower status than Margery. He is mentioned in relation to her family life and marriage.
Margery's Father
Margery's Father
A former mayor and alderman of King’s Lynn, who represents Margery's upper-middle-class family background and influence in the town.
328
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
England • Early 1400s
1436
Adult
18+ years
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